Variable-Bit ADC Switching for Low-Power Idle Listening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 60-GHz millimeter wave communication chips face high power consumption during idle listening, making them unsuitable for handheld devices due to excessive energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses an N-bit ADC for idle listening and an M-bit ADC for transceiving, where N is less than M, to reduce effective sampling bit width and subsequently lower power consumption, by incorporating a redundant bit and set data sequences to facilitate efficient ADC switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an M-bit ADC is used for idle listening, then measurement precision is maintained, but power consumption becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ADC bit width adjustable based on operational mode. The system dynamically switches between N-bit ADC (for idle listening) and M-bit ADC (for active transceiving), allowing the measurement precision to adapt to the current operational requirements while optimizing power consumption accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ADC bit width from fixed to variable. By using an N-bit ADC during idle listening and switching to an M-bit ADC during active communication, the system adjusts the sampling precision parameter to match the actual needs of each operational phase, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an N-bit ADC is used for idle listening, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only N-bit ADC precision during idle listening, which is sufficient for detecting idle signals but would be excessive if used during active transceiving. The system performs just enough sampling precision for each operational mode, avoiding the waste of using M-bit precision during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ADC operation into two distinct modes: N-bit ADC for idle listening and M-bit ADC for active transceiving. This segmentation allows each mode to use the appropriate level of precision, with the lower-precision N-bit ADC handling idle detection and the higher-precision M-bit ADC handling active communication.
3Measurement precision
If ADC bit width is switched from N-bit to M-bit, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ADC component that can function at multiple precision levels (N-bit and M-bit). This multi-functional ADC structure eliminates the need for completely separate ADC circuits for different modes, reducing overall device complexity while still providing variable precision capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method, a device and a system for processing data during idle listening. The method includes: sampling, in an idle listening mode, a first analog signal by using an N-bit ADC, and sampling, in a transceiving mode, a second analog signal by using an M-bit ADC, where N and M are both integers, and N is less than M. Embodiments of the present invention can reduce power consumption of an ADC during idle listening.