Receiver Switching Between Zero IF and Direct Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless devices face challenges in optimizing power consumption while processing signals, as higher power-consuming circuitry, such as in direct sampling modes, reduces battery life, and existing technologies do not effectively switch between sampling modes based on channel conditions to minimize power usage.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device that switches between zero intermediate frequency (ZIF) and direct sampling paths based on received signal power and carrier-to-noise ratio, using switches to route signals through either path and adjusting sampling rates to optimize power consumption, thereby reducing power usage when high signal quality is maintained.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If direct sampling mode is used, then signal processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver dynamically switches between direct sampling mode and zero-IF mode based on real-time channel conditions (signal quality metrics). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use high-performance direct sampling when signal quality is good, and switch to lower-power zero-IF mode when signal quality degrades, thereby optimizing the trade-off between processing capability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching sampling modes based on channel conditions. When signal quality metrics (such as SNR or BER) indicate favorable conditions, the receiver operates in direct sampling mode with higher processing capability. When conditions deteriorate, it transitions to zero-IF mode, effectively changing the operational parameters to maintain power efficiency while preserving adequate signal processing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high power consuming circuitry operates continuously, then signal quality is maintained, but battery life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver employs periodic monitoring of channel conditions and periodically switches between operating modes based on these assessments. By continuously evaluating signal quality metrics and adjusting the sampling mode accordingly, the system ensures signal quality is maintained when needed while avoiding unnecessary operation of high-power circuitry during periods of good channel conditions, thus extending battery life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own received signals to assess channel conditions and automatically determines when to switch between sampling modes. This self-service mechanism allows the receiver to autonomously optimize power consumption based on actual signal quality without external control, maintaining reliability while conserving battery power through intelligent, condition-based mode selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2951928B1Receiver that reconfigures between zero intermediate frequency and direct sampling based on channel conditions
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2951928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2951928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2951928B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless device for receiving wireless signals based on channel conditions is described. The wireless device includes a direct sampling path used when operating in a direct sampling mode. The wireless device also includes a zero intermediate frequency path used when operating in a normal sampling mode. The wireless device further includes a first switch coupling a filter module input to an input of the direct sampling path and an input of the zero intermediate frequency path. The wireless device also includes a second coupling a filter module output to an output of the direct sampling path and an output of the zero intermediate frequency path. The first switch and the second switch are configured to switch between the direct sampling path and the zero intermediate frequency path based on a received signal power.