Single-Chip RF Tuner and PVR Architecture for Video Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
High manufacturing costs and energy consumption in digital video broadcast systems due to the need for numerous data processing modules, which also limits system versatility and increases component size.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a radio frequency signal tuner module and a personal video recorder (PVR) module onto a single semiconductor chip, reducing power consumption and package size, and using 65 nanometer lithography for CMOS fabrication processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If numerous data processing modules are used to achieve high throughput rates, then digital video data processing capability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data processing modules (tuner, demodulator, decoder, multiplexer, and PVR functionality) into a single integrated semiconductor chip. This merging eliminates the need for separate modules and interconnections, reducing component count while maintaining high throughput processing capability for digital video data
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chip performs multiple functions including RF signal tuning, demodulation, video decoding, audio decoding, multiplexing, and personal video recording. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated modules, reducing system complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving high processing throughput
2Productivity
If numerous data processing modules are used to achieve high throughput rates, then digital video data processing capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple processing modules onto a single chip, the patent reduces the total energy consumption. The close proximity of modules on the chip minimizes signal transmission distances and associated energy losses, while shared resources (such as memory and power supply circuits) reduce redundant energy usage across the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested architecture where the PVR module is integrated within the broader set-top box chip. This nesting allows the PVR functionality to share the chip's power supply, clock distribution, and control logic, significantly reducing the energy required compared to a separate external PVR device
3Productivity
If numerous data processing modules are used to achieve high throughput rates, then digital video data processing capability is improved, but system versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated chip is designed to handle multiple video formats, audio codecs, and data protocols simultaneously. The programmable nature of the processor and configurable parameters allow the system to adapt to different service requirements, maintaining versatility while achieving high throughput through unified architecture
4Productivity
If numerous data processing modules are used to achieve high throughput rates, then digital video data processing capability is improved, but component size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all data processing modules onto a single semiconductor chip, dramatically reducing the physical footprint. The chip-scale integration eliminates the need for multiple discrete components and their interconnections, resulting in a compact package that maintains high processing throughput capability
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for receiving, processing and formatting digital video. The devices may include a single semiconductor chip on which is imprinted a radio frequency signal tuner module and a display interface module. The display interface module may be configured to receive programming information from the radio frequency signal tuner module. The display interface module may be configured to communicate the programming information to a digital video recorder. The radio frequency tuner module may include a first radio frequency input channel and a second radio frequency input channel. The radio frequency signal tuner module may include a system oscillator and a phase-locked loop (“PLL”) circuit configured to generate a clock signal. The phase-locked loop circuit may be configured to transmit the signal to the display interface module and to any other suitable modules on the chip.