Multi-Channel Antenna Receiver ADC Averaging for RF Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectrum analyzers face challenges in accurately analyzing RF signals with varying frequencies and bandwidths due to the limitations of single multi-channel ADCs, particularly high-speed ADCs with lower SNRs, which are inadequate for both high and low frequency, broad and narrow bandwidth signals.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel ADC subsystem with multiple input antennas and signal averaging across channels to enhance SNR and NSD, allowing simultaneous analysis of diverse RF signals by routing signals through a divider to multiple ADC channels and combining their digital outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed ADCs are used to analyze RF signals, then the bandwidth and speed of signal processing are improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into multiple parallel ADC channels, each handling a portion of the RF signal spectrum. By segmenting the wide bandwidth into multiple narrower bands processed by individual ADCs, the system achieves both high overall bandwidth and high SNR in each channel, resolving the contradiction between speed and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-channel time-domain processing to multi-channel frequency-domain processing. By distributing signals across multiple parallel channels and combining their outputs, the system adds a spatial dimension to signal processing, enabling simultaneous high-speed processing and high SNR performance that cannot be achieved in a single channel
2Device complexity
If a single multi-channel ADC is used to process multiple RF signals, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inadequate SNR for diverse signal types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function across multiple independent ADC channels rather than using a single multi-channel ADC. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for specific signal types and frequencies, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal multi-ADC subsystem where each ADC channel can process different types of RF signals (cellular, CBRS, interference) simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain low complexity while achieving high measurement precision across diverse signal types through parallel processing
3Measurement precision
If multiple ADC channels are used to process the same RF signal, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved through averaging, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outputs of multiple ADC channels through digital signal processing and averaging techniques. By combining the digitized signals from parallel channels, the system improves SNR through coherent integration while managing complexity through software-based processing rather than additional hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital signal processing as an intermediary between the multiple ADC channels and the final measurement output. This intermediary layer performs averaging and signal combination operations that improve measurement precision while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through standardized processing algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A test device such as a spectrum analyzer includes a multi-channel analog-digital converter (ADC) subsystem and a multi-channel antenna receiver. When a user wants to analyze a particular signal coming from a particular antenna in more detail, the signal path is routed through a divider to put the same signal into the inputs of two or more ADC channels. Digital output signals of the selected ADC channels are combined through averaging in cascaded layers, altogether, or in another configuration, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise spectral density (NSD) of the overall output signal, which may be used for further processing and/or analysis. The selected RF signal may be directed from multiple antennas to the ADC channel inputs allowing further increase of input signal levels.