Multi-Antenna Device Shared Baseband Filter and ADC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-antenna devices require multiple signal paths for analog-to-digital conversion, leading to increased internal space requirements, power consumption, and manufacturing costs due to the need for dedicated baseband filters and ADCs for each antenna.
Innovation Solution
A multi-antenna device design that uses a common signal path for analog-to-digital conversions by employing a multiplexer to combine multiple analog signals into a composite signal, which is then filtered and converted by a single baseband filter and ADC, and subsequently de-multiplexed into digital signals for each antenna, reducing the number of required baseband filters and ADCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple signal paths with dedicated baseband filters and ADCs are used for each antenna, then signal conversion quality is maintained, but internal space requirements increase and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate signal paths into a single shared signal path by multiplexing analog signals from multiple antennas through a single baseband filter and ADC. This merging approach reduces the number of components required while maintaining signal integrity through proper timing and separation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The single baseband filter and ADC are designed to handle multiple antenna signals sequentially or simultaneously through multiplexing, making these components universal rather than dedicated to a single antenna. This multi-functionality reduces component count and internal space requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple signal paths with dedicated baseband filters and ADCs are used for each antenna, then signal conversion quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate power-consuming components (baseband filters and ADCs) into a single shared configuration. By having one ADC instead of multiple ADCs, the overall power consumption of the signal conversion subsystem is reduced while maintaining the ability to convert signals from all antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared baseband filter and ADC perform multiple functions by processing signals from different antennas through multiplexing, reducing the total number of active components and thereby lowering overall power consumption compared to having dedicated components for each antenna.
3Productivity
If multiple signal paths with dedicated baseband filters and ADCs are used for each antenna, then signal processing capability is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple expensive components (baseband filters and ADCs) into a single shared configuration, directly reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing costs. The multiplexer adds minimal cost compared to the savings from eliminating redundant high-cost components.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing universal components that can handle multiple antenna signals, the patent reduces the total component count required for manufacturing. This universality approach simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs associated with procuring, assembling, and testing multiple identical signal path components.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-antenna device (200) comprising a set of antennas (210-214), a set of receivers (220-224), a multiplexer (270), a baseband filter (242), an analog-to-digital converter (244), and a de-multiplexer (272). The receivers (220-224) can be linked to the antennas (210-214) in a one-to-one manner. The multiplexer (270) can generate a composite analog signal from a set of different analog signals, one received from different ones of the antennas (210-214). The baseband filter (242) can filter the composite analog signal. The analog-to-digital converter (244) can convert the composite analog signal after being filtered by the baseband filter into a composite digital signal. The de-multiplexer (272) can generate a set of different digital signals from the composite digital signal. Each of the different digital signals can correspond to one of the different analog signals in a one-to-one manner.