LNA Output Coupler for Receiver Calibration Without Signal Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low-cost, die-efficient approach to provide calibration signals for calibrating the receivers of a wireless device, as implementing signal generators increases die size and cost, and introduces complex calibration signal circuit routing.
Innovation Solution
A configurable low noise amplifier (LNA) module with an output coupler is used to selectively couple signals between LNA module output terminals, allowing a signal from one receiver to be used as a calibration signal for another, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated test signal generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated signal generators are implemented for calibration, then calibration capability is improved, but die size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LNA module output terminals are designed to serve dual purposes: normal signal output during receiver operation and calibration signal source during calibration mode. By making the LNA outputs universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated signal generators, thereby reducing die size while maintaining calibration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own LNA output signals to perform calibration of other receivers within the same device. This self-service approach allows the receivers to calibrate each other using existing signals, eliminating the need for external or dedicated calibration signal generators and reducing overall die size
2Reliability
If dedicated signal generators are implemented for calibration, then calibration capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LNA module output terminals are designed to serve dual purposes: normal signal output during receiver operation and calibration signal source during calibration mode. By making the LNA outputs universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated signal generators, thereby reducing die size while maintaining calibration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own LNA output signals to perform calibration of other receivers within the same device. This self-service approach allows the receivers to calibrate each other using existing signals, eliminating the need for external or dedicated calibration signal generators and reducing overall die size
3Measurement precision
If additional calibration circuit routing is implemented, then calibration precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration signal source function from separate dedicated generators and integrates it into the existing LNA module output terminals. This extraction eliminates the need for complex dedicated calibration signal routing while maintaining calibration precision by using the same high-quality LNA outputs for both normal operation and calibration purposes
Data Source
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AI summary
An amplifier module (600) with an output coupler (640) is disclosed. The amplifier module (600) may include a plurality of input terminals (601-605) and two or more output terminals (610, 611). Each input terminal may be coupled to an input of an independent amplifier (620-624). Outputs from the independent amplifiers (620-624) may be coupled to the two or more output terminals (610, 611). The amplifier module (600) may include an output coupler (640) to couple the two or more output terminals (610, 611) together. A signal may be received by a first output terminal (610) and be coupled by the output coupler (640) to a second output terminal (611). In some embodiments, when the two or more output terminals (610, 611) are coupled together, the independent amplifiers (620-624) may be made inactive or operated in a minimum gain configuration.