Shared Multi-Mixer Filter Topology for Multi-Standard Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receivers face challenges in supporting multiple communication standards like GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, and LTE due to differences in signal bandwidth and out-of-band blocker tolerance, requiring a programmable frequency conversion interface.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mixer system with a filter module that connects mixers to provide different frequency responses for various standards, using tunable filters and variable resistors/capacitors to adjust frequency responses without capacitor switches, allowing for flexible support of multiple standards without increasing chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate filter modules are used to support different communication standards, then frequency response adaptability is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple filter modules into a single shared filter module that serves multiple mixers. The filter module contains multiple internal nodes that can be selectively connected to different mixers, allowing one physical filter structure to provide multiple frequency responses for different communication standards, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The shared filter module is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes. It contains multiple internal nodes that can be configured to provide different frequency responses depending on which mixer is active, making a single filter module universal for supporting multiple communication standards including GSM, WCDMA, and LTE
2Adaptability or versatility
If capacitor switches are used to adjust filter parameters for different standards, then frequency response flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the resistance values through variable resistors to adjust the frequency response of the filter module. By changing the resistance parameter, the filter can adapt to different communication standards without requiring complex capacitor switching mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining flexibility
3Reliability
If dedicated filters are used for each mixer, then out-of-band blocker tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter functions into a single shared filter module with multiple internal nodes. Each internal node can be connected to a specific mixer to provide appropriate filtering for that mixer's frequency range, achieving dedicated filter performance without the complexity of multiple separate filter modules
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 efficient frequency conversion for multiple standards by simplifying filter design and reducing chip area, while maintaining effective out-of-band blocker tolerance and in-band signal handling.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the mixers is selectively enabled to mix an input signal with a corresponding oscillation signal to generate an output signal
Implementation Method 2
the filter module provides different frequency responses for the output signals from at least two of the output nodes of the mixers
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mixer system comprising a plurality of mixers and a filter module is provided. Each of the mixers is selectively enabled to mix an input signal with a corresponding oscillation signal to generate an output signal at an output node; and the filter module provides different frequency responses for the output signals from at least two of the output nodes of the mixers, wherein the at least two of the output nodes of the mixers are connected to different internal nodes of the filter module.