Multi-Tuner Transceiver Using One Oscillator to Limit Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple wireless features in consumer products, such as mobile phones and car radios, faces challenges due to coexistence issues like crosstalk between transceivers, leading to increased cost, power dissipation, and chip area, which hinders effective multi-tuner operation on a single IC.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single fixed-frequency oscillator with a wide IF-ADC bandwidth to accommodate multiple channels, allowing for concurrent operation of multiple tuners by correcting frequency offsets in the digital domain, reducing oscillator coupling and simplifying the design with lower power consumption and smaller chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate integrated circuits are used to implement wireless features, then coexistence issues and crosstalk are reduced, but cost and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tuner functions (FM, AM, SW receivers) and wireless features (GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi) onto a single integrated circuit. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate ICs, reducing both cost and footprint while managing coexistence challenges through shared oscillator architecture and digital signal processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple wireless standards and tuner types simultaneously. A single IC provides FM receiver, AM receiver, SW receiver, GPS receiver, Bluetooth, and WiFi capabilities, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each feature.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple tuners are integrated on the same IC, then cost and footprint are reduced, but crosstalk and coexistence problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tuning functions across multiple independent receiver modules (FM receiver, AM receiver, SW receiver) that share a common oscillator system. Each receiver module operates independently with its own signal processing chain, allowing concurrent operation while minimizing interference through architectural separation and frequency domain isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital signal processing intermediaries and frequency offset correction mechanisms as mediators between the shared oscillator and multiple receivers. These intermediaries compensate for frequency variations and crosstalk effects, enabling clean simultaneous operation of multiple tuners that share the same oscillator resource.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable frequency oscillator is used for each receiver, then frequency flexibility is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single fixed-frequency oscillator that serves multiple receiver functions (FM, AM, SW) simultaneously. This universal oscillator approach eliminates the need for separate variable frequency oscillators for each receiver, reducing complexity and power consumption while maintaining frequency flexibility through digital signal processing and frequency conversion techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the fixed-frequency oscillator system by using digital signal processing to achieve frequency conversion and adaptation. Instead of physically varying the oscillator frequency, the system processes signals digitally to achieve the same effect, thereby maintaining frequency flexibility without requiring variable frequency oscillators.
4Device complexity
If a single fixed frequency oscillator is used for multiple tuners, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but frequency offset and measurement precision challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through frequency offset estimation and correction algorithms that continuously monitor and adjust the frequency accuracy of each receiver. By measuring the actual frequency offset from the fixed oscillator and applying corrective transformations in the digital signal processing stage, the system maintains high frequency precision despite using a single fixed-frequency oscillator for multiple tuners.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method is for using a multi-tune transceiver. A single oscillator (VCO/DCO) is provided that is electronically connected to a divider (112). An input channel (102) is provided that is in communication with the divider and an analog-to-digital converter (116). The input channel has a first bandwidth and the converter has a second bandwidth that is broader than the first bandwidth. The single oscillator (VCO/DCO) operates at a frequency higher than frequencies inside the reception band such as the FM band. The divider divides the frequency of the single oscillator that is used as input when producing overlapping sub-bands that cover the entire reception band.