Frequency Translation Filter for Non-Contiguous Carrier Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current frequency translation filter technologies are complex and costly when handling multiple non-contiguous carriers in radio receivers, particularly in scenarios requiring simultaneous transmission over several non-contiguous carriers as proposed in the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard and cognitive radio applications.

Innovation Solution

A simplified frequency translation filter apparatus and method that uses a mixer to combine a radio frequency signal with a local oscillator signal, resulting in a filter with band-pass or composite band-pass/low-pass characteristics, allowing for the selective reception of non-contiguous carriers or frequency ranges by centering pass-bands around the local oscillator frequency and suppressing unwanted signals through stop-bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional frequency translation filter techniques are used for handling multiple non-contiguous carriers, then selectivity for multiple carriers is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselectivity for multiple non-contiguous carriersVSAvoidcomplexity of frequency translation filter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple frequency translation functions into a single filter apparatus. The filter has a frequency dependent load impedance that simultaneously provides multiple pass-bands for different non-contiguous carriers, eliminating the need for separate filters for each carrier and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter apparatus is designed to handle multiple non-contiguous carriers simultaneously through a single unified structure. The frequency dependent load impedance creates multiple pass-bands that can selectively receive different carriers, making the filter universal for handling carrier aggregation scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple frequency translation filters are used to handle non-contiguous carriers, then carrier aggregation is supported, but component size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier aggregation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption of filter system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple frequency translation filters into a single apparatus. By using one filter with multiple pass-bands instead of multiple separate filters, the system reduces power consumption while maintaining carrier aggregation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single filter apparatus performs multiple functions by providing multiple pass-bands for different carriers simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate filter components and their associated power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex IF mixing techniques are used for multiple non-contiguous carriers, then multiple carriers are received, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to receive multiple non-contiguous carriersVSAvoidcircuit complexity of RF front-end

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mixing and filtering functions into a unified frequency translation filter apparatus. The frequency dependent load impedance performs both frequency translation and filtering in one component, simplifying the RF front-end circuitry compared to separate mixing and filtering stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides selectivity for multiple non-contiguous carriers or frequency ranges in the RF front-end of a radio receiver, enabling efficient handling of carrier aggregation with a single RF front-end, maintaining resonance distance to the local oscillator frequency, and optimizing suppression of undesired signals.

Implementation Method 1

a mixer configured to mix the radio frequency signal received on a first input with a local oscillator signal received on a second input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency mixing:

Implementation Method 2

a filter comprising a frequency dependent load impedance, the filter having band-pass characteristics which, when frequency translated by the mixer, contain first and second pass-bands corresponding to the first and second non-contiguous carriers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency selective filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS9112450B2Frequency translation filter apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A frequency translation filter 500 is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal 501 comprising first and second non-contiguous carriers or non-contiguous frequency ranges. The frequency translation filter comprises a mixer 503 configured to mix the RF signal 501 received on a first input with a local oscillator (LO) signal 505 received on a second input. A filter 507 comprises a frequency dependent load impedance, the filter having band-pass characteristics which, when frequency translated using the mixer 503, contain first and second pass-bands corresponding to the first and second non-contiguous carriers or non-contiguous frequency ranges. The first and second pass-bands are centered about the local oscillator frequency.