Multiband RF Receiver Phase Switching Without Preselection Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multiband radio receivers require multiple RF preselection filters and low-noise amplifiers for each frequency band, leading to bulkiness and high costs due to the need for dedicated components, and face challenges in handling out-of-band blocking signals, especially in full-duplex FDD systems.
Innovation Solution
A configurable radio frequency receiver architecture that can operate in both 8-phase and 4-phase modes by sharing mixer modules and oscillator arrangements, using a configurable resistor network to adjust the number of phases based on the frequency, reducing the number of components and silicon area required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF preselection filters and LNAs are used for each frequency band, then the receiver can support multiple frequency bands, but the device becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
A single LNA is designed to handle multiple frequency bands by tolerating out-of-band blocking signals directly, eliminating the need for separate RF preselection filters for each band. The receiver achieves multiband capability through one universal LNA rather than multiple band-dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF preselection filters are removed from the system architecture. The invention extracts and eliminates the filtering function by relying on the LNA's inherent ability to tolerate blocking signals, thereby simplifying the overall receiver structure.
2Device complexity
If RF preselection filters are omitted to reduce complexity, then the receiver becomes more compact and cost-effective, but the receiver may be driven into compression by out-of-band blocking signals
Solution Approach 1:
The LNA is designed with specific parameters optimized to tolerate out-of-band blocking signals. By changing and optimizing the LNA's operating parameters and tolerance characteristics, the system can operate without preselection filters while maintaining reliable signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The LNA is pre-designed and optimized to withstand and tolerate out-of-band blocking signals before they can cause compression. This prior cushioning approach ensures the receiver maintains reliability even without external filtering protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single LNA is used without preselection filters, then the bill of materials and complexity are reduced, but the receiver must tolerate larger out-of-band blocking signals
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, fragile external RF preselection filters with a single integrated LNA that is more robust and tolerant. This substitution uses a simpler, more durable component that can withstand harsher signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The LNA is designed to convert the potentially harmful effect of out-of-band blocking signals into a manageable condition. By optimizing the LNA's tolerance characteristics, the system transforms what would be a harmful compression effect into a controlled operating parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable radio frequency receiver is provided. The receiver has at least one low noise amplifier; an oscillator arrangement for producing a plurality of signals having a first number or a second number of separate phases; and multiple mixer modules having inputs connected to an output of the low noise amplifier. The receiver has a configurable resistor network. The receiver is configured such that it can operate in a first mode with said plurality of signals having said first number of phases or a second mode with said plurality of signals having said second number of phases. The configurable resistor network enables the receiver to operate in the first mode in a first configuration, and the second mode in a second configuration. The mixer modules are employed during the operation of the first mode and the second mode.