Dual-Oscillator Receiver with Overlapped Tuning for Fast Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receiver designs are too slow in scanning a range of radio transmission frequencies due to the time required for oscillator retuning, which is not sufficient for all applications and often limits the number of frequencies that can be monitored.
Innovation Solution
A receiver system utilizing two oscillators and a controller to alternate tuning frequencies, where the second oscillator is tuned during the capture time period of the first oscillator, reducing the retuning time and allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple frequencies without delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single oscillator is used and retuned sequentially to monitor multiple frequencies, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning speed becomes too slow to meet application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single oscillator function is segmented into multiple oscillators (first oscillator and second oscillator) that operate simultaneously at different frequencies. This allows parallel monitoring of multiple frequencies without sequential retuning delays, directly resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and scanning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional sequential scanning approach (single oscillator retuned step-by-step) to a two-dimensional parallel monitoring approach (multiple oscillators monitoring simultaneously). This dimensional change enables frequent transmissions to be detected across multiple frequencies at the same time, eliminating the speed limitation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the oscillator is retuned frequently to monitor more frequencies, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the time taken for each frequency monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second oscillator is pre-configured and tuned to a target frequency in advance (during the capture time period of the first oscillator) before it is needed for monitoring. This preliminary tuning action eliminates retuning delays when the second oscillator needs to start monitoring, as it is already prepared at the correct frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
While the first oscillator is capturing signals (useful action), the second oscillator is simultaneously being tuned to its target frequency (preparing for useful action). This continuous overlapping of actions ensures that no time is lost during frequency transitions, as one oscillator is always ready to take over monitoring without interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver and associated methods are described. The receiver comprises a first oscillator 14, a second oscillator 16, a controller 18 operable to control frequencies to which the first and second oscillators are tuned, and a discrimination circuit 24 operable to receive and monitor transmitted signals; wherein the discrimination circuit is configured to receive a signal at a first transmission frequency determined based on a first tuned frequency to which the first oscillator is tuned, and to determine, in a capture time period, whether data is being transmitted at the first transmission frequency; wherein the controller is configured to tune, in a tuning time period, the second oscillator to a second tuned frequency; and wherein the tuning time period is shorter than the capture time period.