Parallel DAC and IQ Mixer Architecture for Wider Signal Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed communication systems using digital-to-analog converters (DACs) face limitations in achieving high bandwidth and sample rate due to analog components, restricting the quality of the output signal.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing system comprising multiple DACs and an IQ mixer that splits sampled signals into different frequency portions, allowing for increased bandwidth without significant computational overhead, and uses pre-equalization and channel estimation to compensate for cross-talk and impairments, enabling the generation of a complex-valued output spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple parallelized DACs are used to increase bandwidth, then the analog bandwidth is improved, but the quality of the output signal deteriorates due to system impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frequency spectrum into multiple segments (first and second spectral portions) and assigns each segment to a separate DAC. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different frequency ranges, increasing overall bandwidth while maintaining signal quality through individual optimization of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output signal is processed through an analysis filter bank that extracts error signals representing deviations from the original input. These error signals are fed back through synthesis filter banks and combined with the original signal to compensate for distortion artifacts introduced by the parallel DAC processing.
2Speed
If frequency interleaving is implemented to increase sample rate, then the bandwidth is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware-based frequency interleaving mechanisms with a software-defined approach using filter banks and digital signal processing. The analysis and synthesis filter banks perform frequency domain operations that achieve the same effect as hardware interleaving but with greater flexibility and reduced hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal processing framework where the same parallel DAC architecture can handle multiple functions including frequency interleaving, spectrum expansion, and signal synthesis. The analysis-synthesis filter bank structure provides a multi-functional platform that can be configured for different operating modes without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function.
3Length of stationary object
If the spectrum is defined for both positive and negative frequencies using IQ mixer, then the bandwidth utilization is improved, but the computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary decomposition of the input signal into its spectral components using analysis filter banks before processing. By pre-organizing the signal into first and second spectral portions that correspond to positive and negative frequency ranges, the system prepares the data structure needed for efficient parallel processing without requiring complex real-time computations during the main processing stage.
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a signal processing system, comprising at least a first, a second and a third digital-to-analog converter (DAC); a processing unit configured for splitting a sampled signal into a first and a second signal corresponding to different frequency portions of the sampled signal, transmitting the first signal to the first DAC, splitting the second signal into a first and a second subsignal and transmitting the first subsignal to the second DAC and the second subsignal to the third DAC, the first subsignal corresponding to the real part of the second signal and the second subsignal corresponding to the imaginary part of the second signal; an IQ mixer configured for mixing an analog output signal of the second DAC and an analog output signal of the third DAC and a combiner for combining an analog output signal of the first DAC and an output signal of the IQ mixer.