Segmented Sigma-Delta Modulator for High-Clock RF Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sigma-delta modulators (SDMs) face challenges in achieving high-speed processing for radio-frequency applications due to long signal propagation times, which hinder their efficiency in fast integrated circuits and radio-frequency conversions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sigma-delta modulator arrangement that breaks down input signals into subwords, allowing each SDM to process a reduced word length signal, thereby increasing processing speed, and utilizing a MASH architecture with cascaded SDMs to achieve high clock frequencies and customizable noise transfer functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a sigma-delta modulator processes full-word-length input signals, then processing accuracy is maintained, but signal propagation time increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The input signal word is segmented into multiple subwords (e.g., MSB and LSB portions) that are processed by different SDM components in parallel. This segmentation allows each component to handle reduced word-length signals, decreasing propagation time while maintaining overall processing accuracy through subsequent combination of subword results.
2Productivity
If the clock frequency of the sigma-delta modulator is increased for fast processing, then processing speed improves, but signal propagation time and timing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the signal processing into parallel subword paths, each operating at lower effective propagation delays, the system achieves higher overall throughput. The parallel architecture allows clock frequency increases without proportionally increasing critical path propagation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from sequential full-word processing to parallel subword processing, adding a dimensional aspect to the processing architecture. This multi-dimensional approach allows simultaneous processing of multiple signal portions, increasing productivity without extending the critical time path.
3Productivity
If parallel processing paths are added to increase processing speed, then productivity improves, but device complexity and chip area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel processing architecture divides the signal into subwords that are processed by replicated but simplified SDM components. While multiple processing paths are introduced, each path handles reduced-complexity subword operations, and the overall system complexity is managed through systematic combination of subword results.
Data Source
AI summary
A sigma-delta modulator arrangement is disclosed that has a mechanism for breaking down a data word of the input signal into subwords with a different significance. The disclosed sigma-delta modulator arrangement also has a plurality of sigma-delta modulators whose inputs are assigned to respective subwords of the input signal.