Sensor Return Data Processing With Burst DDR, FIFO, And FFT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for processing radar or sonar returns are inefficient due to slow memory operations, particularly when reading and writing data from DDR memory, which leads to underutilization of Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) and slows down the processing of sensor data.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a DDR memory configured to store and read out data in bursts, coupled with a FIFO memory to manage data flow efficiently, allowing the FFT to operate at a higher utilization rate by providing data at a faster rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional memory architecture is used to store and read return data, then system simplicity is maintained, but processing speed and FFT utilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into multiple DDR memory channels, each independently capable of storing and reading return data. This segmentation allows parallel data acquisition and processing, increasing overall processing speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to memory access by implementing burst read/write operations that transfer multiple data words sequentially. This dimensional approach to data transfer increases bandwidth and processing throughput without requiring proportional increases in memory complexity.
2Productivity
If random access memory operations are used to read and write data, then data retrieval flexibility is improved, but processing efficiency is reduced due to slower access speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data loading into DDR memory channels in burst mode before processing begins. This preliminary action ensures that data is readily available for rapid FFT processing, reducing the time lost during actual data retrieval operations and improving overall processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous burst read and write operations that maintain steady data flow between the sensor and processing units. This continuous action eliminates idle time between memory operations and keeps the FFT processing pipeline continuously fed with data, maximizing processing efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple channels of data are processed simultaneously, then data throughput is increased, but processing speed is reduced due to FFT underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing system is divided into multiple independent channels, each handling a specific portion of the data stream. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple data channels simultaneously, increasing overall data throughput while maintaining high FFT utilization by distributing the processing load across multiple independent processing units.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for processing sensor data are provided. For example, a sensor of an antenna array may generate return data to be processed. The return data may be processed using one or more channels, which may each be comprised of a DDR, a FIFO, and a FFT. The processed return data may generate frequency data that may locate and track a target. In various embodiments, an FPGA may be comprised of the FIFO and the FFT for each of the channels while the DDR of each channel may not be in the FPGA.