Differential RF Attenuator Circuit for Wide-Range 1 dB Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attenuator circuits face challenges in providing a wide attenuation range with fine minimum attenuation steps while withstanding high RF input power, especially in modern multi-Gigabit wireless communication systems where low power consumption and robustness are crucial.

Innovation Solution

The proposed attenuator circuit employs a series of resistive elements and shunt paths with switch circuits that adjust on-state resistance based on control signals, allowing for digital control of attenuation and enabling selective signal attenuation with minimal power consumption and high robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional attenuator circuits are used, then they can provide signal attenuation, but they cannot simultaneously achieve wide attenuation range, fine minimum attenuation steps, and high power handling capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattenuation rangeVSAvoidrobustness against high input power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attenuator circuit is divided into multiple independent attenuation stages, each providing a specific attenuation range. By cascading several attenuator stages with different attenuation characteristics, the overall circuit achieves a wide total attenuation range (0 dB to -25 dB) while each individual stage can be optimized for specific power handling requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuator employs digitally controllable variable resistance elements that can dynamically adjust their resistance values based on control signals. This allows the circuit to adaptively select appropriate attenuation levels and power handling capabilities for different operating conditions, achieving both fine 1 dB resolution and wide attenuation range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If high power handling capability is achieved, then the attenuator can withstand high RF input power, but device power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The attenuator circuit uses voltage-controlled resistive elements whose resistance values can be dynamically changed based on control voltages. By adjusting the resistance parameters of these elements, the circuit can handle different power levels while consuming minimal DC power, as the resistive elements themselves do not require continuous power supply to maintain their attenuation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If wide attenuation range is provided, then the attenuator can handle various signal power levels, but the minimum attenuation step becomes coarse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattenuation rangeVSAvoidminimum attenuation step

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The total attenuation range is segmented into multiple discrete stages, with each stage providing a specific attenuation increment. By using multiple stages with fine resolution (e.g., 1 dB steps per stage), the overall circuit achieves both wide total attenuation range (0 dB to -25 dB) and fine minimum attenuation step resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 attenuator circuit achieves a wide attenuation range from 0 dB to -25 dB with a fine minimum attenuation step of 1 dB, capable of handling high RF input power up to 20 dBm, while maintaining low power consumption and robustness, suitable for applications in 5G base stations and mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first plurality of resistive elements coupled in series between the first input node and a first output node for outputting a first output signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12113500B2Attenuator circuit, receiver, base station, mobile device and method for operating an attenuator circuit

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An attenuator circuit is provided. The attenuator circuit includes a first input node and a second input node each configured to receive a respective one of a first input signal and a second input signal forming a differential input signal pair. Further, the attenuator circuit includes a first plurality of resistive elements coupled in series between the first input node and a first output node for outputting a first output signal. The attenuator circuit additionally includes a second plurality of resistive elements coupled in series between the second input node and a second output node for outputting a second output signal. In addition, the attenuator circuit includes a shunt path coupled to a first intermediate node and a second intermediate node. The first intermedia node is arranged between two resistive elements of the first plurality of resistive elements. The second intermedia node is arranged between two resistive elements of the second plurality of resistive elements. The shunt path comprises a switch circuit configured to selectively couple the first intermediate node and the second intermediate node based on one or more control signals.