Balun-Less RF Frequency Multiplier Using Complementary FET Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF frequency multiplier circuits require baluns, which occupy significant IC area and scale inversely with frequency, posing a challenge in optimizing space in modern, compact RF transceiver systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of complementary frequency multiplier modules that eliminate the need for baluns by using complementary pairs of FETs to multiply a lower frequency base oscillator signal to a higher frequency local oscillator signal, coupled with a co-designed frequency mixer to achieve high bandwidth and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If baluns are used in RF frequency multiplier circuits, then frequency multiplication function is achieved, but IC area consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the balun component from the frequency multiplier circuit, replacing it with a balun-less architecture using complementary FET pairs. This extraction eliminates the primary source of IC area consumption while maintaining the frequency multiplication function through alternative circuit topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of frequency multiplication and mixing into a unified balun-less circuit architecture. By integrating these functions without requiring separate balun components for each stage, the overall IC area is reduced while maintaining system performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If baluns are used in frequency multiplier circuits, then signal balance is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric complementary FET pairs (n-type and p-type) to achieve signal balance without requiring symmetric balun transformers. This asymmetric device pairing creates inherent balance in the differential signals while eliminating the need for complex passive balun components.
3Speed
If baluns are used in frequency multiplier circuits, then frequency scaling is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the frequency multiplier circuit by eliminating inductive balun components and using purely active FET-based impedance transformation. This parameter change enables frequency scaling capability while using standard CMOS process components that are more economical to manufacture.
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
This solution significantly reduces IC area consumption, enabling efficient distribution of lower frequency base oscillator signals and achieving high performance in compact RF transceiver systems, particularly beneficial in portable applications.
Implementation Method 1
complementary pairs of FETs to multiply a lower frequency base oscillator signal to a higher frequency local oscillator signal
Data Source
AI summary
Radio frequency (RF) mixer circuits having a complementary frequency multiplier module that requires no balun to multiply a lower frequency base oscillator signal to a higher frequency local oscillator (LO) signal, and which has a significantly reduced IC area compared to balun-based frequency multipliers. In one embodiment, the complementary frequency multiplier module includes a complementary pair of FETs controlled by an applied base oscillator signal. The complementary FETs are coupled to a common-gate FET amplifier and alternate becoming conductive in response to the base oscillator signal. The alternating switching of the complementary FETs in response to the opposing phases of the base oscillator signal cause the common-gate FET amplifier to output a higher frequency local oscillator (LO) signal. The LO signal is coupled to the LO input of a mixer or mixer core of a type suitable for use in conjunction with a frequency multiplier.