Receiver Gain Control Using Accumulated Signal Level Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power line communication systems, existing AGC control techniques face limitations in high-speed operation due to complex processing requirements and slow response times, especially when dealing with rapidly changing transmission characteristics and noise interference.
Innovation Solution
A receiving level control apparatus that includes an amplifier, a memory to store accumulated signal levels, and a gain control section to adjust the amplifier gain based on the length of time the accumulated level exceeds a reference value, allowing for rapid gain changes and high-speed AGC operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional AGC control techniques are used with complex signal processing operations, then signal level control accuracy is improved, but processing time increases and response speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for AGC control by using a simple RMS detection method instead of complex FFT-based signal processing. The invention takes out the core function of signal level measurement while eliminating unnecessary complex processing steps, achieving fast response with sufficient accuracy for power line communication AGC requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex processing to achieve accuracy, the patent inverts the approach by using simple processing with carefully optimized detection parameters. The invention achieves accurate signal level control through a streamlined RMS detection algorithm that processes signals more quickly than conventional methods while maintaining adequate precision for the application.
2Productivity
If symbol lengths of preambles are shortened to improve communication efficiency, then data transmission speed is improved, but AGC control operations require even higher speed performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs AGC control operations during the preamble period before main data transmission begins. By completing the gain adjustment in advance using the simplified RMS detection method, the system prepares the receiver for optimal signal processing during the shortened preamble, enabling high-speed communication without compromising AGC performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameters and algorithm structure to achieve faster processing. By optimizing the RMS detection parameters and using a streamlined calculation approach, the system achieves the required AGC response speed within the shortened preamble duration, supporting higher communication efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If transmission characteristics of power lines change rapidly due to appliance connections and disconnections, then noise resistance must be improved, but existing AGC systems cannot adapt quickly enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic AGC control mechanism that continuously monitors signal levels and rapidly adjusts gain in response to changing transmission characteristics. The simplified RMS detection method enables real-time adaptation to power line impedance variations and noise conditions, maintaining optimal signal levels even when appliances are connected or disconnected during communication operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiving level control apparatus includes an amplifier to receive a signal and to amplify the signal based on a gain control signal, a memory to store an accumulated level of the amplified signal at every sampling period, and a gain control section to judge whether or not the accumulated level, which has been accumulated from a first time instant, exceeds a first reference value at a predetermined timing, and to control the gain control signal for the amplifier in response to a length of a time period defined from the first time instant up to a second time instant in a case that the accumulated level exceeds the first reference value, the second time instant defined as a time instant when the gain control section judges that the accumulated level exceeds the first reference value.