Switchable-Output Passive Transmitter Core for Multi-Standard RF
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-mode and multi-band transmitter cores for wireless devices are inefficient in terms of silicon area consumption and power usage due to dedicated signal paths for different communication standards, leading to larger chip size and higher power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A multi-standard transmitter core design that incorporates a filter, mixer, digital variable gain amplifier (DVGA), and transformer, allowing for shared hardware paths and adjustable components to support multiple communication standards like WCDMA/EDGE/GSM, with a programmable divider and switch circuit to optimize performance across different standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated signal paths or hardware are used for each communication standard (WCDMA/EDGE/GSM), then communication compatibility across multiple standards is achieved, but silicon area consumption increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transmitter core architecture where a single filter, mixer, and amplifier chain serves multiple communication standards (WCDMA, EDGE, GSM). The baseband processor is configured to generate appropriate signals for different standards, and the RF front-end selectively activates required components, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware paths for each standard while maintaining full multi-standard compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate signal processing functions into a unified architecture. The filter is designed to handle multiple standards' frequency requirements, the mixer supports multiple local oscillator frequencies for different bands, and the amplifier chain serves all standards共用. This consolidation reduces the total silicon area by eliminating redundant components that would exist in separate dedicated paths
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated signal paths or hardware are used for each communication standard (WCDMA/EDGE/GSM), then communication compatibility across multiple standards is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic component activation where the RF front-end selectively enables only the necessary filter banks, mixers, and amplifiers based on the currently active communication standard and frequency band. The baseband processor dynamically configures signal paths and the RF controller activates/deactivates hardware components as needed, ensuring that power is consumed only by actively used components rather than all components continuously
Solution Approach 2:
By using universal components that can operate across multiple standards rather than dedicated components for each standard, the patent reduces the total number of active hardware elements required at any given time. A single amplifier chain serves all standards, a single mixer handles multiple frequencies, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining multi-standard capability
3Area of stationary object
If a single shared hardware path is used for multiple communication standards, then silicon area consumption is minimized, but performance optimization for different standards becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the baseband processor and RF front-end can adjust operating parameters in real-time based on the active communication standard. Filter coefficients, mixer local oscillator frequencies, amplifier gain settings, and other critical parameters are dynamically optimized for each specific standard (WCDMA, EDGE, GSM) and frequency band, ensuring peak performance despite using shared hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter-based optimization where the same physical hardware components operate with different electrical parameters depending on the active standard. The filter bank selects different frequency ranges, the mixer uses different local oscillator frequencies, the amplifier chain adjusts gain and impedance settings, and the PA modifies output power characteristics. These parameter changes are controlled by the baseband processor and RF controller to maintain optimal performance across all standards
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 minimizes silicon area consumption while achieving low voltage operation, low output noise, and high linearity, enabling efficient multi-mode and multi-band functionality with reduced power consumption and chip size.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil for converting one of the first differential output signal and the second differential output signal to a single-ended output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter architecture having a single signal path or hardware to cover WCDMA/EDGE/GSM applications, and requires no SAW at the transmitter outputs. The transmitter architecture allows for a transmit convergence feature. A passive mixer with unique driver and furthermore using native devices available from the CMOS process for the mixer cores enables low voltage and low power design, low output noise and high linearity. A digital variable gain amplifier has the capability to cover wide output dynamic range operated from low supply voltage and interfaced digitally with the baseband circuit without DAC. A single transformer is used to combine the outputs from the WCDMA/EDGE and GSM drivers and subsequently convert the differential signal paths into a single-ended signal. RF switches are used to divert the output from the transformer to different bands and applications.