FDD Transceiver Calibration via Dynamic LO Frequency Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating frequency-division duplexing (FDD) transceivers is challenging due to signal impairments like I/Q mismatch, which occur in both transmitter and receiver units, affecting signal quality and requiring effective compensation techniques.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that allows FDD transceivers to operate in both normal and calibration modes, using switches and phase shifters to provide local oscillator signals to mixers, enabling loop-back calibration and determining I/Q mismatch parameters to reduce gain and phase mismatches, thereby improving signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If FDD transceivers use distinct frequencies for transmit and receive operations, then frequency-division duplexing is achieved, but transmit data cannot be looped back to receiver for calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the local oscillator frequency dynamic and reconfigurable. During normal operation, the LO operates at the receive frequency for down-conversion. During calibration mode, the LO frequency is dynamically changed to match the transmit frequency, enabling the receiver to process looped-back transmit signals. This frequency switching capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt between FDD operation and calibration modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration mode that bridges the gap between transmit and receive paths. By using a switch to route the transmit signal to the receiver input and reconfiguring the LO frequency, the system creates an intermediate calibration path that allows calibration without requiring separate hardware loops for each frequency. This intermediary mechanism enables calibration while maintaining FDD operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If I/Q mismatch calibration is performed in FDD transceivers, then signal quality improves, but additional calibration modes and frequency switching are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the receiver and local oscillator serve multiple functions. The receiver can process both normal receive signals and looped-back transmit calibration signals. The local oscillator can operate at both receive frequency and transmit frequency. This multi-functionality allows I/Q mismatch calibration using existing hardware components, reducing the need for additional dedicated calibration hardware and minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the transceiver to perform its own calibration using its existing components. The receiver unit calibrates itself by processing looped-back transmit signals, and the local oscillator reconfigures itself to the appropriate frequency for calibration mode. This self-calibration capability eliminates the need for external calibration equipment or complex additional calibration circuits.
3Ease of operation
If local oscillator frequency is changed for calibration, then loop-back calibration becomes possible, but frequency switching between transmit and receive modes is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frequency switching function with the existing mode control infrastructure. The same control logic that manages transmit/receive mode switching is extended to also control LO frequency switching for calibration. By combining these frequency control functions into a unified control mechanism, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated switching circuits and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency-division duplexing (FDD) transceiver includes a first mixer to up-convert a transmit signal and a first switch, coupled to the first mixer, to selectively provide a transmit local oscillator signal or a receive local oscillator signal to the first mixer. The transmit local oscillator signal has a first frequency and the receive local oscillator signal has a second frequency distinct from the first frequency. The FDD transceiver also includes a second mixer to down-convert a receive signal and a second switch, coupled to the second mixer, to selectively provide the transmit local oscillator signal or the receive local oscillator signal to the second mixer.


