Phase Information Extraction Circuit for Object Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting object movement using microwave devices are not cost-effective and face challenges with signal digitization and noise issues, such as direct current (DC) offset and flicker noise, in direct-conversion RF frontends.
Innovation Solution
A phase information extraction circuit comprising a mixer circuit, an analog-to-digital converter, an in-phase quadrature (I/Q) signal generator, and a phase acquisition unit, which generates digital I and Q signals from reflected carrier signals to extract phase information related to object movement, while using a single ADC for digitization and filtering to reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional direct conversion with I/Q signals is adopted to extract phase information, then phase information can be extracted, but the system becomes costly and difficult to digitize with a single ADC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter by mixing the reflected signal with a carrier signal to produce an intermediate frequency signal, which can then be digitized by a single ADC. This parameter transformation enables simplified digitization while preserving phase information extraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal processing into distinct stages: mixing to produce intermediate frequency, filtering to remove unwanted components, and then digitization. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If direct-conversion RF frontend is used, then signal processing can be performed, but DC offset and flicker noise problems cannot be easily avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful DC offset and flicker noise components through filtering operations after mixing. By separating the signal processing into mixing followed by filtering, the harmful components are isolated and removed before digitization, improving signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate frequency mixing stage as a mediator between the RF signal and the ADC. This intermediary stage allows for better noise filtering and signal conditioning, enabling effective removal of DC offset and flicker noise while preserving the useful signal information
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
The solution effectively extracts phase information related to object movement, improving detection accuracy and reducing noise and cost, making it a more efficient method for object movement detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first mixer circuit (A) used to generate a second analog signal by mixing a carrier signal with a first analog signal generated by a transmitted signal reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A phase information extraction circuit includes a first mixer circuit for generating a second analog signal by mixing a carrier signal with a first analog signal generated by a transmitted signal reflected by the object, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the first mixer circuit for generating a first digital signal according to the second analog signal, an in-phase quadrature (I/Q) signal generator coupled to the ADC for generating a digital I signal and a digital Q signal according to the first digital signal, and a first phase acquisition unit for extracting phase information according to the digital I signal and the digital Q signal.