Phase-Shift Mixer Circuit Without RF Phase Shifters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communications technologies using high-frequency bands face signal loss and performance deterioration due to the need for phase shifters, which increase current consumption and chip area.
Innovation Solution
A mixer that shifts the phase of radio frequency signals without using a phase shifter, achieved by multiplexing local oscillation signals and performing phase-shifting operations on baseband signals using switching units, allowing for phase-shifted RF signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a phase shifter is used to perform beamforming in extremely high frequency band, then phase shifting capability is achieved, but signal loss increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase shifting function from the traditional phase shifter component and integrates it into the mixer circuit. By removing the separate phase shifter and embedding phase shifting capability within the mixer's switching units, the design eliminates the additional signal loss path while maintaining phase control functionality for beamforming operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single mixer component: frequency mixing, phase shifting, and signal routing. The switching units within the mixer perform both the mixing operation and the phase shifting operation that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing signal loss and simplifying the overall architecture
2Ease of operation
If a phase shifter is used for beamforming, then phase control is achieved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase control function with the mixing function in a single integrated circuit. The switching units that control signal routing for mixing also perform phase shifting, eliminating the need for a separate phase shifter that would consume additional current. This consolidation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining full phase control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer component is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a frequency mixer and a phase shifter. The switching units can operate in different modes to achieve either mixing or phase shifting, or both simultaneously, making the component universal and reducing the total number of active elements that consume power
3Adaptability or versatility
If a phase shifter is used in extremely high frequency band, then beamforming is enabled, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifter and mixer into a single integrated unit, significantly reducing the chip area required. The switching units serve dual purposes: routing signals for frequency mixing and introducing phase shifts. This integration eliminates the need for separate phase shifter circuitry and reduces overall component footprint while maintaining beamforming capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer component is designed with universal functionality to perform both mixing and phase shifting operations. The switching units can be configured to achieve different phase shifts (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) while simultaneously performing the mixing function, making a single component replace multiple specialized components and reducing total chip 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
This approach reduces signal loss, decreases current consumption, and minimizes chip area requirements, enhancing communication efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer configured to generate a radio frequency transmit signal by up-conversion of the plurality of first baseband signals using the plurality of second local oscillation signals
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer includes a load portion connected between an input terminal of a first power voltage and an output terminal of the radio frequency transmit signal and configured to adjust a magnitude of the radio frequency transmit signal, a first switching unit connected to an output terminal of the radio frequency transmit signal, and configured to perform a first switching operation in response to a plurality of local oscillation signals, and a second switching unit connected between the first switching unit and an input terminal of a second power voltage, lower than the first power voltage, and configured to perform a second switching operation in response to a plurality of baseband signals, the plurality of local oscillation signals include an I+ baseband signal, an I− baseband signal, a Q+ baseband signal, and a Q− baseband signal, and the second switching unit includes a first branch performing a switching operation under control of the I+ baseband signal and the Q+ baseband signal, a second branch performing a switching operation under control of the I− baseband signal and the Q− baseband signal, a third branch performing a switching operation under control of the Q+ baseband signal and the I− baseband signal, and a fourth branch performing a switching operation under control of the Q− baseband signal and the I+ baseband signal.