IF Path Power Detection Sharing for Smaller Receiver Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies require multiple power detectors for each IF path, leading to increased chip area and inefficiency in signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A receiving module design where multiple IF paths share a single power detector through a multiplexer, reducing the number of power detectors and optimizing chip area by alternating signal strength detection across paths with the same carrier frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple power detectors are used for each IF path, then signal detection accuracy is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple IF paths share a common power detector through a multiplexer, merging what would traditionally be separate detection components into a single shared resource. This reduces the total number of power detectors from N (where N is the number of IF paths) to 1, significantly reducing chip area while maintaining detection capability through time-multiplexed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The power detector is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting signals from different IF paths sequentially through the multiplexer. A single power detector serves as a universal detection component that can measure signal strength across multiple RF paths and synthesizers, replacing the need for dedicated detectors for each path
2Reliability
If multiple power detectors are used for each IF path, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power detection function is merged into a single shared component that serves multiple IF paths through time-multiplexed operation. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant detectors and their associated circuitry, while the multiplexer coordinates reliable signal routing from each IF path to the shared detector
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary component that enables the shared power detector to access multiple IF paths. It selectively connects different IF path outputs to the power detector input based on detection requirements, providing reliable signal routing without requiring dedicated detectors for each path
3Productivity
If multiple power detectors are used, then signal processing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power detection functions are merged into a single shared power detector, reducing the total component count and simplifying the manufacturing process. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by reducing the number of detectors that need to be sourced, tested, and assembled, while the time-multiplexed operation maintains signal processing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A receiving module, an operation method thereof and a user equipment using the same are provided. The receiving module comprises a plurality of IF paths associated with a plurality of RF paths, at least one multiplexer (MUX) and at least one power detector (PD). Each of the IF paths comprises a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) and a low-pass filter (LPF). The LPF is coupled to an output of the TIA. The at least one multiplexer is coupled to the IF paths. The at least one PD is selectively coupled to at least two IF paths of the IF paths through the at least one multiplexer, to alternately detect a signal strength of a corresponding node between the TIA and the LPF in a corresponding IF path. The at least two IF paths are associated with at least two RF paths of the RF paths with the same carrier frequency.