Multi-Layer Time-Interleaved ADC for Wideband RF Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog-to-digital conversion processes in communications are complex, time-consuming, and power-intensive, often introducing errors or distortions, especially when handling very wideband signals.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter (ADC) system that samples RF signals in multiple stages with reduced sampling rates, using a single-chip architecture to integrate RF front-end, baseband, and digital signal processing, thereby reducing clocking and sampling mismatch errors and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional analog-to-digital conversion is used, then conversion functionality is provided, but the process is complex, time-consuming, and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analog-to-digital conversion process into multiple parallel sub-converters, each handling a portion of the input signal spectrum. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of different frequency bands, improving overall conversion speed while distributing complexity across multiple simpler units rather than one complex converter
2Productivity
If conventional analog-to-digital conversion is used, then conversion functionality is provided, but considerable power is required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the conversion task across multiple parallel sub-converters operating at lower individual power levels, the system achieves high overall productivity without requiring one high-power converter. The distributed architecture reduces peak power consumption and improves energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs time-interleaved sampling where multiple sub-converters operate in periodic alternation, each processing specific time intervals or frequency bands. This periodic operation allows efficient utilization of converter resources and reduces average power consumption compared to continuous operation of a single high-speed converter
3Measurement precision
If conventional analog-to-digital conversion is used, then conversion is performed, but errors or distortion are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wideband input signal into multiple narrower frequency bands, each processed by a dedicated sub-converter. This segmentation reduces the complexity requirements for each individual converter while maintaining high overall accuracy, as each sub-converter operates within its optimized frequency range with reduced distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates digital signal processing that combines outputs from multiple sub-converters with correction mechanisms. This feedback-based reconstruction process compensates for individual sub-converter errors and distortion, improving overall measurement precision while managing complexity through systematic error correction
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) receiver may comprise a first sampling module that is operable to sample in a first level at a particular main sampling rate; a plurality of second-level sampling modules, wherein each of the plurality of second-level sampling modules is operable to sample in a second level, an output of the first level, at a second sampling rate that is reduced compared to the main sampling rate; and a plurality of third-level modules, each comprising a plurality of third-stage sampling sub-modules that are operable to sample at a third sampling rate that is reduced compared to the second sampling rate, and a plurality of corresponding analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) sub-modules.