Hybrid Modulation Circuit With Shared RF Path for Lower Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices are limited to either linear or polar modulation modes, leading to inefficiencies such as increased power consumption in linear modulation and restricted bandwidth in polar modulation due to the need for separate circuitry and phase lock loops.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid linear and polar modulation apparatus that integrates both modulation types in a single radio frequency path, reducing component count and allowing selection between modes, utilizing a converter to switch between IQ and Rθ representations and a hybrid circuit with shared components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear modulation circuit is used, then modulation capability for certain protocols is achieved, but power consumption increases due to requirement of linear amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the communication device to adapt between linear and polar modulation modes based on protocol requirements. The system can dynamically select the appropriate modulation path (linear or polar) to match the communication protocol being used, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining protocol compatibility. This is achieved through a switchable architecture where the linear modulation path is activated only when required by the protocol, and polar modulation is used otherwise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the modulation parameter from fixed (either linear or polar) to variable (switchable between linear and polar). By introducing a control mechanism that can change the modulation mode based on protocol requirements, the system achieves both protocol adaptability and power efficiency. The parameter change allows the system to use polar modulation (lower power) for protocols that support it, and switch to linear modulation (higher power) only when necessary for protocol compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate linear and polar modulation circuits are provided, then both modulation modes are supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the linear and polar modulation circuits into a single integrated architecture. Instead of providing completely separate circuits for linear and polar modulation, the system combines them into one unified structure where components are shared between the two modulation modes. This reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device while still supporting both modulation modes through a switchable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal modulation circuit that can perform both linear and polar modulation functions. The integrated circuit is designed with multi-functional components that can operate in different modes depending on the selected configuration. This universal approach allows the system to support multiple modulation modes without requiring dedicated separate circuits for each mode, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If polar modulation with phase lock loop is used, then power consumption is reduced, but bandwidth is restricted by the phase lock loop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth compensation mechanisms that actively adjust the phase lock loop parameters in response to bandwidth requirements. When high bandwidth is needed, the system dynamically modifies the PLL characteristics to prevent restriction. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain low power consumption through polar modulation while compensating for bandwidth limitations when necessary, achieving both power efficiency and adequate data transmission speed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed at a hybrid modulation apparatus which combines a polar modulation circuit and a linear modulation circuit. The hybrid apparatus allows a communications device to function as a polar or a linear modulation circuit with less components as the output of the linear modulation circuit is an input of the polar modulation circuit.