Reconfigurable Current-Mode Filter for Non-Contiguous Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
The segmented nature of the frequency spectrum limits the realization of increased data rates and network capacities, as network providers with interspersed frequency allocations can interfere, degrading communication performance and requiring multiple receivers for specific bandwidths, which increases device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid current-mode filter that is reconfigurable to provide low-pass or band-pass responses, using a combination of low-pass and high-pass filters with switch circuitry to support wideband, narrowband, and carrier aggregation communications, allowing a single receiver to process various signals and attenuate jammers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receivers are used to process different bandwidth signals, then signal processing capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal receiver architecture that can process both wideband and narrowband signals through a single receiver chain. The hybrid current-mode filter is reconfigurable to provide different filter responses (low-pass or band-pass) depending on the signal type, eliminating the need for separate receivers for different bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter characteristics are made dynamically reconfigurable through switch circuitry that can change the filter response between low-pass and band-pass modes. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to optimize its performance for different signal conditions without requiring multiple fixed-function receivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receivers are used to process different bandwidth signals, then signal processing capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal receiver architecture that can process both wideband and narrowband signals through a single receiver chain. The hybrid current-mode filter is reconfigurable to provide different filter responses (low-pass or band-pass) depending on the signal type, eliminating the need for separate receivers for different bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple receivers into a single integrated receiver unit. By combining wideband and narrowband processing capabilities in one receiver with a reconfigurable filter, the design reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to handle various signal types.
3Productivity
If carrier aggregation is used to combine non-contiguous frequency sections, then data rates are increased, but interference between network providers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different filter responses (low-pass or band-pass) for different frequency regions. The reconfigurable filter can selectively pass or attenuate specific frequency bands, allowing the receiver to adapt to local spectral conditions and reduce interference from adjacent band operations while maintaining high data rates through carrier aggregation.
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 enables efficient use of non-contiguous frequency spectrum allocations, reduces device size and cost by using a single receiver, and improves communication performance by conserving space and minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
The high-pass filter includes two series capacitors
Implementation Method 2
The high-pass filter includes two series capacitors and at least one shunt inductor
Implementation Method 3
two low-pass switches, at least one band-pass switch
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for current-mode filtering with switching. In an example aspect, the apparatus includes a filter including two input nodes, two output nodes, two differential paths, two bypass nodes respectively coupled between the two input nodes and the two output nodes along the two differential paths, a high-pass filter coupled between the two bypass nodes and the two output nodes, two low-pass switches, a band-pass switch, and a low-pass filter coupled in series with the high-pass filter along the two differential paths. The high-pass filter includes two series capacitors, which are respectively coupled between the two bypass nodes and the two output nodes, and two shunt inductors, which are respectively coupled to the two bypass nodes. The two low-pass switches are respectively coupled in parallel with the two series capacitors. The band-pass switch is coupled in series between the two shunt inductors.