Multi-Spectrum Receiver Front End With Shared RF-IF Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superheterodyne receiver architectures are hindered by high active component counts, leading to large, expensive, and power-hungry circuits.
Innovation Solution
A radio receiver front-end design featuring a shared amplification path for both radio frequency (RF) and intermediate frequency (IF) signals, utilizing a first N-plexer for frequency multiplexing and a second N-plexer for demultiplexing, along with a mixer and controllable attenuator to amplify and filter signals efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional superheterodyne receiver architecture is used, then signal reception function is achieved, but active component count is high leading to large circuit size, high cost, and high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate RF and IF amplification paths into a single shared amplification path. The amplifier processes both RF signals and IF signals sequentially, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers and reducing the active component count while maintaining proper signal amplification and reception functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The shared amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: amplifying RF signals during RF processing and amplifying IF signals during IF processing. This multi-functional approach reduces component count while maintaining all necessary signal processing capabilities
2Power
If separate amplification paths for RF and IF signals are used, then signal amplification quality is maintained, but circuit size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching using N-plexers to route different signal types (RF or IF) through the shared amplifier at different times. The controllable attenuator also dynamically adjusts signal levels to maintain optimal amplification conditions for different signal types, ensuring signal quality while reducing power consumption through the shared path
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 design reduces circuit size, cost, and power consumption while maintaining effective signal amplification and filtering, suitable for various applications including GPS and cellular telephony.
Implementation Method 1
a first N-plexer arranged to perform frequency multiplexing, the first N-plexer comprising: a first port configured to receive signal(s) comprising one or more signals of a radio frequency (RF) band; a second port configured to receive signal(s) comprising one or more signals of an intermediate frequency (IF) band; and a third port configured to provide signals comprising the one or more signals of the RF band and the one or more signals of the IF band
Implementation Method 2
the shared amplification path comprising: a first amplifier; and a controllable attenuator arranged in series with the first amplifier; wherein the shared amplification path is configured to amplify at least both RF signals and IF signals
Implementation Method 3
a mixer configured to multiply a local oscillator (LO) signal with signal(s) comprising the one or more amplified signals of the RF band to generate a plurality of signals including the one or more signals of the IF band
Implementation Method 4
an IF filter arranged in a signal path between an output of the mixer and the second port of the first N-plexer, wherein the IF filter is configured to filter the plurality of signals to extract the one or more signals of the IF band
Implementation Method 5
a second N-plexer arranged to perform frequency demultiplexing, the second N-plexer comprising: a first port coupled to the output node of the shared amplification path to receive signals comprising one or more amplified signals of the RF band and one or more amplified signals of the IF band; a second port configured to provide signal(s) comprising one or more amplified signals of the RF band; and a third port configured to provide signal(s) comprising one or more amplified signals of the IF band
Data Source
AI summary
A radio receiver has a front end having a shared amplification path for both radio frequency signals and intermediate frequency signals. In one example, the shared amplification path can include a low noise amplifier and an attenuator. By amplifying both radio frequency (RF) signals and intermediate frequency (IF) signals with the same shared amplification path, gains in power efficiency, and reductions in cost and circuit size can be achieved.