Phase-Shifting Mixer Circuit Without RF Phase Shifter Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation wireless communications using high-frequency bands, existing phase shifters lead to increased signal loss, performance deterioration, and higher current consumption, especially when implementing beamforming techniques.
Innovation Solution
A mixer design that shifts the phase of radio frequency (RF) signals without using a phase shifter, by employing a load portion and switching units controlled by local oscillation signals and baseband signals, allowing for phase-shifting of RF signals through multiplexing and switching operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a phase shifter is used to shift the phase of RF signals in extremely high frequency band, then the phase shifting function is achieved, but signal loss increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifting function with the mixer circuit by using switching units that respond to baseband signals to selectively connect different signal paths. This integration eliminates the need for a separate phase shifter, thereby reducing signal loss while maintaining phase shifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: frequency conversion and phase shifting. The switching units respond to baseband signals to achieve phase shifting of RF signals, allowing the mixer to serve dual purposes and eliminate the need for dedicated phase shifting components.
2Ease of operation
If a phase shifter is used to shift the phase of RF signals, then the phase shifting function is achieved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting function is merged into the mixer circuit through switching units controlled by baseband signals. This integration eliminates the need for a separate phase shifter that would consume additional current, thereby reducing overall current consumption while maintaining phase shifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer circuit performs both frequency conversion and phase shifting functions. The switching units respond to baseband signals to achieve phase shifting, allowing the mixer to serve multiple purposes and reduce the need for additional current-consuming components.
3Ease of operation
If a phase shifter is used to shift the phase of RF signals, then the phase shifting function is achieved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting function is combined with the mixer circuit by using switching units that are already present in the mixer structure. This integration eliminates the need for a separate phase shifter circuit, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining phase shifting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer circuit is designed to perform both frequency conversion and phase shifting functions. The switching units respond to baseband signals to achieve phase shifting, allowing the mixer to serve dual purposes and reduce the overall chip area required.
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.