Mixer Slice Calibration for RF Transmitter Gain Asymmetry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
RF circuits in transceivers and transmitters face issues with gain asymmetry variation, leading to inconsistent AC responses, longer calibration times, and increased complexity due to varying impedance values and slicing capabilities of RC filters.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design with multiple RC filters and mixer slices that provide a consistent gain asymmetry across all slices, coupled with a calibration unit to determine gain asymmetry characteristics and a digital compensation unit to adjust the gain over frequency, ensuring reduced calibration time and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RC filter slicing is implemented in transmitter circuits, then bandwidth and signal processing capability are improved, but gain asymmetry variation increases and calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the impedance of the voltage source in response to different slice configurations. The circuit monitors which slices are active and modifies the voltage source impedance accordingly to compensate for gain asymmetry, thereby maintaining consistent performance across all slice combinations without requiring complex calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the actual gain asymmetry introduced by active slices and automatically adjusts the voltage source impedance to compensate. This closed-loop approach enables the circuit to self-correct gain variations in real-time, eliminating the need for lengthy external calibration processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If RC filter slicing is implemented in transmitter circuits, then bandwidth and signal processing capability are improved, but calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the voltage source impedance characteristics to anticipate and compensate for gain asymmetry before signal transmission begins. The circuit is designed with built-in impedance adjustment capabilities that are automatically activated based on slice configuration, eliminating the need for time-consuming external calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic gain asymmetry compensation where the circuit monitors its own slice configuration and autonomously adjusts the voltage source impedance to maintain optimal performance. This self-correcting mechanism eliminates dependency on external calibration equipment and procedures, significantly reducing calibration time
3Adaptability or versatility
If varying impedance values are used in RC filter slices, then slicing flexibility is improved, but AC response consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying the voltage source impedance based on the active slice configuration. When slices with varying impedance values are activated, the voltage source automatically adjusts its output impedance to compensate, thereby maintaining consistent AC response characteristics across all slicing configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements counterweight by introducing an opposing impedance adjustment mechanism that balances the varying impedance effects of active slices. The voltage source impedance is adjusted in the opposite direction to the slice impedance variations, effectively canceling out their impact and maintaining AC response consistency
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a circuit with slicing wherein a gain asymmetry variation is decreased across the plurality of mixer slices. In one or more embodiments, a calibration unit can be provided to determine the characteristics of gain asymmetry variation; and a digital compensation unit can be provided to adjust the gain of the circuit over frequency.