Dual-Mode Sigma-Delta ADC Reconfiguration for Low-IF and NZIF
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Design engineers face the challenge of needing two different hardware implementations for sigma delta analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to support low intermediate frequency (IF) and near zero intermediate frequency (NZIF) receivers, which is time-consuming and delays the time-to-market.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode sigma delta ADC is developed, utilizing a mode device to switch between configurations, allowing the same hardware to operate in both low IF and near zero IF modes by controlling the operation of switched-capacitor integrators and feedback circuits through a mode signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two different hardware implementations are used for low IF and NZIF receivers, then the receivers can support both modes with optimal performance, but the design complexity and time-to-market increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sigma-delta ADC architecture that can operate in both low IF and NZIF modes using the same hardware components. The integrators and feedback circuits are designed to be reconfigurable through clock phase control, allowing a single hardware implementation to serve multiple receiver modes without requiring duplicate circuitry for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the ADC operation by changing clock phase relationships. The mode switching is achieved dynamically through clock control mechanisms that adjust the timing and phasing of clock signals to the integrators and feedback paths, enabling the same hardware to adapt its behavior for different receiver modes without physical reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If two different hardware implementations are developed, then each mode can be optimized independently, but the development time and design process are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a single universal hardware platform that supports both low IF and NZIF modes, the patent eliminates the need to develop, test, and validate two separate hardware implementations. The unified architecture allows design engineers to optimize both modes within a single development cycle, reducing overall development time while maintaining mode-specific performance through careful clock phase management and feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves mode-specific optimization by changing operational parameters (clock phases and timing relationships) rather than changing hardware configuration. This allows the same physical circuit to be optimized for different modes through parameter adjustment, significantly reducing development time compared to developing separate hardware for each mode.
3Device complexity
If a single hardware implementation is used for both modes, then design complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize each mode independently may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains manufacturing precision and mode-specific optimization capability by implementing dynamic control mechanisms. The clock phase relationships are precisely controlled and adjustable, allowing the single hardware implementation to achieve optimal performance for both low IF and NZIF modes through precise timing control rather than through hardware duplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The sigma-delta ADC architecture inherently provides feedback control that can be dynamically adjusted for different modes. The feedback circuits are designed to work effectively in both low IF and NZIF configurations, with the feedback paths and integrator operations being controlled by clock phase relationships that can be optimized for each mode while using the same physical hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a dual mode sigma delta analog to digital converter (ADC), which only in one hardware implementation, used for low IF and near zero IF receiver. The dual mode sigma delta ADC comprises a first switched-capacitor integrator; a second switched-capacitor integrator; a quantizer; a feedback circuit and a mode device. By switching the mode device on or off, one could easily change the configuration of the disclosed ADC to decide the receiving signal falling in low-IF or near zero IF.