Adjustable LO Buffer and Mixer Sizing for Linearity-Power Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communications devices have fixed sizes for local oscillator buffers and mixers, which do not adapt to the varying requirements of transmitters and receivers, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of power consumption and linearity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves dynamically adjusting the sizes of local oscillator buffers and mixers based on the operational mode of the transmitter or receiver, allowing for selectable sizes to optimize performance in different gain modes, thereby minimizing power consumption and improving linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger mixer size is used to improve receiver linearity, then linearity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of mixer size by providing multiple mixer circuits with different sizes (first mixer, second mixer) that can be selectively activated based on operating conditions. The mixer size is dynamically changed by selecting which mixer circuit to activate, allowing the system to optimize between linearity and power consumption depending on the required performance level.
2Power
If a larger LO buffer size is used to drive a larger mixer, then the mixer can operate at higher power levels, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides dynamic adjustment of LO buffer size by implementing multiple LO buffer circuits with different sizes (first LO buffer, second LO buffer) that can be selectively activated. The LO buffer size is dynamically matched to the mixer size to provide adequate drive capability only when needed, thereby reducing power consumption during low-power operation while maintaining the ability to operate at higher power levels when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different LO buffer sizes to different mixer circuits based on their specific power requirements. The first LO buffer with first size is paired with the first mixer, and the second LO buffer with second size is paired with the second mixer, creating locally optimized configurations where each buffer-mixer pair is matched to its specific operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size LO buffer and mixer are used in conventional devices, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operational requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixer function into multiple mixer circuits (first mixer, second mixer) with different sizes, and segments the LO buffer function into multiple buffer circuits (first LO buffer, second LO buffer) with different sizes. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate components for different operational modes, achieving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal LO buffer and mixer system where multiple buffer and mixer circuits serve multiple functions. The same LO buffer circuits can drive different mixer circuits depending on operational requirements, and the system can adapt to different gain modes and power levels using the same set of segmented components, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Selectable sizes for a local oscillator (LO) buffer and mixer are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, LO buffer and/or mixer size may be increased when a receiver or transmitter operates in a high gain mode, while LO buffer and/or mixer size may be decreased when the receiver or transmitter operates in a low gain mode. In an exemplary embodiment, LO buffer and mixer sizes are increased and decreased in lock step. Circuit topologies and control schemes for specific exemplary embodiments of LO buffers and mixers having adjustable size are disclosed.