Virtual-Amplitude Signal Calculation for Distortion-Free PWM Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for performing mathematical operations with two-dimensional continuous time signals, such as pulse-width modulated signals, often result in non-linear distortions due to the encoding of information into both amplitude and time location of signal edges, which complicates feedback loop operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that transform input signals with constant amplitudes into intermediary signals with virtual amplitudes, allowing for calculation operations without distortion, using a signal transformation unit, calculation unit, and retransformation unit to maintain constant amplitude in the output signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mathematical operations are performed directly on two-dimensional continuous time signals with information encoded into both amplitude and time location, then the calculation can be performed, but non-linear distortions occur in the output signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary representation called 'virtual amplitude' that serves as a mediator between the two-dimensional continuous time signal and the calculation operation. The signal transformation unit converts the input signal into this virtual amplitude form, which can be processed linearly without distortion. This intermediary representation allows mathematical operations to be performed on the encoded information without the non-linear distortions that would occur with direct operation on the original signal format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the signal representation by changing the parameter encoding from a two-dimensional format (amplitude and time location) to a one-dimensional virtual amplitude format. This parameter transformation enables standard linear calculation operations to be applied without introducing non-linear distortions, while still preserving the encoded information. The virtual amplitude parameter captures the essential information in a form suitable for linear processing.
2Loss of information
If information is encoded into both amplitude and time location of signal edges, then more information can be transmitted, but the complexity of performing calculations increases and distortions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual amplitude acts as an intermediary that consolidates the information from both amplitude and time location encodings into a single parameter representation. This allows the full information content to be preserved while simplifying the calculation operation to standard linear processing, thereby reducing device complexity and avoiding distortions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a dimensionality reduction by transforming the two-dimensional signal representation (with independent amplitude and time location dimensions) into a one-dimensional virtual amplitude representation. This dimensional transformation maintains the information content while enabling simpler linear calculation operations without the complexity and distortions associated with processing multi-dimensional encoded signals directly.
3Productivity
If pulse-width modulated signals are used for feedback loops, then the signals can be transmitted efficiently, but non-linear distortions occur during subtraction operations in the feedback loop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the virtual amplitude transformation to feedback loop operations, converting the pulse-width modulated signals into this intermediary representation before performing subtraction operations. This allows feedback loop calculations to be performed linearly without the non-linear distortions that would otherwise occur, maintaining both transmission efficiency and calculation accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for performing a calculation operation with at least one input signal consisting of signal sections, wherein each signal section of said input signal has a constant amplitude. The apparatus comprises a signal transformation unit for transforming at least one input signal into a first intermediary signal having a virtual amplitude with respect to at least one carrier signal. The calculation unit is provided for performing the calculation operation on said first intermediary signal to generate a second intermediary signal. A signal re-transformation unit re-transforms the second intermediary signal into an output signal consisting of signal sections, wherein each signal section of said output signal has a constant amplitude.