Signal-Cancellation Filter Shaping for Asymmetrical Frequency Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal processing systems face challenges in achieving desired filter characteristics, such as asymmetrical frequency responses, which are often difficult, expensive, or require additional components.
Innovation Solution
A combined filter system that includes a notch filter and a second filter, with a controller to calibrate the combined filter's transfer function based on inputs like temperature, using delay modules and phase shifters to adjust the frequency response, enabling asymmetrical frequency responses for effective signal cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional filter designs are used to achieve desired filter characteristics, then the filter can provide basic signal shaping, but achieving asymmetrical frequency responses is difficult, expensive, and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic filter characteristics by using voltage-controlled oscillators and variable gain amplifiers that can be adjusted in real-time through digital control interfaces. This allows the filter to adapt its frequency response characteristics dynamically without requiring multiple fixed filter circuits, thereby achieving versatility while controlling structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operational parameters such as center frequency, bandwidth, and gain through electronic control rather than physical component changes. By using digitally programmable parameters in VCOs and VGAs, the filter can achieve different frequency responses by modifying electrical parameters, avoiding the need for additional physical components and reducing structural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sub-filters are used to achieve desired frequency response characteristics, then the filter performance can be improved, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal filter module that can perform multiple filtering functions through a single integrated structure. The voltage-controlled oscillator and variable gain amplifier combination can implement different filter types (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass) and characteristics by changing control parameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sub-filters while maintaining frequency response precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the filter output is monitored and used to adjust the VCO and VGA parameters through digital control loops. This feedback system enables precise frequency response control and compensation without requiring additional sub-filters, thereby achieving manufacturing precision while reducing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed filter characteristics are used, then the filter design is simpler, but the filter cannot adapt to changing signal environments or temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed filter characteristics into dynamic, adjustable parameters through voltage-controlled oscillators and variable gain amplifiers. These components can be programmed via digital interfaces to adapt to different signal environments and temperature conditions, maintaining design simplicity while achieving environmental adaptability through electronic reconfiguration rather than physical redesign.
Data Source
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AI summary
A signal filter and accompanying methods. In one embodiment, the filter includes a first mechanism for receiving a first signal. A second mechanism employs one or more modified representations of the first signal to cancel one or more frequency components of the first signal, yielding an output signal in response thereto. In a more specific embodiment, the first mechanism includes a splitter for receiving the first signal and splitting the first signal onto a first path and a second path. The second mechanism further includes one or more delay modules and one or more phase shifters in the first path and/or the second path. One or more controllable amplifiers are optionally included in the first path and/or the second path. The one or more delay modules, phase shifters, or amplifiers are responsive to one or more control signals from a controller. The controller is adapted to modify behavior of the second mechanism so that the filter is characterized by a desired frequency response.