Frequency-Translated Bandpass Filter for SAW-Less Multi-Band Receivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices require expensive discrete components like SAW filters, duplexers, and inductors to meet performance standards for 2G and 3G protocols, which are not scalable with advancements in IC fabrication, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a SAW-less receiver and transmitter architecture that incorporates frequency translated bandpass filters (FTBPF) and power amplifier drivers, eliminating the need for discrete components by integrating their functionality into a system on a chip (SoC) and front-end module (FEM), allowing for scalable and cost-effective wireless communication solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete components like SAW filters, duplexers, and inductors are used to meet performance standards, then performance requirements for 2G and 3G protocols are satisfied, but device cost increases and scalability with IC fabrication advancements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple discrete component functions (SAW filter, duper, inductor) into a single integrated circuit that combines RF-to-IF conversion, filtering, and signal processing capabilities. This merging eliminates the need for separate discrete components while maintaining the required performance standards for 2G and 3G protocols, thereby reducing device cost and improving scalability with IC fabrication advancements
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an RF-to-IF converter, implements filtering through frequency translated bandpass filters, provides signal processing, and supports multiple wireless communication standards. This multi-functionality replaces several specialized discrete components with a single universal integrated solution that maintains performance while improving manufacturability and scalability
2Reliability
If discrete components are used to ensure performance, then signal filtering and processing quality is maintained, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF-to-IF conversion, filtering, and signal processing functions into a single integrated circuit, reducing the number of discrete components from multiple separate elements (SAW filter, duper, inductors, amplifiers) to one unified device. This integration maintains signal filtering quality through carefully designed frequency translated bandpass filters while significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit serves as an intermediary device that performs multiple signal processing operations in sequence within a single chip. It converts RF signals to IF signals, applies filtering through frequency translated bandpass filters, and processes the signal further, thereby maintaining high filtering quality while eliminating the need for multiple external discrete components
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 need for external discrete components, enhances scalability with IC process advancements, and optimizes performance across multiple wireless communication standards, thereby lowering production costs and improving device efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the center frequency of which is translated to an RF carrier frequency
Implementation Method 2
A mixer converts the RF signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal
Data Source
AI summary
A SAW-less receiver includes an FEM interface module, an RF to IF receiver section, and a receiver IF to baseband section. The RF to IF receiver section includes a frequency translated bandpass filter (FTBPF), an LNA, and a mixing section. The FTBPF includes a switching network and baseband impedances. The switching network is operable to frequency translate a baseband filter response to a first RF band frequency response and/or to a second RF frequency band response. The FTBPF filters the inbound RF signal to pass, substantially unattenuated, the first and/or second RF band signal components. The LNA amplifies the first and/or second filtered inbound RF signals and the mixing section mixes the first and/or second amplified inbound RF signals with a corresponding first and/or second local oscillation. The IF to baseband section converts the first and/or second inbound IF signals into first inbound symbol stream(s) and/or second inbound symbol stream(s).