Balun-Less RF Frequency Multiplier for Compact LO Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF frequency multiplier circuits require large balun components, which occupy valuable IC area and are power-hungry, especially in low-power handheld devices, necessitating a more compact and efficient solution.
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
1Power
If balun components are used in RF frequency multiplier circuits, then frequency multiplication function is achieved, but IC area occupancy increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the balun component from the frequency multiplier circuit, eliminating the source of both large IC area occupancy and high power consumption. The circuit is redesigned to function without this traditional component, achieving the frequency multiplication function through an alternative architecture that uses only active devices and passive elements integrated on-chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of frequency multiplication and signal generation into a single integrated circuit block without separate balun components. The complementary FET pair and passive elements work together as a unified system to achieve both frequency doubling and signal distribution, eliminating the need for discrete balun components that would increase area and power consumption.
2Reliability
If balun components are used in RF frequency multiplier circuits, then frequency multiplication function is achieved, but IC area occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balun component entirely from the circuit architecture, achieving frequency multiplication through a balun-less design using complementary FETs and passive elements. This extraction eliminates the large area requirement of baluns while maintaining the essential frequency multiplication function through alternative circuit mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the frequency multiplier circuit by eliminating the balun component and using active FET devices with specific biasing and configuration to achieve frequency multiplication. The circuit operates at different impedance points and uses transistor switching characteristics rather than transformer-based frequency multiplication, fundamentally changing how the function is achieved.
3Productivity
If lower frequency base oscillator signal is distributed, then signal distribution efficiency is improved, but frequency conversion to higher frequency is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs frequency multiplication at the source where the base oscillator signal is generated, converting it to the higher frequency local oscillator signal before distribution. This preliminary frequency conversion eliminates the need for subsequent frequency conversion stages at various points in the signal distribution network, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining distribution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the frequency multiplication function with the signal distribution function in a single integrated circuit block. The same circuit that generates the frequency-multiplied signal also serves as the distribution point, eliminating separate frequency conversion stages and reducing overall system 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
This approach significantly reduces IC area usage, enables efficient distribution of lower frequency signals, and enhances power handling, making it suitable for portable RF transceivers and various RF systems with reduced power consumption.
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.