Multi-Path LO Generation for Non-Integer RF Frequencies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual-path communication systems face inefficiencies in power consumption, chip area, and signal loss due to the use of multiple VCOs or multi-stage mixers for non-integer multiple RF frequencies, which are not effectively addressed by existing designs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-path RF system utilizing a single reference oscillation signal to generate multiple LO signals with non-integer multiple relationships, employing a single VCO and single-stage mixers on each path, thereby reducing power consumption and chip area while maintaining signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple VCOs with different VCO frequencies are used to generate LO signals for non-integer multiple RF frequencies, then the system can handle different RF frequencies, but power consumption increases and chip area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different RF frequenciesVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single VCO to serve multiple signal paths with different RF frequencies through frequency division and mixing operations. The first VCO generates a reference oscillation signal that is divided by different integer factors to produce LO signals for multiple RF frequencies, making one oscillator perform the function of multiple oscillators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reference oscillation signal from a single VCO into multiple frequency components through frequency division circuits. Each divided signal is then used in separate mixing stages to generate the required LO signals for different RF frequencies, effectively segmenting the frequency generation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple VCOs with different VCO frequencies are used to generate LO signals for non-integer multiple RF frequencies, then the system can handle different RF frequencies, but chip area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different RF frequenciesVSAvoidchip area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple frequency generation functions into a single VCO system. Instead of having separate VCOs for each RF frequency, the system merges the frequency generation into one VCO whose output is then divided and mixed to produce all required LO signals, reducing the total chip area occupied by oscillator circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-stage mixer is used on each signal path to handle non-integer multiple RF frequencies, then the system can process different RF frequencies, but signal loss increases and larger LO driving current is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process different RF frequenciesVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by using a single-stage mixer that processes the RF signal through one mixing operation. The reference oscillation signal is divided into multiple frequency components that can handle different RF frequencies, allowing the single-stage mixer to process multiple frequency scenarios without requiring multiple cascaded mixing stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250253829A1Multi-path radio frequency system using local oscillation signals with frequencies having non-integer multiple relationship that are generated from same reference oscillation signal and associated local oscillation signal generation method

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

A multi-path radio frequency (RF) system includes a reference oscillation circuit, a local oscillation (LO) generator circuit, and mixer circuits. The reference oscillation circuit generates a reference oscillation signal. The LO generator circuit receives the reference oscillation signal, and generates LO signals according to the reference oscillation signal, where a frequency of the reference oscillation signal is a non-integer multiple of a frequency of at least one of the LO signals. The mixer circuits are located on different signal paths, respectively, and used to receive the LO signals from the LO generator circuit, respectively.