Configurable Harmonic Rejection Mixer for Multi-Band Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face interference issues due to the co-location of processing paths for sub-6 GHz and mmWave signals, which complicates the operation of RF transceivers and degrades performance, especially in carrier aggregation scenarios where different frequency bands can interfere with each other.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of harmonic rejection mixers (HRMs) with tunable elements in RF transceivers, which include configurable RF degeneration components to suppress higher-order harmonics, allowing the RF transceiver to be configured based on active frequency bands and carrier aggregation configurations to reduce interference between signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If processing paths for sub-6 GHz and mmWave signals are co-located in RF transceivers, then device integration and compactness are improved, but interference between different frequency bands occurs degrading signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The processing path is segmented into multiple parallel downconversion paths (first downconversion path and second downconversion path), each handling different frequency bands separately. This segmentation allows independent processing of sub-6 GHz and mmWave signals, preventing interference while maintaining compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Frequency conversion intermediaries (first frequency conversion and second frequency conversion stages) are introduced to transform signals from different frequency bands into separate intermediate frequency ranges before further processing. This intermediary conversion acts as a buffer that prevents direct interference between original frequency bands while enabling subsequent unified processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands are processed through the same RF transceiver, then carrier aggregation capability is improved, but harmonic interference between bands degrades performance
Solution Approach 1:
Different downconversion paths are assigned different local oscillator frequencies and processing characteristics optimized for their specific frequency bands. The first downconversion path uses parameters optimized for sub-6 GHz bands while the second path uses parameters optimized for mmWave bands, allowing each path to process its designated bands with high fidelity without generating harmful harmonics that would affect other bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the frequency domain problem into a path-domain solution by creating separate processing dimensions (first downconversion path and second downconversion path). This dimensional separation allows simultaneous processing of multiple frequency bands in different processing spaces, preventing harmonic interference while maintaining carrier aggregation versatility.
3Device complexity
If a single RF transceiver processes multiple frequency ranges, then component duplication is reduced, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF transceiver is designed with universal processing capabilities that can handle multiple frequency bands through a unified architecture. The multiple downconversion paths share common components (such as amplifiers, filters, and baseband processing units) while maintaining band-specific conversion stages, reducing overall component duplication while preserving the ability to process various frequency ranges and carrier aggregation configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication that support reconfiguring degeneration components in a converged RF transceiver supporting carrier aggregation across sub-6 GHz frequency bands and mmWave frequency bands. In a first aspect, an apparatus includes an input port configured to receive a mixer input signal; a first mixer forming at least a portion of an HRM mixer and coupled to the input port; a first configurable degeneration component of a first processing path coupled between the input port and the first mixer; and a controller coupled to the first degeneration component, wherein the controller is configured to control a first aspect of a first degeneration component. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.