Radio Receiver Phase Response Measurement Using Multi-Phase 1-Bit DACs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio receivers face challenges in accurately measuring frequency-dependent phase shifts, which are temperature and process dependent, complicating their use in ranging applications and requiring complex compensation methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize single-bit digital-to-analog conversion units with out-of-phase clock signals to generate a composite analog signal, which is then converted to a digital signal for phase response determination, reducing complexity and power consumption by using on-chip test signal generation and 1-bit correlators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional phase shift measurement methods are used in radio receivers, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radio receiver performs self-measurement of phase shifts using its own internal components (DAC, ADC, correlator) without requiring external measurement equipment. The receiver generates test signals internally and processes them through its own signal path to determine phase shifts, enabling autonomous characterization and compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is extracted from external test equipment and integrated directly into the radio receiver's signal processing chain. By removing the need for external measurement apparatus and performing measurements internally using available components, the solution reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Reliability
If frequency-dependent phase shift compensation is implemented, then ranging application performance improves, but temperature and process variations complicate the compensation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of phase shifts across different frequencies, temperatures, and process conditions to establish compensation characteristics before actual ranging operations. This advance characterization enables the receiver to apply appropriate compensation adjustments during operation, ensuring reliable performance across varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement and compensation system operates as a closed-loop feedback mechanism where phase shifts are continuously measured and used to adjust compensation parameters. The correlator determines phase response, which feeds back to update compensation settings, enabling adaptive compensation that maintains accuracy across temperature and process variations.
3Measurement precision
If external equipment is used for phase shift measurement, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but the need for external equipment increases system complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement functionality is merged with the radio receiver's existing signal processing components. The DAC, ADC, and correlator that are already present in the receiver are utilized for measurement purposes, eliminating the need for separate external measurement equipment and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for measuring phase response in a radio receiver is disclosed. A radio receiver includes a digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion unit coupled to receive a test signal. The D/A conversion unit includes a number of single-bit digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) circuits coupled to receive the test signal and configured to convert it into the analog domain. Clock signals received by each of the single-bit DAC circuits are out of phase with respect to one another. The output of the D/A conversion unit is an analog signal that is a composite of the signals output by the DAC circuits therein. The analog signal is then conveyed to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and converted into an N-bit digital signal. The N-bit digital signal is then conveyed to a correlator to determine a phase response of the radio receiver.