Gain Control Apparatus for Wireless Terminal Signal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size of wireless terminals increase with the number of gain levels in transceiving devices, reducing flexibility and increasing hardware complexity, especially during compatibility tests and device replacements.
Innovation Solution
A gain control apparatus and method that stores predetermined thresholds in memory, uses comparators to compare signal intensity with rising and falling thresholds, and a controller to update gain levels, reducing the need for multiple timers and comparators, allowing for efficient and flexible gain control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gain levels are implemented in transceiving devices, then the adaptability and versatility of the wireless terminal is improved, but the device complexity and hardware size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple timer functions into a single timer by using different timer values for different gain levels. Instead of requiring separate timers for each gain level transition, the system uses one timer with configurable time values that adapt based on the current gain level, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple gain levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single comparator perform multiple comparison functions by configuring it to compare signal intensity values against different thresholds depending on the current gain level. This universal comparator replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated comparators, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability across multiple gain levels
2Reliability
If multiple timers are used for gain level control, then the reliability of gain transition timing is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple timer circuits into a single timer by implementing different timer values for different gain levels. The system configures the single timer with appropriate time constants based on the current gain level, eliminating the need for multiple parallel timer circuits while maintaining reliable timing control for gain transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic timer values that change based on the current gain level. Instead of fixed timer circuits, the system adjusts timer parameters dynamically according to the operational state, allowing a single timer to reliably control transitions across multiple gain levels with different timing requirements
3Measurement precision
If multiple comparators are used for threshold comparison, then the precision of signal intensity detection is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures a single comparator to perform multiple comparison functions by loading different threshold values into it based on the current gain level. This universal comparator replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated comparators, maintaining measurement precision across different gain levels while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic threshold values that are loaded into the comparator based on the current gain level. The comparator's reference threshold changes dynamically according to operational state, allowing a single comparator to maintain precise signal intensity detection across multiple gain levels without requiring multiple fixed comparators
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a gain of a transceiving device in a terminal for a communication system is disclosed. A memory stores predetermined thresholds for level-by-level gain controlling. A signal intensity detector detects an intensity value of a received signal. Comparators compare the received signal intensity value with thresholds predetermined according to the current state. A state detector detects a gain level for the current state according to the comparison results provided from the comparators. A controller updates the current state according to the detected gain level, controls a gain of the transceiving device according to the updated current state, and sets thresholds corresponding to the updated current state in the comparators.