Multiplexer Frequency Extender for Low-Interference RF Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency extension systems are complex, bulky, consume high power, are costly, and suffer from interference issues, making them difficult to switch and integrate effectively in RF or microwave circuit applications.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexer-based frequency extender with a preamplifier, multiple differential pairs, and bias current control circuits, along with frequency multipliers or dividers, which allows for efficient signal amplification and isolation, reducing size and power consumption while enhancing switching convenience and interference robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing frequency extension systems are used, then frequency coverage can be extended, but the circuit structure becomes complicated and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency extension system is divided into multiple independent frequency multipliers (e.g., ×2, ×3, ×4) that can be selectively activated. Each multiplier processes a portion of the frequency range, and the multiplexer selects the appropriate output, thereby extending frequency coverage while keeping each individual circuit block relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer serves multiple functions: it selects among multiple frequency multiplier outputs, switches between different frequency ranges, and integrates the outputs from various multipliers. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate switching and selection circuits, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing frequency extension systems are used, then frequency coverage can be extended, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic switching control to activate only the required frequency multiplier and its associated differential pair at any given time. By switching between different frequency ranges periodically or on-demand rather than maintaining all circuits active simultaneously, the power consumption is significantly reduced while still providing full frequency coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias current control circuits dynamically adjust the operating state of each differential pair based on the selected frequency range. When a particular frequency multiplier is not in use, its differential pair can be placed in a low-power or off state, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the actual operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing frequency extension systems are used, then frequency coverage can be extended, but interference between different output frequencies occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful interference between different frequency outputs is extracted and isolated by giving each frequency multiplier its own dedicated differential pair with separate bias current control. This separation ensures that signals from different frequency multipliers do not interact or interfere with each other, as each differential pair processes only its assigned frequency range independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary component that receives outputs from multiple frequency multipliers and selectively passes only the desired frequency output to the next stage. This intermediary function prevents direct interaction between different frequency signals, thereby eliminating interference while still allowing all frequency ranges to be available.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing frequency extension systems are used, then frequency coverage can be extended, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple frequency multipliers and their associated differential pairs are merged into a single integrated frequency extension device. By combining these functions into one unified circuit block with shared components like the multiplexer and common bias current control structures, the manufacturing cost is reduced compared to implementing separate frequency extension circuits for each frequency range.
5Adaptability or versatility
If existing frequency extension systems are used, then frequency coverage can be extended, but the circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency extension system employs a nested structure where multiple frequency multipliers are arranged in a hierarchical manner with the multiplexer at the core. The differential pairs are nested within the frequency multiplier blocks, and the bias current control circuits are integrated within each differential pair structure. This nesting allows compact arrangement of multiple frequency extension functions in a small area.
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 provides a compact, low-power, cost-effective frequency extension system with improved sensitivity, dynamic range, and reduced interference, enabling easy integration and efficient frequency switching in RF applications.
Implementation Method 1
a preamplifier, wherein an RF input signal is input to and amplified by the preamplifier
Implementation Method 2
an input RF differential signal received at an input port of the multiplexer is amplified by a differential pair of two NPN transistors
Implementation Method 3
the multiplexer couples to at least one frequency multiplier (or one frequency divider), when there are multiple frequency multipliers (or frequency dividers), the multiple frequency multipliers (or frequency dividers) are coupled in series
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a multiplexer based frequency extender comprising a preamplifier to receive a RF input signal and output a pre-amplified RF signal, at least one frequency multiplier or at least one frequency divider, and a multiplexer. The multiplexer comprises multiple differential pairs, each differential pair comprises a corresponding bias current control circuit that switches ON or OFF a bias current flowing through a corresponding differential pair. The at least one frequency multiplier or the at least one frequency divider receives the pre-amplified RF signal and outputs a frequency-multiplied RF signal or a frequency-divided signal. The multiplexer couples to receive the pre-amplified RF signal, the frequency-multiplied RF signal and/or the frequency-divided signal, the multiplexer selects a signal from the received signals and outputs based on the selected signal a multiplexer output signal.