Multi-Mode Tuner AGC Control for Adjacent Channel Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tuners face limitations in performance and integration due to fixed AGC settings based on assumed RF conditions, leading to suboptimal Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and inability to adapt to varying RF environments, especially in terrestrial applications, and require separate designs for different standards.

Innovation Solution

A tuner with dynamic adjustment of IF and RF AGC values based on actual operating conditions, incorporating a cognitive algorithm to optimize SNR and an integrated IF band pass filter with programmable bandwidth for different standards, allowing for flexible operation across various environments and standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed AGC settings are used based on assumed RF conditions, then the tuner design is simplified, but the SNR performance deteriorates under varying RF conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuner design complexityVSAvoidSNR performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic AGC settings that automatically adjust based on actual RF conditions. The system measures the RF signal level and selects between first and second AGC settings accordingly, transitioning from fixed to dynamic control to optimize SNR performance across varying terrestrial and cable RF environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system measures actual RF signal levels and uses this information to select appropriate AGC settings. This closed-loop approach allows the tuner to adapt to real-world conditions rather than relying on predetermined fixed settings, improving reliability without significantly increasing design complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If separate tuner designs are used for different standards, then the performance for each standard is optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard-specific performanceVSAvoidnumber of tuner designs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal tuner design that can operate across multiple standards (terrestrial and cable) by implementing selectable AGC settings and programmable filter bandwidths. A single tuner architecture serves multiple functions by adapting its parameters based on the operating standard, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tuners for each standard

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed filter bandwidth is used, then the filter design is simplified, but the adaptability to different standards deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter design simplicityVSAvoidmulti-standard capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a programmable filter bandwidth that can be dynamically adjusted based on the operating standard. The filter bandwidth is set to a first value for terrestrial standards and a second value for cable standards, allowing the same filter hardware to adapt to different requirements without requiring multiple dedicated filters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8078129B2Systems and method for a highly integrated multi-mode tuner
Publication Date: 2011.12.13 QUOTAINNE ENTERPRISES LLC
  • US8078129B2 patent drawing
  • US8078129B2 patent drawing
  • US8078129B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for a tuner for adjusting the receiver bandwidth based on adjacent channel interference and group delay distortion.