Digital Vector Modulator Switching Circuit Without DAC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vector signal modulators require digital-to-analog converters (DACs) for analog signal control, increasing complexity and production costs due to the use of variable gain amplifiers (VGAs) for adjusting in-phase and quadrature signals.
Innovation Solution
A digital-controlled vector modulator design that eliminates the need for DACs by utilizing a switching circuit with multiple switches controlled by digital bits to adjust in-phase and quadrature signals directly, generating output signals without analog signal conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If variable gain amplifiers (VGAs) are used to adjust in-phase and quadrature signals, then signal amplitude and phase control is achieved, but digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are required which increases device complexity and production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the DAC component from the traditional vector modulator architecture. By using a switching circuit directly controlled by digital bits to adjust the gain of in-phase and quadrature signals, the design eliminates the need for DACs while maintaining signal control capability, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the analog VGA control mechanism with a digital switching circuit. Instead of using analog voltage control through DACs, the invention uses digital bits to directly control switches that adjust signal gain, replacing the analog control mechanism with a digital one to eliminate DAC requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If variable gain amplifiers (VGAs) with analog control are used, then precise gain adjustment is achieved, but production cost increases due to DAC requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the DAC component from the system, directly reducing production cost. The switching circuit uses digital bits to control switches that adjust gain, eliminating the need for expensive DAC hardware while maintaining gain adjustment precision through digital control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from analog voltage (requiring DAC) to digital bits. By using digital switching with multiple bits to control the gain of in-phase and quadrature signals, the system achieves precise gain adjustment through digital parameter control instead of analog conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A vector modulator includes a quadrature component generator, configured to generate an input in-phase signal and an input quadrature signal according to an input radio frequency (RF) signal; a switching circuit, receiving a plurality of bits, comprising a plurality of switches controlled by the plurality of bits, configured to generate an output in-phase signal and an output quadrature signal according to the plurality of bits, where the output in-phase signal and the output quadrature signal are related to input in-phase signal and the input quadrature signal; and a combining module, configured to generate an output RF signal according to the output in-phase signal and the output quadrature signal.