Programmable ASK Demodulator for Wide-Range Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing an ASK demodulator that supports a wide dynamic range and wide frequency range input signal with programmability, while being fast, low current, and fully integrated, is challenging.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a programmable ASK demodulator with adjustable components, including frequency filters, rectifiers, reference signal generators, current-to-voltage converters, and comparators, utilizing adjustable resistors, capacitors, and current sources to adjust frequency response and current consumption, along with trim current sources to compensate for mismatches, and employing bipolar or CMOS transistors for differential and single-ended signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable components are added to achieve wide dynamic range and frequency range, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewide dynamic range and frequency range supportVSAvoidprogrammable demodulator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustable resistors and capacitors that can dynamically change their electrical characteristics to adapt to different frequency ranges and dynamic requirements. This allows the demodulator to reconfigure itself for different operating conditions without requiring multiple fixed circuits, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through dynamic reconfiguration rather than static multiplication of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes electrical parameters (resistance, capacitance, current consumption) of existing components to achieve different operating modes. By adjusting the values of resistors, capacitors, and current sources, the same hardware can support wide dynamic range and frequency range, avoiding the need for completely separate circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustable components are used to achieve programmability, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogrammable operationVSAvoidcomponent matching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates trim current sources that provide feedback adjustment capability. These trim sources allow post-manufacturing calibration and compensation for component mismatches, ensuring that even with manufacturing variations, the demodulator can be tuned to achieve the required precision. This feedback mechanism decouples the strict manufacturing precision requirement from the final performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable components can be tuned and calibrated after manufacturing. The trim current sources and adjustable resistors/capacitors allow the system to dynamically adjust its parameters to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, reducing the stringency of initial manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If adjustable current sources are added to control current consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent consumption controlVSAvoidrectifier and reference signal generator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses adjustable current sources that can dynamically change their output current to match the required operating conditions. This allows the rectifier and reference signal generator to consume only the necessary amount of current for each specific task, improving energy efficiency while using a single reconfigurable current source rather than multiple fixed current sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable current source serves multiple functions: it controls the rectifier's current consumption, generates reference signals with appropriate current levels, and can be trimmed to compensate for mismatches. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated current sources for each function, managing complexity while achieving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3975494B1Programmable ask demodulator

Publication Date: 2023.05.24 NXP BV

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AI summary

Various embodiments relate to an amplitude shift keying (ASK) demodulator for demodulating an input signal, including: a frequency filter configured to receive the input signal, wherein the frequency filter includes adjustable components configured to adjust the frequency response of the frequency filter; a rectifier configured to rectify an output of the frequency filter, wherein the rectifier includes an adjustable current source configured to adjust the current consumption of the rectifier; a reference signal generator configured to produce a reference signal; a current to voltage converter configured to convert the current of the rectified signal to a rectified voltage and to convert the current of the reference signal to a reference voltage; and a comparator configured to compare the rectified voltage to the reference voltage and to produce a demodulated output signal.