Transceiver Noise Cancellation via Adjustable Time Delay

Solution Overview

Problem

In systems-on-chip (SoC) supporting multiple wireless standards, the periodic switching between active and idle modes causes power supply voltage fluctuations, leading to undesirable noise interference across transceivers, which conventional methods address by increasing chip area, complexity, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Introducing an adjustable time delay and selectively adjusting signal polarity between sections of the transceiver signal path to improve the signal-to-noise metric, using programmable time delay and signal polarity reversing circuits in both transmitter and receiver paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If electrical isolation techniques are used to suppress noise between transceivers, then noise interference is reduced, but chip area, complexity, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoidchip complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful noise signal into a beneficial cancellation signal by capturing it through a coupling capacitor and using it in an inverted phase to cancel the original noise. Instead of isolating circuits to prevent noise, the system captures the noise and uses it against itself, transforming the harmful interference into a useful cancellation mechanism that improves signal-to-noise ratio without adding complex isolation structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coupling capacitor as an intermediary element that selectively transfers noise signals between circuit sections while blocking DC components. This intermediary allows the noise to be captured and routed to the cancellation path without requiring direct electrical connection or complex isolation structures, enabling noise suppression through a simple passive component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electrical isolation techniques are used to suppress noise between transceivers, then noise interference is reduced, but chip area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoidchip area

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful noise signal into a beneficial cancellation signal by capturing it through a coupling capacitor and using it in an inverted phase to cancel the original noise. Instead of isolating circuits to prevent noise, the system captures the noise and uses it against itself, transforming the harmful interference into a useful cancellation mechanism that improves signal-to-noise ratio without adding complex isolation structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coupling capacitor as an intermediary element that selectively transfers noise signals between circuit sections while blocking DC components. This intermediary allows the noise to be captured and routed to the cancellation path without requiring direct electrical connection or complex isolation structures, enabling noise suppression through a simple passive component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electrical isolation techniques are used to suppress noise between transceivers, then noise interference is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful noise signal into a beneficial cancellation signal by capturing it through a coupling capacitor and using it in an inverted phase to cancel the original noise. Instead of isolating circuits to prevent noise, the system captures the noise and uses it against itself, transforming the harmful interference into a useful cancellation mechanism that improves signal-to-noise ratio without adding complex isolation structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coupling capacitor as an intermediary element that selectively transfers noise signals between circuit sections while blocking DC components. This intermediary allows the noise to be captured and routed to the cancellation path without requiring direct electrical connection or complex isolation structures, enabling noise suppression through a simple passive component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9588566B2Programmable time delay and signal polarity improving transceiver signal-to-noise metric

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

Suppression of interference across transceivers integrated on a single semiconductor chip. An example of a method of reducing noise in a transceiver includes introducing an adjustable time delay into a signal between a first section of a signal path into which noise may be introduced and a second section of the signal path into which noise may be introduced. The method also includes selectively adjusting the time delay and signal polarity to improve a signal-to-noise metric of the transceiver. An example of the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver also includes an adjustable time delay between a first section of a transceiver signal path into which noise may be introduced and a second section of the transceiver signal path into which noise may be introduced and circuitry for reducing noise by adjusting a value of the time delay.