Adaptive Element Shuffling for Distortion-Noise Tradeoff Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Signal processing systems face distortions due to element mismatches in processing elements, which are exacerbated by shuffling schemes intended to compensate for these mismatches, leading to increased noise and degraded signal-to-noise ratio.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a detector, controller, and shuffler that dynamically adjusts the shuffling frequency of processing elements based on signal amplitude, employing a 'fast attack slow decay' strategy to minimize distortion while reducing unnecessary noise, by shuffling elements more frequently during high amplitude signals and less frequently during low amplitude signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If processing elements are periodically shuffled to reduce distortion from element mismatches, then distortion is reduced, but noise increases and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion reductionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shuffler dynamically adjusts the shuffling frequency based on the amplitude of the input signal. When the signal amplitude exceeds a threshold, shuffling is activated; when the amplitude drops below the threshold, shuffling is deactivated. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to reduce distortion during high-amplitude signals while minimizing noise during low-amplitude signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the shuffling parameter (shuffling frequency) based on the signal amplitude parameter. By monitoring the input signal amplitude and adjusting the shuffling activity accordingly, the system optimizes the trade-off between distortion reduction and noise minimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If shuffling is continuously applied to compensate for element mismatches, then distortion is minimized, but unnecessary noise is introduced during low amplitude signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion compensationVSAvoidunnecessary noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous shuffling, the system applies periodic shuffling only when necessary (when signal amplitude exceeds the threshold). The shuffling is activated during high-amplitude signals and deactivated during low-amplitude signals, creating a conditional periodic action that reduces unnecessary noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and removes the shuffling function during periods when it is not needed (low-amplitude signals). By conditionally deactivating the shuffler, the system eliminates unnecessary noise generation while maintaining distortion compensation capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If shuffling frequency is increased to better compensate for mismatches, then distortion reduction improves, but noise and system activity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemismatch compensationVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the shuffling frequency parameter based on the signal amplitude. During high-amplitude signals, shuffling is activated at a higher frequency to effectively compensate for mismatches. During low-amplitude signals, shuffling is deactivated or reduced, lowering the frequency and minimizing noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2827498B1Adaptive element shuffler
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 ANALOG DEVICES GLOBAL
  • EP2827498B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2827498B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2827498B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system may include a detector, a controller, a shuffler, and a processor. The detector may detect a signal. The controller may control the shuffler based upon the signal. The shuffler may shuffle a plurality of channels at the input of a plurality of processing elements of the processor based upon the signal. The processor may process the signal according to the plurality of channels as configured by the shuffler.