Receiver Non-Linearity Calibration Using Replica Memory Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonlinearities in signal chains, such as harmonic distortion and intermodulation distortion, compromise the integrity and accuracy of signals in high-precision applications, necessitating improved techniques for distortion correction.
Innovation Solution
A system that stores concatenated distortion correction terms in a memory, uses a smaller number of replica memories for efficient updating, and employs a dither system with two memories to process dithered signals, correcting distortions in analog input signals processed through multiple parallel paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple replica memories are used to store distortion correction terms for updating primary memories, then the system can maintain operational continuity during updates, but the hardware resource consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple replica memories into a single replica memory by implementing a sequential update mechanism. Instead of requiring multiple replica memories to simultaneously back up different primary memories, the system updates primary memories one at a time using a single replica memory, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing distortion correction terms in the replica memory before they are needed for updating primary memories. This allows the replica memory to be fully prepared with correction data before the update process begins, ensuring that no operational time is lost during the transfer and application of correction terms.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of distortion correction terms are stored in memory, then the distortion correction accuracy is improved, but the memory size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distortion correction process into two stages: offline calculation and online application. During offline operation, the system calculates and stores comprehensive distortion correction terms in the replica memory. During online operation, only the necessary correction terms are transferred to primary memories and applied to correct distorted signals. This segmentation allows high accuracy to be achieved without continuously powering large memory structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential distortion correction terms from the complete set of calculated terms and stores them in the replica memory. By analyzing which correction terms are actually needed for the specific application requirements, the system removes unnecessary data, reducing memory size and power consumption while maintaining sufficient correction accuracy for the intended use case.
3Measurement precision
If the system updates primary memories with distortion correction terms, then the distortion correction capability is improved, but the system operation may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating all necessary distortion correction terms and storing them in the replica memory before the update process begins. This ensures that when the update is initiated, the correction data is already prepared and ready for immediate transfer, minimizing any potential interruption to system operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a rapid update mechanism that quickly transfers distortion correction terms from the replica memory to the primary memory and applies them. By optimizing the transfer and application process to complete as quickly as possible, the system minimizes the duration of any operational interruption, effectively 'rushing through' the update process to restore full functionality immediately.
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are described for correcting distortion in an analog input signal after digitization in a receiver signal chain. The techniques include a system that stores concatenated distortion correction terms, allowing for efficient data handling and processing. The techniques further include a system that has a smaller number of replica memories compared to primary memories, which store operational data. The replica memories are updated with new data and may be swapped with primary memories to update them without interrupting system operations. The techniques further include a dither system that uses two memories to store and process the dithered signals, which are then combined to produce a noise-corrected digital output. The techniques further include a system to correct distortions in analog input signals processed through multiple parallel paths.