Multi-Mode RF Front End Using Shared Mixers and Self-Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiofrequency devices require distinct circuits for each of the terminal unit reader mode, tag detection mode, and card emulation mode, leading to increased area, complexity, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A radiofrequency device with a first mixer for in-phase and quadrature downconversion, a gain controllable amplifier, and mixers for self-mixing, along with reconfigurable filters and analog-to-digital converters, allows for shared components across operating modes, reducing complexity and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct circuits are used for each operating mode (reader mode, tag detection mode, card emulation mode), then each mode can be optimized for its specific function, but the device area, complexity, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal signal processing architecture where the same mixer, filter, and analog-to-digital converter circuits are reused across all three operating modes. The system employs mode-specific configuration of these shared components through control signals that adjust mixer local oscillator frequencies, filter bandwidths and center frequencies, and ADC sampling rates, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the shared circuit components based on the active operating mode. The mixers dynamically switch between different local oscillator frequencies, the filters dynamically adjust their transfer characteristics, and the ADC dynamically changes its sampling parameters. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to optimally serve multiple different functional requirements
2Reliability
If distinct circuits are used for each operating mode, then each mode can be optimized for its specific function, but the device area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal signal processing architecture where the same mixer, filter, and analog-to-digital converter circuits are reused across all three operating modes. The system employs mode-specific configuration of these shared components through control signals that adjust mixer local oscillator frequencies, filter bandwidths and center frequencies, and ADC sampling rates, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses the output signals from the mixers and filters across different operating modes. The same signal processing chain that processes reader mode signals is recovered and reused for tag detection mode and card emulation mode, eliminating the need for separate power-consuming circuits and reducing overall energy consumption
3Device complexity
If shared components are used across operating modes, then device area and power consumption are reduced, but the circuits must be reconfigured for different modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the shared circuit components based on the active operating mode. The mixers dynamically switch between different local oscillator frequencies, the filters dynamically adjust their transfer characteristics, and the ADC dynamically changes its sampling parameters. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to optimally serve multiple different functional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements control circuits that receive feedback about the current operating mode and automatically adjust the configuration of shared components accordingly. The control system monitors which mode is active and provides appropriate control signals to configure the mixers, filters, and ADC for optimal performance in that mode, thereby managing the complexity of mode switching automatically
4Reliability
If distinct circuits are used for each operating mode, then each mode can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal signal processing architecture where the same mixer, filter, and analog-to-digital converter circuits are reused across all three operating modes. The system employs mode-specific configuration of these shared components through control signals that adjust mixer local oscillator frequencies, filter bandwidths and center frequencies, and ADC sampling rates, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the previously separate circuits for reader mode, tag detection mode, and card emulation mode into a single integrated signal processing chain. The mixers, filters, and ADC that were previously dedicated to specific modes are now combined and shared across all modes, reducing the total component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to perform all three functions
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
The solution enables efficient operation in multiple modes with reduced circuit complexity and power consumption by reusing components, particularly in card emulation mode, where the amplified signal is self-mixed for lower frequency analog-to-digital conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a first mixer configured, in first and second operating modes, to mix a received radiofrequency signal with a first periodic signal having a frequency equal to a frequency of a carrier of the received radiofrequency signal
Implementation Method 2
a second mixer configured, in the first and second operating modes, to mix the received radiofrequency signal with a second periodic signal having a frequency equal to the frequency of the carrier and being in quadrature with first periodic signal
Implementation Method 3
a gain controllable amplifier configured, in a third operating mode, to provide an amplified signal of the received radiofrequency signal
Implementation Method 4
a third mixer configured, in the third operating mode, to mix the amplified signal with itself
Data Source
AI summary
A radiofrequency device operates in a reader mode, in a tag detection mode, and in a card emulation mode. The device includes a first mixer, a second mixer, a gain controllable amplifier and a third mixer. In the reader and tag detection modes, the first mixer mixes a received radiofrequency signal with a first periodic signal having a frequency equal to a frequency of a carrier of the received radiofrequency signal, and the second mixer mixes the received radiofrequency signal with a second periodic signal having a frequency equal to the frequency of the carrier and being in quadrature with first periodic signal. In the card emulation mode, the gain controllable amplifier amplifies the received radiofrequency signal, and the third mixer mixes the amplified signal with itself.