Integrated Multi-Channel Digital Tuner Using a Shared ADC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional set-top boxes require multiple channel tuners for each channel output, leading to increased space, power consumption, and manufacturing costs due to the need for separate channel selection, conversion to intermediate frequency, and digitization for each tuner.

Innovation Solution

A single integrated circuit with multiple digital signal processing tuners that converts an analog cable television signal to digital, allowing multiple channels to be selected and output as digital signals, using a signal conditioner to prepare the signal and an analog-to-digital converter to digitize the signal, with programmable band select filters and automatic gain/tilt control to optimize the signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate channel tuners are provided for each channel output, then each channel can be independently selected and processed, but the device consumes more space, power, and manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple tuner functions into a single integrated circuit that includes one analog-to-digital converter shared by multiple digital signal processing tuners. This consolidation allows multiple channels to be processed simultaneously while reducing the total number of separate tuner components, thereby lowering power consumption and manufacturing costs while maintaining independent channel selection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it includes an analog-to-digital converter that serves multiple digital signal processing tuners, allowing the same hardware resource to be shared across multiple channel processing paths. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated tuners for each channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate channel tuners are provided for each channel output, then each channel can be independently selected and processed, but the device occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection capabilityVSAvoiddevice space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple tuner functions into a single integrated circuit package, merging what would traditionally be separate discrete tuner components into one unified device. This integration dramatically reduces the physical space required while maintaining the capability to independently process multiple channels through digital signal processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate channel tuners are provided for each channel output, then each channel can be independently selected and processed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple tuner functions into a single integrated circuit that includes an analog-to-digital converter shared by multiple digital signal processing tuners. This consolidation reduces the total component count and simplifies the manufacturing process, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining full multi-channel processing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single integrated circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple channels through shared resources. The analog-to-digital converter and digital signal processing tuners work together as a multi-functional unit, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate tuner modules, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables multiple digital channels to be processed from a single device, reducing the need for multiple tuners and minimizing power consumption and costs while maintaining efficient channel selection and digitization.

Implementation Method 1

analog-to-digital converter to digitize the signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS7928883B2Multiple digital signals from a single integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2011.04.19 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS

AI summary

Multiple digital signals from a single integrated circuit (IC) may be provided. The IC may receive an analog signal comprising a plurality of channels, convert the analog signal to a digital signal, and provide the digital signal to a plurality of digital channel tuners. The tuners may each select one of the plurality of channels and provide the selected channels as a plurality of digital output signals. A signal conditioner may be used to prepare the analog signal for digitization.