Parallel ADC Spectrum Analysis via Controlled Aliasing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices struggle to quickly and cost-effectively determine the spectrum of signals over a wide frequency band, as they often require multiple devices and are inefficient in processing simultaneous or consecutive signals, which limits signal interception capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A device with a reception module and processing module using multiple parallel analog-digital converters to sample signals at different frequencies, allowing for the determination of the signal spectrum through aliasing phenomena, enabling precise and rapid analysis of wide frequency bands with a single, cost-effective on-board device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a superheterodyne receiver filters the signal to keep only a narrow band and repeats the process for each narrow band, then measurement precision of the spectrum is improved, but productivity (speed of spectrum analysis) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum estimation precisionVSAvoidspectrum analysis speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the wide frequency band into multiple overlapping narrow bands, each processed by a dedicated analog-digital converter. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple frequency segments simultaneously, achieving both precise spectrum estimation and rapid analysis speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension by capturing multiple overlapping spectrum segments at different time positions, then reassembling them to form the complete spectrum. This dimensional approach enables parallel processing while maintaining precision through the overlapping regions that provide verification and continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If N receivers are used in parallel to analyze the spectrum quickly, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum analysis speedVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple spectrum analysis functions into a single receiver device by incorporating multiple analog-digital converters that operate in parallel. This consolidation achieves the productivity of N receivers while maintaining the simplicity of a single device, directly resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single receiver device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of simultaneously analyzing multiple frequency bands through its multiple analog-digital converters. This universal design allows one device to perform the work of multiple specialized receivers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If sampling frequency is reduced below twice the maximum frequency, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to aliasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling frequency requirementVSAvoidspectrum determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful aliasing effect into a beneficial tool for spectrum analysis. By deliberately sampling at frequencies below the Nyquist rate, the device creates controlled aliasing patterns that, when processed through the calculation unit, reveal the true spectrum. This transforms the previously detrimental aliasing phenomenon into the core mechanism for achieving both low complexity and high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables precise determination and extraction of signal spectra over wide frequency bands, allowing for rapid processing of multiple signals, reducing the need for multiple devices and improving signal interception capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Thanks to the invention, the spectrum of a signal received over a wide frequency band is determined using the spectrum of each sampled signal subject to the aliasing phenomenon because it is sampled by a frequency not respecting Shannon's theorem.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAliasing:

Data Source

PatentEP3674717B1Device for determining the spectrum of a signal on a wide frequency band by multiple samples and associated method

Publication Date: 2023.07.05 AVANTIX

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 4C

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a device (100) for determining the spectrum (104) of at least one signal (103) over a wide frequency band, comprising: - a receiving module (101) configured to receive at least one signal (103) over a wide frequency band having a maximum frequency; - a processing module (102) comprising: • a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (1021) in parallel configured to perform sampling of the received signal (103) at different sampling frequencies (f1, f2, f3, f4) to obtain a plurality of sampled signals (105), the sampling frequencies (f1, f2, f3, f4) being less than or equal to twice the maximum frequency; • a computing unit (1022) configured to determine the spectrum (104) of the received signal (103) from the spectra of the sampled signals (105).