Multi-Carrier Receiver Single ADC Power Reduction

The patent segments the multi-carrier signal processing into two stages: first, analog filtering separates different carrier frequency bands in the analog domain; second, a single analog-to-digital converter digitizes the filtered signal, followed by digital signal processing to extract individual carrier components. This segmentation allows one converter to handle multiple carriers efficiently.

The patent introduces an intermediate analog filtering stage as a mediator between the multi-carrier signal and the single analog-to-digital converter. The filter bank structure acts as an intermediary that pre-processes and separates the signal components, enabling the converter to process the combined signal while maintaining the ability to extract individual carriers through subsequent digital processing.

The patent merges the function of multiple analog-to-digital converters into a single converter by combining the analog filtering stage with the conversion process. The filter bank structure allows multiple carrier signals to be processed through one converter, reducing hardware quantity and cost while maintaining multi-carrier reception capability.

The single analog-to-digital converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts analog signals from multiple carrier frequencies simultaneously, and the subsequent digital processing extracts individual carrier components. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized converters, reducing hardware cost.