Multi-Chip Module Demodulator for Multi-Mode Receiver Cost Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Designing cost-effective multi-mode receivers that can simultaneously receive and demodulate signals from different input sources, such as satellite and terrestrial/cable, is challenging due to the need for complex circuits like discrete crossbar switches, which increases costs while maintaining operational flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A multi-chip module (MCM) with two demodulator dies that eliminates the need for a discrete crossbar switch by connecting transport stream ports in common, allowing flexible operation and reducing overall cost through shared output signal switching between the dies, and a demodulator with a switching circuit that can switch outputs based on the mode of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If discrete crossbar switches are used to support multiple input signal sources, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple demodulators and crossbar switches into a single integrated circuit. The receiver includes multiple demodulator circuits that can simultaneously process satellite and terrestrial/cable signals, with an integrated output switching mechanism that eliminates the need for separate discrete crossbar switches. This integration maintains the ability to select between different input sources while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated receiver circuit performs multiple functions within a single device: it can demodulate both satellite and terrestrial/cable signals simultaneously, and it includes an integrated output switching mechanism that can route signals to different outputs. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete crossbar switches are used to support multiple input signal sources, then operational flexibility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple demodulators and crossbar switches into a single integrated circuit. The receiver includes multiple demodulator circuits that can simultaneously process satellite and terrestrial/cable signals, with an integrated output switching mechanism that eliminates the need for separate discrete crossbar switches. This integration maintains the ability to select between different input sources while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated receiver circuit performs multiple functions within a single device: it can demodulate both satellite and terrestrial/cable signals simultaneously, and it includes an integrated output switching mechanism that can route signals to different outputs. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple demodulators are used to receive different signal sources, then adaptability is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidchip count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple demodulators and crossbar switches into a single integrated circuit. The receiver includes multiple demodulator circuits that can simultaneously process satellite and terrestrial/cable signals, with an integrated output switching mechanism that eliminates the need for separate discrete crossbar switches. This integration maintains the ability to select between different input sources while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9258596B2Demodulator and multi-chip module for a multi-mode receiver and method therefor

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 SILICON LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

In one form, a multi-chip module for a multi-mode receiver includes an MCM substrate and first and second demodulator die. The MCM substrate has first and second satellite input ports, first and second terrestrial/cable input ports, and first and second transport stream ports. The first demodulator die has a satellite port coupled to the first satellite input port of the MCM substrate, a terrestrial/cable port coupled to the first terrestrial/cable input port of the MCM substrate, and first and second transport stream ports coupled to the first and second transport stream ports of the MCM substrate. The second demodulator die has a satellite port coupled to the second satellite input port of the MCM substrate, a terrestrial/cable port coupled to the second terrestrial/cable input port of the MCM substrate, and first and second transport stream ports coupled to the first and second transport stream ports of the MCM substrate.