Transformer-Coupled Active Mixer for Low-Voltage Millimeter-Wave Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixer circuits for wireless communication require high supply voltage, leading to increased power consumption and noise, especially when operating at high frequencies, which hampers the signal-to-noise ratio and reception sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An active mixer circuit configuration using a voltage-to-current converter, a transformer, and a multiplier, where the voltage-to-current converter is connected in series between a pair of terminals with a reference voltage, and the transformer has separated primary and secondary windings for direct current, allowing for low supply voltage operation while maintaining high-frequency and low-noise performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional mixer circuits use high supply voltage to maintain operation at high frequencies, then high-frequency operation is achieved, but power consumption increases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer circuit is divided into two independent voltage-to-current converter circuits operating at different voltage levels. The first converter operates at a higher voltage level for high-frequency signal processing, while the second converter operates at a lower voltage level for local oscillator signal processing. This segmentation allows each sub-circuit to be optimized for its specific function, enabling high-frequency operation in one branch while reducing overall power consumption through low-voltage operation in the other branch.
2Speed
If conventional mixer circuits use high supply voltage to maintain operation at high frequencies, then high-frequency operation is achieved, but noise increases and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer circuit is divided into two independent voltage-to-current converter circuits operating at different voltage levels. The first converter operates at a higher voltage level for high-frequency signal processing, while the second converter operates at a lower voltage level for local oscillator signal processing. This segmentation allows each sub-circuit to be optimized for its specific function, enabling high-frequency operation in one branch while reducing overall power consumption through low-voltage operation in the other branch.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active mixer circuit amplifies signal amplitude to achieve conversion gain larger than 1, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each voltage-to-current converter circuit serves multiple functions: it performs frequency conversion by mixing the RF signal with the LO signal, acts as an amplifier to provide conversion gain, and functions as an impedance transformation stage. By making the converter circuits multi-functional, the design achieves signal amplification and frequency conversion without requiring separate dedicated amplifier stages, thereby limiting the increase in circuit complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed mixer circuit achieves low power consumption, high-frequency operation, and improved signal-to-noise ratio by reducing the supply voltage required, enabling efficient frequency conversion with reduced noise and increased conversion gain.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer (32) connected in series between the voltage-to-current converter (31) and the multiplier (33)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a semiconductor integrated circuit including an active mixer circuit that is operated at low voltage, low noise, and low power consumption. It includes a transconductance amplifier, a transformer, and a multiplier, connects a transformer between the transconductance amplifier and the multiplier, and separates between the transconductance amplifier and the multiplier with respect to direct current inside the transformer. Further, each of the tranconductance amplifier and the multiplier is configured of transistors that are single-stacked between the supply voltage terminal and ground terminal.