Multi-Amplitude Modulation Receiver with Overlapping Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-amplitude modulation receivers experience high latency due to non-overlapping phases in mixers, leading to glitchy outputs and increased digital signal processing requirements, which hinder efficient high data rate signal processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-amplitude modulation receivers using down-conversion mixers with N overlapping phases controlled by at least one voltage threshold (VTH), combined with a slicer-based asynchronous detector and programmable phase resolution, enables low latency detection of rising and falling edges in waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-overlapping phases are used in mixers, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases and output signals become glitchy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the phase control system adaptive and adjustable. The mixer uses N overlapping phases that can be dynamically selected and adjusted based on signal conditions, allowing the system to transition between different phase configurations to optimize both latency and glitch-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of phase overlap from binary (overlapping/non-overlapping) to a continuous spectrum by using N different phase configurations. By adjusting which phases are active and how they overlap, the system can optimize performance for different signal conditions, reducing latency while maintaining glitch-free outputs.
2Loss of time
If multiple overlapping phases with voltage threshold control are used, then latency is reduced and output signals become glitch-free, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phase control into N distinct phases, each controlled by voltage thresholds. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each phase's contribution to the output, enabling precise control over timing and signal integrity while managing complexity through modular phase elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage thresholds as intermediary control elements between the phase signals and the final output. These thresholds act as mediators that selectively enable or disable phase contributions, simplifying the control logic while achieving glitch-free operation and reduced latency through controlled phase overlapping.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ASK demodulation is used, then implementation is simple, but high data rate signal processing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the demodulation process dynamic by using adjustable phase selections and voltage thresholds that can be optimized for different data rates. This dynamic approach maintains implementation simplicity while significantly improving signal processing efficiency for high data rate applications compared to conventional fixed demodulation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal demodulation architecture that can handle multiple amplitude modulation schemes (ASK, PAM, etc.) and various data rates using the same N-phase mixer structure with voltage threshold control. This multi-functionality maintains ease of implementation while achieving high data rate processing efficiency through configurable phase and threshold parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-amplitude modulation receiver includes a signal coupler block coupled to a mixer array block receiving a first input signal from the signal coupler block and a second input from a LO circuit that provides N overlapping phase signals. Outputs of the N mixer elements are coupled to a baseband filter (BBF) block then to a decision threshold block including decision threshold elements including a signal input and at least one comparator receiving at least one VTH value. A phase ordering and mapper block selects M out of the N phases. A digital logic and control block is coupled to control a filter gain and corner frequency of the BBF block and control the VTH value for the decision threshold block which compares a signal received to the VTH value. Outputs from the decision threshold block are coupled inputs of an M-input decision combiner which provides a single data output.