Digital-to-Time Converter Edge Interpolation for Fine Phase Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF communication devices require multiple power amplifiers for each frequency band, leading to increased complexity, die area, and cost, while also demanding higher bandwidth due to advanced technologies like MIMO and carrier aggregation.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple edge interpolator stages in a series configuration within a Digital-to-Time Converter (DTC) to achieve finer phase resolution using thermometric arrays, reducing the number of inverters and power consumption, and minimizing inter-stage buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used for each frequency band, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device complexity and die area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single power amplifier that can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 3.67 GHz and 3.7 GHz) by using a voltage-controlled oscillator and phase modulation techniques. This multi-functional approach allows one amplifier to replace what would traditionally require multiple amplifiers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining broad frequency band coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used for each frequency band, then frequency band coverage is improved, but die area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single power amplifier that can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 3.67 GHz and 3.7 GHz) by using a voltage-controlled oscillator and phase modulation techniques. This multi-functional approach allows one amplifier to replace what would traditionally require multiple amplifiers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining broad frequency band coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple frequency band handling capabilities into a single integrated power amplifier circuit. By merging the functionality of what would traditionally be separate amplifiers into one unified structure with shared components (oscillator, modulation circuitry), the die area is reduced while maintaining support for multiple frequency bands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced technologies like MIMO and carrier aggregation are implemented, then communication capability is improved, but bandwidth requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a voltage-controlled oscillator whose frequency can be dynamically adjusted to support different carrier frequencies required by MIMO and carrier aggregation technologies. This dynamic frequency adjustment capability allows the system to handle multiple carriers and spatial streams without requiring fixed, dedicated hardware for each frequency, thereby managing bandwidth requirements more efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include: a first edge interpolator stage including: a first edge interpolator configured to interpolate, based on a phase modulation code, a first and second signal to generate a first edge interpolated signal comprising a first edge in a time domain between edges of the first and second signal; a second edge interpolator configured to interpolate, based on the phase modulation code, the first and second signal to generate a second edge interpolated signal comprising a second edge in the time domain between edges of the first and second signal; and a second edge interpolator stage configured to: receive the first edge interpolated signal and the second edge interpolated signal; and generate, based on the phase modulation code, a third edge interpolated signal comprising a third edge in the time domain between the edges of the first edge interpolated signal and the second edge interpolated signal.