Undersampled Signal Processing with Bandpass Interpolation and Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Undersampling a signal below the Nyquist rate can reduce power consumption but poses challenges in applying appropriate signal processing techniques, especially when dealing with non-linear components.

Innovation Solution

A method involving bandpass interpolation and non-linear equalization is employed to process undersampled digital signals, using an interpolation factor based on higher Nyquist zones to reduce sample rate and cancel non-linear distortions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If sampling rate is reduced below Nyquist rate to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but signal processing accuracy deteriorates due to aliasing and non-linear distortions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal processing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing bandpass interpolation before non-linear equalization. The interpolation process reconstructs the undersampled signal by inserting intermediate samples based on the selected Nyquist zone, preparing the signal for subsequent non-linear distortion cancellation. This preliminary reconstruction enables accurate signal processing at reduced sampling rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of non-linear distortions into a beneficial process by explicitly modeling and canceling these distortions through non-linear equalization. The equalizer uses knowledge of the non-linear characteristics to generate compensation signals that cancel the distortions, transforming what would be harmful aliasing and distortion artifacts into recoverable signal components.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If bandpass interpolation with higher Nyquist zones is applied, then power consumption is reduced through lower sampling rates, but device complexity increases due to additional processing stages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing task into distinct stages: bandpass interpolation stage and non-linear equalization stage. Each stage handles specific aspects of signal reconstruction, allowing for optimized implementation of each function. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each processing block while maintaining overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key processing parameters including the interpolation factor based on the selected Nyquist zone and the order of non-linear equalization. By adaptively selecting these parameters based on signal characteristics and power constraints, the system optimizes the trade-off between processing complexity and power consumption for different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250211247A1Apparatus, method, base station, and mobile user equipment for processing undersampled signal

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for processing an undersampled digital input signal, comprises an input node configured to receive the undersampled digital input signal. A first circuitry is configured to perform a bandpass interpolation on the undersampled digital input signal to generate an interpolated digital signal using an interpolation factor depending on a Nyquist zone M selected from multiple Nyquist zones, M being greater than 1. A non-linear equalizer generates an equalized signal from the interpolated digital signal. A second circuitry is configured to downsample the equalized signal to a sample rate of the undersampled digital input signal.