Bidirectional Passive Frequency Multiplier for Millimeter Wave Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transceiver systems operating at higher frequencies, such as millimeter wave frequencies, require expensive and complex components that increase cost, size, and power consumption due to the need for multiple frequency multiplier stages and components operating at higher frequencies for both up and down conversion.
Innovation Solution
The use of passive frequency multiplier circuits, specifically heterojunction barrier varactor (HBV) diode-based frequency triplers, which can operate in both forward and reverse directions to provide up conversion and down conversion, eliminating the need for multiple stages and reducing complexity, cost, and power consumption by utilizing the same circuitry for both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple frequency multiplier stages are used to translate microwave signals to millimeter wave frequencies, then the operational frequency is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmit frequency multiplier and receive frequency divider functions into a single passive frequency multiplier circuit that operates bidirectionally. This merging eliminates the need for separate frequency translation stages for transmit and receive paths, reducing device complexity while maintaining millimeter wave operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The passive frequency multiplier circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a frequency multiplier during transmit operations and as a frequency divider during receive operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, reducing overall system complexity and component count
2Volume of moving object
If components operate at higher millimeter wave frequencies, then antenna size is reduced, but component cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active frequency multipliers that generate higher frequencies from lower frequencies, the patent employs a passive frequency multiplier that can be driven in reverse. By inverting the conventional approach and using the same passive structure for both frequency multiplication and division, the system achieves millimeter wave operation with simplified components
3Speed
If active frequency multiplier components are used, then frequency translation is achieved, but noise is introduced and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex active frequency multiplier components with a simpler passive frequency multiplier structure. This passive implementation, while potentially having lower individual component cost, achieves the same frequency translation function with improved reliability by eliminating active devices that introduce noise and failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes active electronic frequency multiplication with a passive frequency translation mechanism. By replacing active components with a passive structure that utilizes harmonic generation and filtering, the system achieves frequency translation with reduced noise and improved reliability
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 allows for significant savings in cost, complexity, size, and weight by enabling the same circuitry to be used for both frequency up and down conversion, while maintaining the benefits of higher frequency operation, such as smaller antennas and improved Doppler resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a passive frequency multiplier is operated in a forward direction to produce an output signal that is at a frequency that is a multiple of the frequency of the input signal
Implementation Method 2
Frequency multipliers provide the ability to convert a signal at a first frequency to a signal at a second, higher, frequency
Implementation Method 3
Frequency dividers provide the ability to convert a signal at a first frequency to a signal at a second, lower, frequency
Implementation Method 4
The passive frequency multiplier is also operated in a reverse direction to produce an output signal that is at a frequency that is a fraction of the frequency of the input signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for frequency up conversion and down conversion using frequency multiplier circuits. The frequency multiplier circuits receive a lower frequency signal and are operated in a forward direction to provide a higher frequency output. The same frequency multiplier circuits are operated in a reverse direction by receiving a higher frequency signal and producing a lower frequency output. The frequency multiplier circuits preferably use heterojunction barrier varactor diodes to eliminate the need for DC bias or idler circuitry.