Multi-Tuner Radio Apparatus Dynamic Domain Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio systems lack flexibility in processing operations, limiting their ability to handle various radio formats and bands efficiently, as they are often segmented into fixed circuits that do not allow dynamic allocation of processing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tuner apparatus with multiple integrated circuits (ICs) that can operate in different modes to process radio frequency signals in either frequency domain or time domain, enabling flexible allocation of processing capacity and offloading demodulation operations from downstream circuits by using FFT engines, format demodulators, and combiner circuits to embed format indicators and metadata.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radio systems are segmented into fixed circuits (tuner IC and demodulator IC), then the system structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the flexibility and adaptability of processing operations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tuner IC is designed to perform multiple functions including both tuning and demodulation operations. The IC can dynamically allocate processing capacity between frequency domain operations (FFT engine) and time domain operations, allowing a single integrated circuit to replace the traditional separate tuner IC and demodulator IC architecture, thereby improving flexibility without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The radio processing system implements dynamic allocation of processing capacity where the tuner IC can adaptively switch between different operating modes (frequency domain vs time domain processing) based on the specific radio format and band being processed. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the fixed circuit to achieve flexible processing operations
2Productivity
If demodulation operations are performed in downstream circuits, then the tuner IC structure is simpler, but processing capacity and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the demodulation functions (FFT engine, format demodulator) into the tuner IC, combining what were previously separate tuner and demodulator circuits into a single integrated component. This merging increases processing capacity and accuracy by enabling coordinated frequency and time domain processing within the tuner IC, while the modular integration keeps the added complexity manageable
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio formats and bands are supported, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tuner IC implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting operating modes based on the detected radio format and band. The IC can switch between frequency domain processing mode (using FFT engine) and time domain processing mode, and can allocate processing capacity dynamically, allowing a single device to efficiently support multiple digital radio broadcasting formats without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each format
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes first and second tuners to receive and process a radio frequency (RF) signal and output a first and second plurality of frequency domain sub-carriers. The apparatus may further include a combiner circuit to combine a first plurality of demodulated frequency domain sub-carriers and a second plurality of demodulated frequency domain sub-carriers into a plurality of combined frequency domain sub-carriers, and an output circuit coupled to the combiner circuit. In a first mode, the output circuit is to embed a format indicator with each of the plurality of combined frequency domain sub-carriers to indicate a frequency domain format, and to output the plurality of combined frequency domain sub-carriers with the embedded format indicator to a downstream processing circuit for channel decoding.