Multi-DAC Arbitrary Waveform Generation Beyond Converter Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed waveform generators face bandwidth limitations, which existing technologies have not effectively overcome, despite efforts to increase sample-rate through time-interleaving.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple D/A converters, where each converter processes a portion of the digital waveform to meet its bandwidth criteria, with digital signal processing and upconversion to combine signals, achieving a spectral content matching the original waveform, thereby overcoming bandwidth constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single D/A converter is used to generate high-speed signals, then the device complexity is low, but the bandwidth is limited by the converter's inherent capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waveform generation task into multiple segments, each handled by a separate D/A converter. Each converter processes a portion of the digital waveform and generates a signal within its bandwidth capabilities. These segmented signals are then combined through analog processing to reconstruct the complete high-bandwidth waveform, effectively overcoming the bandwidth limitation of individual converters while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outputs of multiple D/A converters through analog signal processing. The combined signal integrates contributions from all converters to produce a composite waveform that occupies the desired bandwidth. This merging approach allows the system to achieve bandwidth capabilities exceeding that of any single converter while distributing the complexity across multiple manageable components
2Speed
If multiple D/A converters are used to expand bandwidth, then the bandwidth increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces analog signal processing as an intermediary between the multiple D/A converters and the final output. This intermediary layer performs the critical functions of combining signals from multiple converters and shaping the composite waveform to match the desired spectral content. By offloading these complex processing tasks to the analog domain, the patent reduces the complexity burden on the digital processing stage while still achieving the goal of expanded bandwidth through multiple converters
3Speed
If digital signal processing is used to separate waveforms for multiple converters, then the bandwidth capability increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the digital signal processing stage continuously adjusts the separation and processing of waveforms based on the performance characteristics of the D/A converters. This feedback loop ensures that each converter receives appropriately processed input signals that account for its specific bandwidth capabilities, thereby optimizing the overall spectral content matching while maintaining relaxed manufacturing precision requirements for individual components
Data Source
AI summary
A high-speed arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) that utilizes multiple digital-to-analog converters (D/A converters) and overcomes bandwidth limitations of individual D/A converters to produce high-speed waveforms.