Programmable Digital Filter Architecture for Adaptive Multi-Mode Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in efficiently implementing various digital filters due to the need for trade-offs in filter types and configurations to achieve acceptable performance across different conditions, limiting flexibility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A micro-programmable digital filter architecture with programmable filter elements, instruction memory, and arithmetic logic that allows for flexible configuration, control, and combination of filter elements to implement different filtering functions, enabling efficient data processing and adaptation to varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-type digital filters are used in communication systems, then the implementation is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and adaptability to different communication conditions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal filter architecture where a single programmable filter element can perform multiple filtering functions (FIR, IIR, decimation, interpolation, echo cancellation) by loading different coefficient sets and control parameters. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing one device to adapt to various communication conditions without requiring separate fixed filters for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter architecture employs dynamic reconfigurability through programmable elements that can change their filtering characteristics in real-time. The filter coefficients, tap configurations, and operational modes can be dynamically adjusted based on communication channel conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed filter configurations are implemented to cover different conditions, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and trade-offs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than implementing multiple separate fixed filters, the patent uses a universal programmable filter element that can be configured through software to perform any required filtering function. This single multi-functional element replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized filters, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different filter configurations by changing parameters (coefficients, tap counts, feedback configurations) rather than changing the physical hardware structure. This parameter-based reconfiguration allows the same hardware to emulate multiple different filter types, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable filter elements are used to enhance flexibility, then the adaptability to varying conditions improves, but the computational requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filtering computation into multiple parallel programmable filter elements, each handling a portion of the filtering task. This segmentation allows distributed computation that can be efficiently parallelized, reducing the computational burden on any single element while maintaining overall flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple filtering operations (FIR, IIR, decimation, interpolation) into a single integrated programmable filter element that can perform these functions sequentially or in combination. This merging reduces redundant computational overhead and shared resource requirements compared to implementing separate fixed filters for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-programmable digital filter includes a plurality of programmable filter elements, an instruction memory for storing a control program, at least one instruction decoder for programming the filter elements based on the control program, and arithmetic logic for selectively scaling and accumulating output values received from the filter elements and providing accumulated values as inputs to the filter elements. The filter elements are typically coupled in series so that a coefficient output from one filter element can be passed to an adjacent filter element for implementing longer filters. A separate instruction decoder may be included for each filter element. Execution of the separate instruction decoders is typically staggered so that the instruction decoders can share the instruction memory and an accumulator without collision. Each filter element can be programmed to implement a different filtering function, or multiple filter elements can be programmed to operate on a single filtering function.