Shared ADC Subsampling for Multiple Intermediate-Frequency Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and increased size of silicon chips due to the need for multiple dedicated analog-to-digital converters (A/Ds) to process multiple input signals in applications like cable networks, particularly for out-of-band and forward application transport channels.
Innovation Solution
Strategically placing signal provider output signals and their intermediate frequencies relative to the sampling frequency of a single A/D to subsample multiple signals, allowing for the use of additional filters to separate or combine them, thereby reducing the number of A/Ds required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple dedicated A/D converters are used to process multiple input signals, then signal processing capability is improved, but chip size and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single A/D converter that processes multiple input signals by strategically placing signal provider output signals and their intermediate frequencies relative to the sampling frequency. This allows one A/D converter to perform the function of multiple dedicated converters, reducing chip size while maintaining signal processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple signal processing paths into a single A/D converter by summing intermediate signals and using filters to separate or combine them. This merging approach allows multiple input signals to be processed through a shared resource, decreasing both chip size and implementation cost
2Productivity
If multiple dedicated A/D converters are used to process multiple input signals, then signal processing capability is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single A/D converter universal by configuring it to handle multiple input signals through strategic frequency placement and signal summation. This eliminates the need for multiple expensive dedicated converters, directly reducing implementation cost while preserving signal processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple signal processing functions into a single A/D converter, reducing the total component count and associated implementation costs. The use of filters and signal summation allows one converter to replace multiple dedicated units
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer-readable storage medium, and signal processing apparatus for processing a plurality of input signals. The method includes receiving or generating a first intermediate signal and a second intermediate signal. The first and second intermediate signals are summed and the summed signals are output to a signal analog-to-digital converter having a predetermined sampling frequency.