Frequency Translated Filter for SAW-less SoC Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices rely on discrete components like SAW filters, which are costly and difficult to integrate with evolving IC fabrication processes, especially for analog circuitry, hindering the development of efficient and scalable radio transceivers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a SAW-less receiver and transmitter architecture within a system on a chip (SoC) that incorporates frequency translated bandpass filters (FTBPF) and power amplifiers, eliminating the need for discrete components and enabling integration with advanced IC processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete SAW filters are used in wireless communication devices, then filtering performance is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (SAW filters, power amplifiers, frequency translators) into a single integrated circuit. The frequency translated filter circuit integrates filtering, frequency translation, and amplification functions that were previously implemented as separate discrete components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining filtering performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated frequency translated filter circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it filters unwanted frequencies, translates frequencies between RF and IF domains, and provides signal amplification. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate discrete components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If discrete SAW filters and power amplifiers are used, then required signal processing functions are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges discrete SAW filters, power amplifiers, and frequency translators into a single integrated circuit manufactured using standard IC fabrication processes. This integration eliminates the need to source, stock, and assemble multiple expensive discrete components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining signal processing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and implementation parameters of filter circuits by transitioning from discrete SAW (surface acoustic wave) technology to integrated circuit implementation. This parameter change enables manufacturing using conventional IC processes, significantly reducing cost while maintaining filtering functionality through voltage-controlled oscillators and frequency translation mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete components are integrated with evolving IC fabrication processes, then manufacturing flexibility improves, but integration difficulty increases for analog circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the implementation parameters of analog filtering circuits by replacing discrete SAW filters with voltage-controlled oscillator-based filters that can be manufactured using standard IC processes. This parameter change enables adaptation to evolving fabrication technologies while maintaining filtering performance, resolving the integration difficulty for analog circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/discrete component-based filtering (SAW filters) with electronic-based filtering using voltage-controlled oscillators and frequency translation. This substitution enables integration with IC fabrication processes, improving manufacturing flexibility while the modular architecture manages integration complexity.
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 solution reduces the cost and complexity of wireless communication devices by integrating filtering and amplification functions within the SoC, enhancing scalability and performance while minimizing the use of expensive discrete components.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage controlled oscillator having a center frequency translateable to a different center frequency in response to a control voltage
Implementation Method 2
a mixer combining the voltage controlled oscillator and the bandpass filter
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency translation filter includes a baseband filter circuit, a clock generator, and a switching circuit. The baseband filter circuit is operable to provide a baseband filter response. The clock generator is operable to generate multiple-phase clock signals at a desired frequency. The switching circuit is operable to frequency translate the baseband filter response of the baseband filter circuit to a high frequency filter response in accordance with the multiple-phase clock signals.