Programmable Frequency Divider for Transceiver Local Oscillator Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transceiver circuits for wireless communication devices face challenges in accommodating diverse mobile radio standards and operating modes due to complex and costly circuitry requirements for various frequency ranges and signal processing modes.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver circuit with a programmable frequency divider circuit and multiple local oscillator circuits, allowing for flexible distribution and configuration of local oscillator signals across transmission and reception paths, enabling operation across different mobile radio standards and modes without the need for optimized circuits for each mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuits are provided for each mobile radio standard and operating mode, then the transceiver can support multiple standards and modes, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal local oscillator circuit that can generate signals for multiple mobile radio standards (GSM, UMTS, WLAN, Bluetooth) and operating modes through software control. Instead of providing separate hardware circuits for each standard, a single reconfigurable oscillator circuit performs multiple functions by changing its operating parameters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The local oscillator circuit is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing its frequency and signal characteristics to be changed in real-time based on the required operating mode. The circuit transitions from static, dedicated designs to dynamic, adaptable architecture where the same hardware can be reconfigured for different standards and modes through control signals
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive hardware circuits are provided for signal generation and processing in different operating modes, then all required functions can be implemented, but the space requirement and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal local oscillator circuit that serves multiple operating modes (simultaneous reception, heterodyne reception, diversity mode, channel monitoring) through software-based reconfiguration. This eliminates the need for separate hardware circuits for each mode, reducing manufacturing cost and space requirements while maintaining full functional capability across all operating modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical hardware differentiation with software-based control. Instead of using different physical circuits for different operating modes, the system uses software to reconfigure the same hardware circuit, substituting mechanical/physical complexity with digital/software flexibility, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and space
Data Source
AI summary
A transceiver circuit includes a transmission path and also at least two reception paths, which in each case contain a frequency conversion device with a local oscillator input. A first, a second and a third oscillator circuit, and also a programmable frequency divider circuit are furthermore provided. The outputs of the oscillator circuits are connected to a respective input of the programmable frequency divider circuit. The frequency divider circuit contains three outputs connected in each case to a local oscillator input of the transmission path and the two transmission paths. According to one example of the invention, the frequency divider circuit is designed for frequency division of a signal present at an input and for outputting the frequency-divided signal to one of the three outputs. With the programmable frequency divider circuit, signals at the three inputs of the frequency divider circuit can thus be divided arbitrarily in terms of their frequency and be output at the outputs in a manner dependent on the desired operating mode of the transceiver circuit.