Multiplexed Receiver Front End for Buried Utility Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buried utility locator systems face challenges in achieving high performance and low cost signal processing due to the need for multiple amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters, leading to increased manufacturing costs, power consumption, and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A front-end signal processing circuit with a switching mechanism that time-division multiplexes signals from multiple receiver channels, using fewer analog-to-digital converters and amplifiers, and employing single-ended low-pass filters and wideband amplifiers to reduce noise and crosstalk, while maintaining impedance matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters are used to process signals from multiple antenna coils, then signal processing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receiver channel outputs into a single multiplexed signal path using a switching mechanism. Instead of having separate amplifiers and ADCs for each antenna coil, the system merges all receiver channels into one shared processing path, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining the ability to process signals from multiple coils through time-division multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal signal processing path that handles signals from multiple receiver channels through a single amplifier and ADC. The switching mechanism enables this universal component to serve multiple functions by sequentially processing signals from different antenna coils, making the system more versatile with fewer components
2Measurement precision
If multiple amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters are used for each antenna coil, then signal processing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal processing paths into a single shared path, combining the functions of multiple amplifiers and ADCs into one universal processing chain. This consolidation reduces the bill of materials and simplifies manufacturing processes while preserving signal processing capability through intelligent time-division multiplexing
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate processing circuits are used for each antenna coil, then signal processing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple active processing circuits into a single processing path that is activated sequentially rather than simultaneously. By sharing one amplifier and ADC across multiple receiver channels through time-division multiplexing, the system reduces the total power consumption while maintaining processing accuracy for each individual channel
4Measurement precision
If traditional differential filtering circuits are used for each receiver channel, then signal filtering performance is improved, but circuit size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple differential filtering circuits into a single low-pass filter that processes the multiplexed signal. This consolidated filtering approach maintains signal filtering performance while reducing the overall circuit footprint by eliminating redundant filter components for each receiver channel
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in lower cost, more compact circuitry with reduced power consumption, improved signal gain across frequencies, and enhanced accuracy in locating buried utilities without the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
antenna coils that may be oriented and positioned in different arrangements to sense electromagnetic signals emitted by conductive buried objects
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
Front end circuits and associated apparatus, systems, and methods for use in electronic devices such as buried utility locators are disclosed. The circuits include receivers and filters on input signals that are coupled to ground rather than differentially. A multiplexing circuit allows shared use of amplifiers, and analog-to-digital converters via a switching mechanism for selectively making or breaking electrical connection to the receiver channels for efficient sharing of electronics resources while minimizing crosstalk interference and advantageously reducing costs.