Phase-Based Frequency Signal Demodulation Without Hardware Modems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of hardware required for devices to support hybrid communication, such as HART communication, increases with the number of devices due to the need for modems to determine signal values based on frequency signals.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing device that acquires and processes frequency signals using sine and cosine waves of demodulation waveform data to calculate phases and convert them into digital values, eliminating the need for expensive modems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modem is mounted on the device to determine signal values from frequency signals, then hybrid communication capability is achieved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehybrid communication capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hardware modem with a software-based signal processing method. The frequency signal processing is achieved through computational algorithms that calculate phase differences between signals, eliminating the need for dedicated modem hardware while maintaining hybrid communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses software to replicate the functionality of a physical modem. By implementing the frequency signal processing logic in software, the system creates a functional copy of modem capabilities without requiring the actual hardware component, thereby reducing device cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of devices supporting hybrid communication increases, then communication functionality is enhanced, but overall system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidoverall system cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cost-effective software solution that can be deployed across multiple devices without requiring expensive hardware modems in each device. This allows more devices to support hybrid communication while keeping individual device costs low, thereby reducing the overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If hardware modems are used for frequency signal processing, then signal processing accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing accuracyVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex hardware modem circuits with simpler software-based processing. The signal processing accuracy is maintained through mathematical calculations of phase differences, while the hardware complexity is significantly reduced by eliminating dedicated modem components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The software-based processing method can be implemented across different device types and configurations, providing universal frequency signal processing capability without requiring device-specific hardware modifications, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the conversion of frequency signals into digital values more inexpensively, reducing the overall cost of devices that support hybrid communication while maintaining effective signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

a first phase calculation unit configured to calculate a first phase based on a multiplication result of the sine wave and the signal waveform data at a first time and a multiplication result of the cosine wave and the signal waveform data at the first time; a second phase calculation unit configured to calculate a second phase based on a multiplication result of the sine wave and the signal waveform data at a second time advanced from the first time by a specified time interval less than one cycle of the demodulation frequency and a multiplication result of the cosine wave and the signal waveform data at the second time; and a conversion unit configured to output a signal value of the acquired frequency signal, based on comparison between the first phase and the second phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase comparison:

Data Source

PatentUS11838157B2Signal processing device, signal processing method, and signal processing program

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A signal processing device including an acquisition unit configured to acquire signal waveform data corresponding to a frequency signal, a generation unit configured to generate a sine wave and a cosine wave of demodulation waveform data having a demodulation frequency between the first frequency and the second frequency, a first phase calculation unit configured to calculate a first phase based on a multiplication result of the sine wave and the signal waveform data at a first time and a multiplication result of the cosine wave and the signal waveform data at the first time, a second phase calculation unit configured to calculate a second phase based on a multiplication result of the sine wave and the signal waveform data at a second time advanced from the first time by a specified time interval less than one cycle of the demodulation frequency.