Signal Processing System Attenuating Analog Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital TV systems face interference issues when sharing bandwidth with analog signals, leading to reduced sensitivity and performance in receiving low-power signals, as digital signals can become noisy due to coexistence with analog signals like FM signals.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing system incorporating an attenuation module with two diodes, integrated as part of the ESD circuit, which adjusts signal power through an automatic gain controller to optimize signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic receiving range, utilizing a low noise amplifier, tuner, demodulator, and ESD circuit to enhance sensitivity and performance without additional cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If digital TV signals share bandwidth with analog signals (e.g., FM signals), then transmission bandwidth utilization is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to interference and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful interference from analog signals into a useful function by using the same analog circuitry (ESD protection diodes) to detect and attenuate strong analog signals. The harmful RF interference is transformed into a detectable voltage signal that triggers the attenuation mechanism, thereby protecting the digital TV receiver from overload while maintaining bandwidth sharing capability
2Reliability
If the receiver sensitivity is increased to receive low-power signals, then reception capability is improved, but susceptibility to interference from analog signals worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic attenuation mechanism that automatically adjusts the receiver's sensitivity based on the detected signal conditions. The attenuation amount is dynamically controlled by the voltage generated from the analog signal interference itself, allowing the receiver to maintain high sensitivity for weak digital signals while automatically reducing sensitivity when strong analog signals are present, thus adapting to varying interference conditions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an attenuation circuit is added to reduce analog signal interference, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing ESD protection diodes serve dual functions: their original function of protecting against electrostatic discharge and a new function of detecting analog signal interference and controlling attenuation. By repurposing existing components rather than adding dedicated attenuation circuitry, the patent achieves interference reduction while minimizing increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ESD protection function and the analog signal attenuation function into a single integrated mechanism. The same diode circuitry that provides ESD protection is also used to detect analog signals and control the attenuation of RF signals, combining two previously separate functions into one unified system that reduces complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves improved sensitivity and performance in receiving low-power signals by effectively attenuating high-power signals and maintaining signal quality, expanding the dynamic receiving range without increasing costs by repurposing existing ESD circuit diodes.
Implementation Method 1
an attenuation module (110), coupled between the antenna element (102) and the low noise amplifier (140), comprising a diode (111), having an anode and a cathode
Implementation Method 2
a low noise amplifier (140), coupled to the attenuation module (110)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A signal processing system includes: an attenuating module, for selectively performing an attenuating operation on a received signal according to an amplitude of the received signal to generate an attenuation signal; and a signal processing module, coupled to the attenuating module, for processing the attenuation signal; wherein the attenuating module and the signal processing module are coupled in parallel.