Multiband Up-Down Converter Using Dynamic Local Oscillator Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional up-down converters require separate design and management for different frequency bands, leading to inefficiencies in design, manufacturing, and operation due to the need for distinct parameters and structures for each band.

Innovation Solution

An up-down converter that controls the frequency of a first local signal and a second local signal based on the input RF signal, allowing for operation across multiple frequency bands with a unified structure, including a control circuit, local oscillators, filters, and mixers, which can process a plurality of frequency bands efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate up-down converters are designed for different frequency bands, then each frequency band can be processed with optimized parameters, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band processing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of up-down converters
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single up-down converter that can process multiple frequency bands (e.g., RB1, RB2, RB3) by dynamically adjusting the local oscillator frequency and filter parameters. This universal design eliminates the need for separate converters for each frequency band, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to process different frequency bands efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic parameter adjustment where the local oscillator frequency, filter central frequencies, and bandwidths are changed based on the target frequency band. This dynamic adaptability allows a single converter structure to serve multiple frequency bands, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate up-down converters are used for different frequency bands, then each converter can be optimized for its specific band, but design and manufacturing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band specializationVSAvoiddesign and manufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single universal up-down converter that can be reconfigured for different frequency bands through parameter adjustment, the patent eliminates the need for separate design and manufacturing cycles for each frequency band converter, significantly reducing development time while maintaining frequency band optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves frequency band optimization through parameter changes rather than structural changes. By adjusting local oscillator frequency, filter parameters, and control signals, the same hardware structure can be optimized for different frequency bands, reducing design and manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple up-down converters are deployed for multiband support, then frequency band coverage is improved, but management convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiband support capabilityVSAvoidconverter management convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single up-down converter with universal functionality that can process multiple frequency bands by receiving control signals that adjust its operating parameters. This unified management approach improves ease of operation compared to managing multiple separate converters, while still providing comprehensive multiband support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution simplifies the design and manufacturing of communication devices by enabling multiband support and improving management convenience, as all frequency bands can be processed by a single up-down converter unit with adjustable local signals.

Implementation Method 1

a local oscillation unit for generating a first local signal and a second local signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLocal oscillation:

Implementation Method 2

a first frequency conversion unit for converting the input RF signal into a first intermediate frequency signal having a first frequency lower than a frequency of the input RF signal by using the first local signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency mixing: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 3

a second frequency conversion unit for converting the first intermediate frequency signal into a second intermediate frequency signal having a second frequency higher than a frequency of the first intermediate frequency signal by using the second local signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency mixing: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 4

a first local filter, a second local filter, a first RF filter, a second RF filter, and a first IF filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3244530B1Up-down converter
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SOLID
  • EP3244530B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3244530B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3244530B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, an up-down converter includes a first mixer configured to convert an input radio frequency (RF) signal into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal using a first local signal; an IF filter configured to filter the IF signal converted by the first mixer; a second mixer configured to convert the IF signal, which has been filtered by the IF filter, into an output RF signal using a second local signal; and a local oscillator configured to control a frequency of the first local signal and the second local signal based on a frequency of the input RF signal.