Configurable LO Buffer and Mixer Topology for Gain-Mode Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communications devices have fixed sizes for local oscillator buffers and mixers, which do not adapt dynamically to the requirements of transmitters or receivers, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of power consumption and linearity.
Innovation Solution
The sizes of local oscillator buffers and mixers are made configurable by selectively enabling or disabling signal paths and using adjustable transistors within the Gilbert multiplier architecture, allowing for dynamic adjustment based on control signals and receiver gain modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mixer size is increased to improve receiver linearity, then linearity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of mixer and LO buffer sizes through switching circuits that can selectively connect different sized components based on operating conditions. The mixer size is adjusted by switching between parallel transistor configurations, and the LO buffer size is adjusted by switching between different buffer circuit implementations, allowing the system to adapt to varying signal conditions and optimize the trade-off between linearity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mixer and LO buffer by switching between different component configurations. The mixer size parameter is changed by switching between different transistor parallel configurations, and the LO buffer size parameter is changed by switching between different buffer circuit implementations, allowing optimization of performance parameters based on operating conditions.
2Power
If the LO buffer size is increased to support a larger mixer, then the mixer can operate at higher power levels, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of LO buffer size through switching circuits that can selectively connect different sized buffer components based on the required transmit power level. The LO buffer size is adjusted by switching between different buffer circuit implementations, allowing the system to provide high power support when needed while consuming minimal power during low-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing multiple LO buffer configurations and selectively enabling only the appropriate buffer size for the current operating condition. Instead of always having the largest LO buffer available, the system uses smaller buffer configurations when high power is not required, reducing power consumption while maintaining the capability to scale up when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size components are used in conventional designs, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different transmission requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixer and LO buffer into multiple configurable units that can be selectively activated. The mixer is segmented into parallel transistor configurations that can be switched independently, and the LO buffer is segmented into different circuit implementations that can be selected based on requirements. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration without requiring completely different hardware for each operating mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single mixer and LO buffer structure that can operate in multiple size configurations. The same physical components can be reconfigured to provide different effective sizes through switching mechanisms, allowing the system to serve multiple transmission requirements with a single unified structure rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
Selectable sizes for a local oscillator (LO) buffer and mixer are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, LO buffer and/or mixer size may be increased when a receiver or transmitter operates in a high gain mode, while LO buffer and/or mixer size may be decreased when the receiver or transmitter operates in a low gain mode. In an exemplary embodiment, LO buffer and mixer sizes are increased and decreased in lock step. Circuit topologies and control schemes for specific exemplary embodiments of LO buffers and mixers having adjustable size are disclosed.