Intermediate Frequency Stage Tuning for RF Receiver Interference

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices with multiple transceivers experience interference between intermediate frequency stage circuitries and receivers due to noise generated during up-conversion, which can impair receiver functionality and is costly to mitigate with hardware solutions.

Innovation Solution

Adjust operating characteristics of intermediate frequency stage circuitries, such as gain values and linearity, to reduce interference, and store these settings for application when receivers are operational, without increasing hardware complexity or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If intermediate frequency stage circuitries operate at high gain levels to improve transmitter performance, then transmitter output power is improved, but interference with receiver signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitter output powerVSAvoidinterference with receiver signals

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of intermediate frequency stage operating characteristics based on real-time detection of receiver operational status. The system continuously monitors whether receivers are active and dynamically modifies gain levels and other parameters of intermediate frequency stages to optimize transmitter performance while minimizing interference to active receivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters (gain levels, frequency offsets) of intermediate frequency stage circuitries based on receiver operational status. When receivers are detected as operational, the system adjusts parameters to reduce interference; when receivers are inactive, parameters are optimized for maximum transmitter power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If hardware solutions are implemented to reduce interference between intermediate frequency stages and receivers, then receiver functionality is protected, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver functionalityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical hardware solutions (such as additional filters, isolators, or shielding components) with a software-based control system. The interference mitigation is achieved through digital adjustment of operating characteristics and gain levels rather than through additional physical components, thereby maintaining receiver functionality without increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service interference mitigation by automatically detecting receiver operational status and adjusting intermediate frequency stage parameters without external intervention. The electronic device autonomously monitors its own operational state and applies appropriate parameter adjustments to prevent interference, eliminating the need for additional hardware protection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If intermediate frequency stage settings are optimized for maximum power output, then transmitter efficiency is improved, but interference with co-located receivers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitter efficiencyVSAvoidinterference with co-located receivers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts intermediate frequency stage settings based on real-time detection of receiver operational status. When receivers are active, the system adjusts parameters to minimize interference even if this reduces transmitter efficiency slightly. When receivers are inactive, the system optimizes for maximum transmitter efficiency and power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12512866B2Systems and methods to reduce interference in a radio frequency device

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 APPLE INC

AI summary

A transmitter of an electronic device may include one or more intermediate frequency stage circuitries. Processing circuitry may select one or more intermediate frequency stage circuitries of the transmitter that output one or more intermediate frequency signals that cause interference with a signal received by a receiver of the electronic device. The processing circuitry may adjust settings of the one or more intermediate frequency stage circuitries to reduce interference with the signal received by the receiver and store the settings. Subsequently, the processing circuitry may receive an indication of an operational mode of the receiver and apply the settings to the one or more intermediate frequency stage circuitries based on the indication.