Single-ADC Codec Using Multiple Access for Parallel Analog Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coder-decoders require multiple analog-to-digital converters for processing multiple analog signals, which occupies significant chip area and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A coder-decoder design that uses a single analog-to-digital converter by employing multiple access modulation techniques such as TDMA, FDMA, or CDMA to modulate and demodulate multiple analog signals, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple analog-to-digital converters are used to process multiple analog signals simultaneously, then signal processing capability is improved, but chip area and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analog signal processing paths into a single analog-to-digital converter by using a multiplexer to time-division multiplex multiple analog input signals. This merging approach allows one ADC to process multiple signals sequentially at high speed, achieving the same functional capability as multiple ADCs while occupying significantly less chip area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single analog-to-digital converter universal by enabling it to process multiple different analog input signals through time-division multiplexing. The ADC is designed to handle various signal types (audio, video, sensor signals) by switching between different input channels, replacing the need for dedicated ADCs for each signal source
2Productivity
If multiple analog-to-digital converters are used to process multiple analog signals simultaneously, then signal processing capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple ADC functions into a single ADC component, directly reducing the bill of materials cost. By using one high-performance ADC with multiplexing capability instead of multiple ADCs, the production cost is significantly reduced while maintaining the ability to process multiple signals simultaneously through time-division multiplexing
3Area of stationary object
If a single analog-to-digital converter processes multiple analog signals, then chip area and cost are reduced, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into distinct time slots for different input signals. The multiplexer divides the processing timeline into segments, each dedicated to a specific analog input channel. This temporal segmentation allows the single ADC to process multiple signals systematically, managing complexity through structured time-division rather than spatial distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between multiple analog input signals using a multiplexer that cycles through different channels at regular intervals. This periodic action creates a predictable, rhythmic processing pattern that simplifies control logic and timing management compared to simultaneous processing, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A coder-decoder simultaneously processing a plurality of first analog signals with only one analog-to-digital converter is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the coder-decoder comprises a multiple access modulator, the analog-to-digital converter, and a multiple access demodulator. The multiple access modulator combines the first analog signals according to a multiple access algorithm to obtain a first multiple access signal comprising the first analog signals. The analog-to-digital converter then converts the first multiple access signal from analog to digital to obtain a second multiple access signal. The multiple access demodulator then separates the second multiple access signal according to the multiple access algorithm to obtain a plurality of first digital signals respectively corresponding to the first analog signals.