Transceiver IC Subarray Synchronization Using DSM Reset Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently synchronizing transceiver ICs within antenna arrays, leading to signal processing inefficiencies and potential power loss or noise degradation due to suboptimal distribution of clock and synchronization signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are introduced that involve receiving clock and synchronization pulse signals at each transceiver IC, synchronizing them using delta-sigma modulators, generating carrier frequency signals with phase-locked loops, and processing frequency domain IQ data to enhance synchronization and reduce clock skew across transceiver IC subarrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clock and synchronization signals are distributed to transceiver ICs in existing wireless communication systems, then the transceiver ICs can operate, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates and clock skew increases leading to signal processing inefficiencies and power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing transceiver ICs within each subarray using a local clock signal before they process signals. This ensures that each transceiver IC is already synchronized to its subarray's clock frequency, preventing synchronization errors and reducing the need for power-consuming re-synchronization operations. The local synchronization is established in advance through the DSM circuit and PLL circuit configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the large antenna array into multiple smaller subarrays, each with its own clock distribution network and synchronization mechanism. This segmentation allows each subarray to be independently synchronized with lower complexity, reducing the overall clock skew and power consumption compared to synchronizing all transceiver ICs in the entire array through a single centralized clock distribution system.
2Productivity
If clock distribution networks are expanded to cover larger antenna arrays, then more transceiver ICs can be supported, but clock skew increases and synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple subarrays, where each subarray has its own clock distribution network. This segmentation enables the system to support a larger total number of transceiver ICs across multiple subarrays while maintaining synchronization reliability within each subarray. The clock skew is localized to each subarray rather than accumulating across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces subarray-level clock buffers and synchronization circuits as intermediary elements between the main clock source and individual transceiver ICs. These intermediaries refresh and re-synchronize clock signals within each subarray, acting as buffer zones that prevent clock skew from propagating across the entire array and maintaining synchronization reliability.
3Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are distributed to all transceiver ICs, then synchronization can be maintained, but signal processing efficiency decreases due to clock skew and noise degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local synchronization quality by having each transceiver IC synchronize to its own subarray's clock signal rather than using a single global clock signal. This local quality approach ensures that each transceiver IC has optimal synchronization precision for its specific location and signal path, reducing the negative effects of clock skew and noise degradation on overall signal processing efficiency.
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
This approach improves synchronization accuracy and reduces power loss and noise, enhancing the efficiency and performance of signal processing in wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
synchronizing the transceiver IC with other transceiver ICs of the respective set of serially connected transceiver ICs by resetting a delta-sigma modulator (DSM) circuit to a predetermined state in accordance with the received at least one synchronization pulse signal
Implementation Method 2
generating a carrier frequency signal using a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit that includes the DSM circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Transceiver array synchronization by receiving a clock signal and at least one synchronization pulse signal at each transceiver IC of a plurality of transceiver integrated circuit (IC) subarrays, wherein each transceiver IC subarray contains a respective set of serially connected transceiver ICs; and synchronizing the transceiver IC with other transceiver ICs of the respective set of serially connected transceiver ICs by resetting a delta-sigma modulator (DSM) circuit to a predetermined state in accordance with the received at least one synchronization pulse signal.