Envelope Detection via Square-Sum-Root Signal Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing envelope detection methods face challenges in accurately detecting envelopes from small amplitude signals and are power-intensive due to complex calculations and hardware requirements, particularly in wireless power transmission systems where precise synchronization is needed.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus for envelope detection using a square-sum-root (SSR) operation on signals sampled at predetermined intervals, which eliminates the need for complex hardware and reduces power consumption by performing envelope detection efficiently in wireless power transmission systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional envelope detection methods are used, then detection accuracy for small amplitude signals is improved, but power consumption increases due to complex calculations and hardware requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvelope detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex analog envelope detection hardware with digital signal processing using a microcontroller. The microcontroller samples the signal and performs digital calculations to detect the envelope, eliminating the need for complex analog circuits while maintaining detection accuracy for small amplitude signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it samples the signal, performs envelope detection calculations, and can potentially perform other processing tasks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated hardware components, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If complex hardware and calculations are used for envelope detection, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvelope detection accuracyVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex analog hardware with a microcontroller-based digital system. The microcontroller performs all necessary calculations through software, eliminating the need for complex analog components such as diodes, capacitors, and resistors that would be required in traditional envelope detection circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from analog domain processing to digital domain processing. By sampling the signal and performing calculations in the digital domain, the system achieves the same detection precision with simpler hardware, as the complexity is shifted to software algorithms executed by the microcontroller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional envelope detection hardware is used, then detection capability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces power-hungry analog detection hardware with a low-power microcontroller-based digital system. The microcontroller can enter sleep modes between measurements and only activates when needed, significantly reducing average power consumption while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs envelope detection at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The microcontroller samples the signal at predetermined time intervals, allowing it to remain in a low-power state between measurements. This periodic operation maintains detection capability while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2579529B1Apparatus and method for envelope detection
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2579529B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2579529B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2579529B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An apparatus and a method are described for envelope detection used in fields including voice processing, image processing, data communication, and energy/data transmission. The apparatus and the method for envelope detection eliminate a carrier component from a modulated signal by performing a square-sum operation between two adjacent sampling signals among signals sampled from the modulated signal. The apparatus and the method detect an envelope of the modulated signal from the modulated signal in which the carrier component is eliminated.