Programmable transversal filter and method of filtering a signal.

摘要

A programmable transversal filter (100) utilises a plurality of programmable multiplying means (M<Sub>1</Sub>-M<Sub>4</Sub>). The result of each multiplication is summed by a summing circuit (7), thus providing an output signal [y(t]]. The delay network comprises a plurality of signal sample and hold circuits (S<Sub>1</Sub>-S<Sub>4</Sub>) which are selectively connected to the input bus in sequence, in order that one sample and hold circuit may store an analog signal sampled during the present time instant, with other sample and hold circuits storing a plurality of analog signals each of which has been sampled during a corresponding one of a plurality of preceding sample periods. The filter also includes a plurality of reference sample and hold circuits (S, -1 to 84-1) which store error voltages equal to the error voltage component of the voltages provided by the signal sample and hold circuits.

A first analog cross-point switch (51) is utilised wherein each of said plurality of time-delayed analog signals may be selectively applied to a selected multiplying means. By utilising an analog cross-point switch, a transversal filter having programmable tap weights is constructed wherein the tap weights remain fixed in the multipliers until reprogrammed, without the need for rotating the tap weights among the plurality of multipliers. Furthermore, each input voltage sample is stored in a single sample and hold circuit. Because the transversal filter does not cycle the tap weights among multipliers, the dynamic range or the output signal of the transversal filter is increased, with a substantial decrease in fixed pattern noise.

A second analog cross-point switch (51-1) is utilised to selectively connect the output voltage from the reference sample and hold circuits to the multiplier means, thereby eliminating the effect of the error voltages on the output voltage of the transversal filter.