Dual-Mode Transmitter Circuit With Shared Upconversion Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modem wireless communications devices require separate RF circuitry for linear and polar modes of operation, leading to unnecessary replication of component circuitry, which increases complexity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode transmitter circuit that uses a single upconversion module with two signal paths, allowing for both linear and polar modes of operation by switching between in-phase and quadrature signals, and amplitude and phase-modulated local oscillator signals, respectively, to minimize circuit replication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate RF circuitry is provided for linear and polar modes, then both modulation formats can be supported, but device complexity and power consumption increase due to unnecessary replication of component circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal upconversion module that can operate in both linear and polar modes by dynamically reconfiguring the signal paths. The same mixers, local oscillators, and signal processing circuits are reused for both modulation formats, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each mode while maintaining full functionality for both QAM and PSK modulations
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate RF circuitry is provided for linear and polar modes, then both modulation formats can be supported, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary replication of component circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal upconversion module that can operate in both linear and polar modes by dynamically reconfiguring the signal paths. The same mixers, local oscillators, and signal processing circuits are reused for both modulation formats, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each mode while maintaining full functionality for both QAM and PSK modulations
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate RF circuitry is provided for linear and polar modes, then both modulation formats can be supported, but die area increases due to unnecessary replication of component circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal upconversion module that can operate in both linear and polar modes by dynamically reconfiguring the signal paths. The same mixers, local oscillators, and signal processing circuits are reused for both modulation formats, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each mode while maintaining full functionality for both QAM and PSK modulations
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus for configuring a transmitter circuit to support linear or polar mode. In the linear mode, a baseband signal is specified by adjusting the amplitudes of in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals, while in the polar mode, the information signal is specified by adjusting the phase of a local oscillator (LO) signal and the amplitude of either an I or a Q signal. In an exemplary embodiment, two mixers are provided for both linear and polar mode, with a set of switches selecting the appropriate input signals provided to one of the mixers based on whether the device is operating in linear or polar mode. In an exemplary embodiment, each mixer may be implemented using a scalable architecture that efficiently adjusts mixer size based on required transmit power.