Multi-Carrier Receiver Architecture for Wireless Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication receivers struggle to support multiple wireless standards like MC-GSM, WCDMA, and LTE with a single monolithic platform due to differing signal characteristics, particularly the high image and harmonic distortion rejection requirements of MC-GSM, which are not feasible with direct conversion receivers.
Innovation Solution
A monolithically integrated receiver architecture that employs direct conversion for signals like LTE and WCDMA, while using low IF conversion for MC-GSM, utilizing a common circuit design with quadrature mixers, analog-to-digital converters, and digital signal processing to suppress harmonic distortions, allowing for simultaneous support of multiple standards and bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If direct conversion is used for MC-GSM, then circuit components are eliminated and cost is reduced, but image rejection and harmonic distortion rejection requirements become impractical to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is segmented into multiple independent signal paths: a direct conversion path for WCDMA/LTE signals and a heterodyne conversion path for MC-GSM signals. Each path is optimized for its specific signal type, allowing the system to meet the stringent image rejection requirements for MC-GSM while maintaining cost-effectiveness through selective application of conversion methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver implements a universal architecture that can handle multiple wireless standards (WCDMA, LTE, MC-GSM) through a single platform. The system uses a common RF front-end and baseband processor, with configurable conversion paths that adapt to different signal types, eliminating the need for separate receivers for each standard.
2Reliability
If heterodyne conversion is used for MC-GSM, then image rejection and harmonic distortion rejection requirements are met, but the receiver becomes complex and not amenable to monolithic integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the direct conversion and heterodyne conversion paths into a single integrated receiver architecture. Common components such as the RF amplifier, local oscillator generation, and digital signal processing are shared between both paths, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the performance benefits of heterodyne conversion for MC-GSM signals.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate frequency (IF) stage is introduced as a mediator between the RF front-end and baseband processing. This IF stage enables the system to achieve the required image rejection for MC-GSM signals while using integrated circuit-friendly components and architectures, bridging the gap between performance requirements and monolithic integration capabilities.
3Reliability
If separate receivers are used for each carrier, then signal processing performance is optimized, but cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver implements a universal architecture that can handle multiple wireless standards (WCDMA, LTE, MC-GSM) through a single platform. The system uses a common RF front-end and baseband processor, with configurable conversion paths that adapt to different signal types, eliminating the need for separate receivers for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver employs dynamic configuration of signal processing paths based on the detected signal type. The system can switch between direct conversion and heterodyne conversion modes, and dynamically allocate processing resources to different carriers and standards, maintaining optimized performance while reducing overall system complexity through resource sharing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective, compact, and high-performance reception of multiple wireless standards and bands by reusing circuit components, effectively addressing the limitations of direct conversion for MC-GSM through low IF conversion and digital signal processing, thereby improving communication quality and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a quadrature mixture, coupled to the RF section, to downconvert a first group of wireless signals directly to baseband frequency quadrature signals and to downconvert a second group of wireless signals to intermediate frequency quadrature signals
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a receiver. The receiver may include an RF section and a quadrature mixture, coupled to the RF section, to downconvert a first group of wireless signals directly to baseband frequency quadrature signals and to downconvert a second group of wireless signals to intermediate frequency quadrature signals. The receiver may also include a pair of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to convert the downconverted quadrature signals to corresponding digital quadrature signals. Further, the receiver may include a digital section having two paths to perform signal processing on the digital baseband frequency quadrature signals and to downconvert the digital intermediate frequency signals to baseband cancelling a third order harmonic distortion therein. The receiver may be provided on a monolithically integrated circuit.