Multi-Channel Gain Calibration With a Shared Programmable Amplifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel transmission systems face challenges in flexibly setting individual gains for each channel, leading to increased costs and reduced flexibility due to the need for multiple programmable gain amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a digital frontend to digitally modulate symbols for multiple channels, combine them into a digital output signal, and convert it to an analog signal using a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with gains determined by calibration data, allowing for flexible and accurate signal level setting across channels with reduced hardware complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an analog programmable gain amplifier is required for each channel to set signal level individually, then the gain of each channel can be set accurately and with great flexibility, but the cost increases and the flexibility with which channels can be created or discarded is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel-specific gain control functions into a single shared analog programmable gain amplifier. By combining the digital signals of multiple channels before analog conversion and using one PGA for all channels, the system achieves accurate gain control without requiring separate amplifiers for each channel, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional approach of using multiple analog gain control components with a digital-based solution. Digital signal processing is used to combine and control multiple channels, with a single analog PGA serving all channels, substituting the need for multiple analog gain control mechanisms and simplifying the overall system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple programmable gain amplifiers are provisioned for each channel, then individual gain control is achieved, but the system becomes more costly and less flexible in channel provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal analog programmable gain amplifier that serves multiple channels simultaneously. This single PGA performs the gain control function for all channels, making the hardware component multi-functional and adaptable to different channel configurations without requiring channel-specific amplifiers, thus maintaining flexibility while reducing complexity
3Device complexity
If a single programmable gain amplifier is used for multiple channels, then hardware complexity is reduced, but the ability to set individual signal levels for each channel may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gain control function into digital and analog domains. Digital signal processing handles channel-specific gain adjustments by combining signals with appropriate weights before analog conversion, while a single analog PGA provides the final analog gain. This segmentation allows individual channel signal levels to be controlled precisely through digital means while using simplified analog hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a digital frontend. The digital frontend is configured to digitally modulate symbols for digital signals of a plurality of channels according to a transmission protocol. Each channel is associated with at least one respective carrier frequency within a transmission bandwidth. The digital frontend is further configured to combine the digital signals to obtain a digital output signal. The device further includes an analog frontend having a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the digital output signal into an analog output signal. The analog frontend also includes a programmable gain amplifier configured to apply an analog gain to the analog output signal. The device further includes a control logic configured to determine the analog gain based on calibration data indicative of the frequency response of the analog frontend across a transmission bandwidth.