Oscillator Phase Shifting to Cancel RF Remodulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

RF coupling between the power amplifier and oscillator in wireless transmitters leads to oscillator remodulation, particularly in transmitters with integrated circuits, causing phase or frequency modulation and affecting signal quality.

Innovation Solution

A phase shifting circuit is introduced between the signal generator and amplifier to cancel remodulation by shifting the phase of the signal, with an optional controller to adjust the phase shift based on distortion measurements and maintain constant output power, optimizing the phase delay for improved signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the power amplifier and oscillator are manufactured in the same integrated circuit to reduce device complexity, then manufacturing precision and integration are improved, but oscillator remodulation increases due to RF coupling between the amplifier and oscillator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmitter structureVSAvoidoscillator remodulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A phase shifting circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the signal generator and power amplifier. This circuit modifies the phase of the amplified signal to create destructive interference with the parasitic feedback signal, thereby canceling the remodulation effect while maintaining the integrated circuit architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase shifting circuit applies a preliminary phase adjustment to the signal before amplification, such that the amplified signal's phase is预先 set to counteract the remodulation that will occur during amplification. This preemptive phase shifting creates opposition to the harmful feedback effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If phase shifting is applied to cancel remodulation, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuit components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phase shifting circuit changes the phase parameter of the signal to achieve remodulation cancellation. By adjusting this single parameter (phase) rather than redesigning the entire transmitter architecture, the solution improves signal quality with minimal added complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The phase shifting circuit serves as a relatively simple intermediary component that mediates between the signal generator and power amplifier, providing the necessary phase adjustment without requiring complex additional circuitry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 phase shifting circuit effectively reduces or eliminates remodulation, improving signal quality by minimizing frequency deviation and distortion, even in the presence of IC process variations and temperature changes.

Implementation Method 1

a phase shifting circuit coupled between the signal generator and the amplifier and arranged to shift the phase of the signal to cancel remodulation of the signal generator by the amplified signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 2

oscillator remodulation can occur because of RF coupling between the power amplifier and the oscillator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF coupling:

Data Source

PatentUS8200170B2Cancellation of oscillator remodulation
Publication Date: 2012.06.12 NXP BV
  • US8200170B2 patent drawing
  • US8200170B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless transmitter (100) comprises a signal generator (10) for generating a signal, an amplifier (50) for amplifying the signal, and a phase shifting circuit (20) coupled between the signal generator (10) and the amplifier (50) and arranged to shift the phase of the signal to cancel remodulation of the signal generator (10) by the amplified signal.