Dual-Tuner Channel Filter Alignment Without Extra Oscillators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning channel filters in RF communications systems, such as the master-slave solution, require additional circuitry and power, leading to increased noise and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with dual tuners, where a bandwidth controller cross-couples local oscillators to generate calibration tones and adjusts filter bandwidth based on amplitude measurements to align channel filters without additional oscillators, reducing noise and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the master-slave solution is used for aligning channel filters, then filter alignment is achieved, but additional circuitry and power are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function with the existing tuner circuitry by using the slave tuner's channel filter to align the master tuner's channel filter. This eliminates the need for separate alignment circuitry by merging the alignment function into the existing dual-tuner structure, where the slave tuner serves dual purposes: receiving signals and providing alignment reference for the master tuner.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by using its own slave tuner as the reference for aligning the master tuner. The slave tuner's channel filter characteristics are used to automatically adjust and align the master tuner's channel filter without requiring external alignment equipment or additional dedicated alignment circuitry, enabling the system to align itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If the master-slave solution is used for aligning channel filters, then filter alignment is achieved, but noise is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the traditional master-slave oscillator architecture and implements it solely through the channel filters. By removing the FLL and loop filter components and using only the channel filter transfer functions for alignment, the harmful noise generated by oscillator-based alignment mechanisms is eliminated while preserving the alignment capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the master-slave solution is used for aligning channel filters, then filter alignment is achieved, but power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment operation with the normal signal reception and processing operations of the dual-tuner system. By using the channel filter transfer functions during regular operation to perform alignment, the system eliminates the need for separate alignment power-consuming components such as FLL circuitry and loop filters, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining alignment accuracy.
4Manufacturing precision
If the master-slave solution is used for aligning channel filters, then filter alignment is achieved, but layout complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the FLL and loop filter components from the system layout, retaining only the essential channel filter alignment mechanism. This simplification reduces the physical layout complexity and component placement requirements while maintaining the core alignment functionality through the channel filter transfer function approach.
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 approach effectively aligns channel filters with reduced noise and power consumption, improving the efficiency and performance of RF communications systems.
Implementation Method 1
a bandwidth controller may cross-couple the local oscillator of each tuner to the input of the mixer of the opposite tuner, enabling each tuner to have two separate frequencies for its respective mixer
Implementation Method 2
The bandwidth controller may then determine an amplitude difference between two separate measurements of a channel filter output
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods that align channel filters for dual tuners are disclosed. An embodiment may comprise an IC having two tuners. Each tuner may have a low-noise amplifier, a mixer with a local oscillator, and channel filter. To perform a channel filter alignment, a bandwidth controller may cross-couple the local oscillator of each tuner to the input of the mixer of the opposite tuner. The bandwidth controller may adjust the frequencies of the local oscillators to produce different configuration tone frequencies at the outputs of the mixers, which are inputs to the channel filters. The bandwidth controller may then determine an amplitude difference between two separate measurements of a channel filter output and, based on a comparison of the measurements with predicted values, increment or decrement the filter bandwidth for each tuner and store parameters for the channel filters which create the largest signal amplitudes.