Bidirectional Double-Balanced Mixer for Low-Loss Frequency Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency converters in wireless communication systems, particularly those used in 5G and beyond, face high power consumption due to the need for large conversion losses and spurious signal generation, especially when handling millimeter wave frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional frequency converter design utilizing a double balanced mixer with active transistors and controlled current flow through switches and impedance circuits, allowing for efficient bidirectional frequency conversion with reduced power consumption by minimizing conversion loss and spurious signal output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional frequency converters are used in millimeter wave communication, then frequency conversion function is achieved, but power consumption is high due to large conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional current control where the current flow direction through the mixer can be dynamically switched between forward and reverse directions. This dynamic operation allows the system to optimize conversion gain in both transmission and reception modes, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective frequency conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the mixer by controlling current flow characteristics bidirectionally. By adjusting the current direction and magnitude through the mixer device, the system achieves improved conversion gain and reduced conversion loss, directly addressing the power consumption issue in millimeter wave frequency converters.
2Reliability
If conventional frequency converters are used, then frequency conversion is achieved, but spurious signals are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful spurious signals into beneficial effects by utilizing the bidirectional mixer operation to suppress unwanted frequency components. The controlled current reversal technique selectively enhances desired signal frequencies while canceling out spurious emissions, thereby improving signal quality and reducing interference.
3Productivity
If millimeter wave bands are used for high throughput, then high gain directional antennas of compact size are enabled, but numerous base stations are required to expand coverage due to high directivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal frequency converter that efficiently handles both transmission and reception operations through bidirectional mixer operation. This multi-functional design improves the effectiveness of each individual base station, enabling better coverage and signal quality that can reduce the overall number of base stations needed for network deployment.
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 design achieves improved conversion gain and reduced power requirements for amplifiers, lowering overall power consumption in communication devices while maintaining effective signal conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a base station has a function for up-converting a transmission signal in a baseband domain or an intermediate frequency domain into a radio frequency domain and a function for down-converting a reception signal in the radio frequency domain into the baseband domain or the intermediate frequency domain
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency converter includes a transistor configured to configure a double balanced mixer, a load circuit provided to a drain side of the transistor, a first terminal coupled to the load circuit, an impedance circuit provided to a source side of the transistor, a second terminal coupled to a source of the transistor, a drive circuit configured to provide a local oscillator signal to a gate of the transistor, and a current control circuit configured to control a current that flows from the load circuit toward the impedance circuit via the transistor or a current that flows from the impedance circuit toward the load circuit via the transistor.