Harmonic Rejection Mixer Phase Combining for Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixers generate harmonic components during frequency conversion, which introduce noise and require complex phase and gain adjustments to remove, especially when using multiple local oscillation frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A Harmonic Rejection Mixer (HRM) system that employs multiple local oscillation frequencies, frequency converters, phase converters, and a combiner to generate and combine signals, allowing for the removal of harmonic components by controlling the phase and magnitude of output signals from multiple mixers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple local oscillation frequencies are used to remove harmonic components, then the noise is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the harmonic removal function into multiple independent mixers, each handling a specific frequency band or harmonic order. Each mixer processes a segmented portion of the signal, allowing independent optimization and simplifying the overall control complexity while effectively removing harmonics across the entire spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage between the mixers and the final output, where phase and gain adjustments are centralized. This intermediary layer coordinates the multiple local oscillation frequencies and manages the phase/gain relationships, reducing the complexity burden on individual components while maintaining effective harmonic rejection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple mixers are connected in mutual supplementary manner to remove harmonic components, then the harmonic rejection is improved, but the power control becomes complex when one mixer is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the system can adaptively adjust phase and weight settings based on which mixers are active. When one mixer is turned off for power control, the system dynamically recalculates and reconfigures the remaining mixers' parameters, maintaining harmonic rejection performance while enabling flexible power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter change mechanisms that automatically adjust the operating parameters (phase, gain, frequency) of the remaining mixers when the system configuration changes. This allows seamless transition between different power modes while maintaining effective harmonic removal, simplifying power control operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the gain of a mixer using LO signal of 45 degree is set to 1.4 multiple of another mixer, then the noise from harmonic component is minimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-calibration or self-adjustment mechanisms that automatically establish the correct gain relationships between mixers. Rather than requiring precise manual manufacturing settings, the system autonomously adjusts the gain parameters during operation, achieving the optimal 1.4:1 ratio relationship while reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops that monitor the output signals and automatically adjust the gain settings of individual mixers. This feedback mechanism ensures that the gain ratio between mixers (such as the 1.4:1 relationship) is maintained dynamically, compensating for manufacturing variations and reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
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
Effectively removes harmonic components, minimizing noise and enabling efficient power control and calibration, thereby reducing chip size and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer is a circuit for performing a function of multiplying two input signals
Implementation Method 2
The LO signal may include a harmonic component in a frequency which is an odd number-multiple of a basic frequency
Implementation Method 3
at least one phase converter for controlling a phase of an output signal of at least one other mixer
Implementation Method 4
a combiner for combining an output signal of the one mixer with an output signal of the at least one phase converter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of a Harmonic Rejection Mixer (HRM) for removing a harmonic component and an operating method thereof are provided. The HRM includes a Local Oscillator (LO), at least one frequency converter, at least two mixers, at least one phase converter, and a combiner. The LO generates an LO signal. The at least one frequency converter multiplies the LO signal using different variables to provide the same to at least two mixers. The at least two mixers convert a frequency band of an input signal using the LO signal provided from the LO and the at least one frequency converter. The at least one phase converter controls a phase of an output signal of at least one other mixer excluding one of the at least two mixers. The combiner combines an output signal of the one mixer with an output signal of the at least one phase converter.