Visteon Global Technolgoies, Inc.

Ford Motor Company Limited

Christopher John Hagan

J William Whikehart

James Alfred Wargnier

John Elliott Whitecar

Nicholas Lawrence Difiore

John William Wagner

Terry Robert Altmayer

Bradley Anderson Ballard

A method for reducing computational steps in a digital processor including multiplications producing a plurality of multiplication products. This method specifies a desired multiplication function to be implemented in a digital processor, the desired multiplication function having a respective set of initial coefficients corresponding to each digital multiplier stage of the multiplication function. An initial total number of non-zero bits of the initial coefficients is determined and the initial coefficients are modified. Further, a resulting number of non-zero bits in the modified set of coefficients is quantified. Finally, the modified set of coefficients that result in a reduced number of non-zero bits as compared to the initial coefficients is chosen. The new modified coefficients are implemented in the device by constructing the digital multiplier stages with the modified coefficients. Thus, the digital processor performs a desired multiplication function using 'sparse' coefficients to achieve a reduced execution time or lower implementation cost for a given signal conditioning function.

Sparse-coefficient functions for reducing computational requirements

An arbitration and synchronization method and system for allowing multiple processors to access a shared memory includes an arbitrator. The arbitrator is operable with the processors for enabling each of the processors exclusive access to the memory for a predetermined time period on a rotating basis. In operation, a time period of a time frame is associated with each of the processors. The time periods of the time frame are then counted. The arbitrator then enables a processor to have exclusive access to the shared memory for the time period associated with the processor when the counted time period is the time period associated with the processor.

Multiple processor interface, synchronization, and arbitration scheme using time multiplexed shared memory for real time systems

A digital signal processing architecture for an audio system combines multiple functions in programmable and reconfigurable blocks to achieve an efficient use of hardware and chip area. AM, FM, and audio functions can be performed using the same reconfigurable hardware while taking into account the different sample rates and processing functions required for each.

Digital signal processing architecture for multi-band radio receiver

A carrier-based signal is received from a tuner and is digitized to produce a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. Automatic gain control is applied to the carrier-based signal either prior to or after digitization. An adaptive intermediate frequency bandwidth control system detects IF signal level after channel filtering. The level is compared to a predetermined threshold having a value related to the known signal level of the AGC'ed signal which is being input to the channel filter in order to provide a measure of either 1) the presence of interfering adjacent channels, or 2) reception or a weak signal which can't be compensated for by AGC. The IF bandwidth is narrowed in either circumstance. Digital FIR or IIR filtering is used. The invention allows bandwidth switching to be done very quickly with minimal transient effects. A threshold value is selected depending upon the IF channel bandwidth being used at any given time.

Digital processing radio receiver with adaptive bandwidth control

An adaptive intermediate frequency bandwidth control system detects IF signal levels both before and after channel filtering. The two levels are compared to provide a measure of the presence of interfering adjacent channels. This measure is compared to a programmable threshold and the IF bandwidth is narrowed if any interferers are detected. Digital FIR or IIR filtering is used. The invention allows bandwidth switching to be done very quickly with minimal transient effects. A difference threshold is selected depending upon the IF channel bandwidth being used at any given time.

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Colorado Springs, CO, United States of America

Christopher John Hagan