Sensor AGC Using Test Echo Saturation for Stable Target Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors face issues with signal distortion and quantization noise due to echo signal strengths exceeding maximum or minimum thresholds, leading to missed or false detections.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatic gain control (AGC) that adjusts TX and RX chain gains based on saturation information of test echo signals using digital circuits, ensuring signal power remains within predefined ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic gain control is implemented to maintain constant output signal level, then signal level stability is improved, but detection precision of silent sections deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput signal level stabilityVSAvoiddetection precision of silent sections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the signal processing into two distinct paths: a main signal processing path for normal audio signals and a silent section detection path for detecting silent portions. The detection path uses the original input signal without AGC processing, while the main path applies AGC for stable output. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (detection section) that receives the original input signal directly, bypassing the AGC processing chain. This intermediary path preserves the original signal characteristics needed for accurate silent section detection, while the main processing chain maintains stable output levels through AGC.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If noise is added to prevent musical noise in silent sections, then auditory comfort is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemusical noise reductionVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the noise addition parameter based on the detected silent section characteristics. The noise addition amount is adjusted according to the signal level in the silent section, adding just enough noise to prevent musical noise artifacts while minimizing the degradation of signal-to-noise ratio. This parameter adaptation allows optimal balance between auditory comfort and signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4117243B1Automatic gain control method, sensor, and radio device
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 CALTERAH SEMICON TECH (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP4117243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4117243B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4a
  • EP4117243B1 patent drawingFigure 4b~5b

AI summary

An automatic gain control method, sensor (700), and radio device (900); by means of using the saturation information of a test echo unit to adjust the gain coefficient of a transmitting and receiving link, it is ensured that the received signal power used for target detection is located within a rated threshold range, further improving the accuracy of sensor (700) target detection, and avoiding defects such as missed detection, false detection, and even blindness.