Reconfigurable Radar Receive Path with Switchable Bypass Filter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless circuitry in electronic devices faces challenges in accurately estimating distances to external objects using radio-frequency signals, particularly in both long range and ultra-short range domains, due to limitations in dynamic range and signal leakage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless circuitry system with a reconfigurable receive path that includes a switchable bypass path around a filter, allowing for detection of distances in both ultra-short range and far-field domains by bypassing the filter in the ultra-short range mode and filtering signals in the far-field mode to remove leakage and maximize dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a filter is used in the receive path to remove undesired leakage signals, then the dynamic range is maximized for far-field detection, but the ability to detect ultra-short range objects is degraded due to filter attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic bypass mechanism that allows the receive path to switch between filtered and unfiltered modes. A switch element is configured to bypass the filter when detecting ultra-short range objects, preventing filter-induced attenuation, and engage the filter when detecting far-field objects to remove leakage signals. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to different detection scenarios and maintain high measurement precision across all range domains.
2Reliability
If the filter is engaged to filter reflected signals, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved for far-field detection, but signal leakage is removed which reduces dynamic range for ultra-short range detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically controllable bypass switch that responds to detection range requirements. When ultra-short range detection is required, the switch bypasses the filter to preserve signal strength and maintain measurement precision. When far-field detection is performed, the switch engages the filter to improve signal quality by removing leakage. This dynamic control mechanism ensures reliable distance measurement across varying operational conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed receive path configuration is used, then device complexity is minimized, but the system cannot accurately detect distances in both ultra-short range and far-field domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receive path into distinct functional sections: a filter section and a bypass section with a switch element. This segmentation allows independent control of filtering operations without affecting the overall receive path structure. The switch element creates separable pathways that can be selectively activated based on detection requirements, enabling multi-domain detection capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
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
This approach enables accurate distance detection in both long range and ultra-short range domains, enhancing the dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving the overall performance of spatial ranging operations in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The filter may filter the reflected signals while the switch is open to remove undesired leakage and maximize dynamic range
Implementation Method 2
The switchable bypass path may include a switch and optionally an all-pass filter
Implementation Method 3
The receive path may include a mixer, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a filter coupled between the mixer and the ADC
Implementation Method 4
The receive path may include a mixer, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a filter coupled between the mixer and the ADC
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include wireless circuitry with one or more antennas that transmit radio-frequency signals and that receive corresponding reflected signals. The wireless circuitry may detect a range to an external object based on the transmitted and received signals. The wireless circuitry may include a receive path having a mixer, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a filter between the mixer and the ADC. The receive path may include a bypass path with a switch coupled around the filter. The wireless circuitry may detect the range to the external object within an ultra-short range (USR) domain when the switch is closed, thereby bypassing the filter in the receive path. The wireless circuitry may detect the range to the external object within a far-field domain when the switch is open. The filter may filter the reflected signals to remove undesired leakage and maximize dynamic range.