UWB Receiver Mode Switching for Lower Acquisition Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
UWB communication devices, particularly responders, exhibit high power consumption due to constant receive mode operation, especially when the timing relationship with an initiator is not established, driven by ADC sampling rates, digital processing, and LO distribution, which affects the bill of materials and device size.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a controller that switches the receiver circuit between real and complex modes based on signal acquisition, using only one quadrature path during acquisition and offsetting the LO frequency, reducing power consumption and enabling both paths upon successful acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiver circuit operates in complex receiver mode with both quadrature paths active, then signal reception performance is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver circuit dynamically switches between real receiver mode (single quadrature path) and complex receiver mode (both quadrature paths) based on signal acquisition status. During acquisition phase, the system operates in real receiver mode to minimize power consumption. Upon successful signal acquisition, the system transitions to complex receiver mode to optimize reception performance for data communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically transitions between operational modes: starting in real receiver mode for power-efficient signal acquisition, then switching to complex receiver mode for sustained data reception. This periodic mode switching optimizes the balance between power consumption and reception performance throughout the communication sequence.
2Measurement precision
If both quadrature paths are active during signal acquisition, then signal detection capability is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver adapts its operational complexity dynamically by using only one quadrature path during the acquisition phase when signal detection is the primary goal. This reduces power consumption and simplifies processing while maintaining adequate detection capability. After successful acquisition, the system activates both quadrature paths to enhance signal reception for data communication.
3Reliability
If the receiver operates in constant receive mode to establish timing relationship, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining constant receive mode, the system uses periodic operation with distinct phases: an acquisition phase using real receiver mode to establish timing relationship and detect signals, followed by a data communication phase using complex receiver mode. This periodic approach maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing average power consumption during the acquisition phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: a receiver circuit configured to receive a signal; a controller configured to control said receiver circuit, wherein said controller is configured to cause said receiver circuit to operate either in a complex receiver mode or in a real receiver mode; wherein the controller is configured to cause said receiver circuit to operate in the real receiver mode until the signal is successfully acquired. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating a communication device is conceived.