Receive Modulator Duty Cycle Scaling for Multi-Band RF Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio communication devices face increased hardware complexity, cost, and size due to the need for multiple filters and signal processors across various frequency ranges and multiple inputs and outputs, as circuitry optimized for one frequency range often performs poorly in others.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined transceiver architecture that uses modulation duty cycle scaling, allowing for direct sampling and direct conversion in different frequency ranges through adjustable LO waveform duty cycles, reducing the need for multiple hardware components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters and signal processors are integrated to support wide frequency ranges and multiple inputs/outputs, then frequency coverage and signal processing capability are improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal signal processing architecture where a single set of filters and signal processors can handle multiple frequency ranges and input/output configurations. The receive modulator with adjustable duty cycle scaling enables the same hardware to adapt to different frequency bands (e.g., WCDMA, LTE, NR) and operating modes (FDD, TDD), eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each frequency range or mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the receive modulator can adjust its duty cycle scaling factor in real-time based on the operating frequency and mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the hardware to optimize its performance for different scenarios without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple static hardware paths, thereby reducing overall hardware complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware is implemented for each frequency range, then signal processing performance is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the receive modulator, specifically the duty cycle scaling factor, to adapt the same hardware to different frequency ranges. By adjusting this parameter, the system maintains optimal signal processing performance across WCDMA, LTE, and NR frequency bands without requiring dedicated hardware for each band, thereby reducing device size and complexity while preserving performance.
3Productivity
If circuitry is optimized for one frequency range, then processing efficiency is improved, but performance in other frequency ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of the receive modulator's duty cycle scaling factor based on the detected operating frequency and mode before actual signal processing begins. This preliminary setup ensures that the hardware is pre-optimized for the specific frequency range, maintaining high processing efficiency while being adaptable to multiple frequency ranges through software-controlled parameter adjustment rather than hardware reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for processing radiofrequency signals using modulation duty cycle scaling. One system includes a first receive path configured to directly sample a first signal in a first frequency range. The system includes a second receive path configured to convert a second signal in a second frequency range. The second receive path includes a receive modulator operating over a duty cycle. The receive modulator is configured to adjust the duty cycle by a predetermined scaling factor.