Receiver Mixing Circuit With Dynamic Gain Path Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional receivers require separate signal amplifying circuits for RF signals of different strengths, leading to increased chip area and high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A signal mixing circuit device with multiple mixers, signal amplifying circuits, a signal strength detector, and controllers that dynamically adjust gain paths based on detected signal strength, eliminating noise at local oscillator input terminals for high signal-to-noise ratio and reducing circuit area by reusing high-gain paths for low signal strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate signal amplifying circuits are designed for RF signals of different strengths, then signal amplification requirements are met, but chip area increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal signal processing path that can handle both weak and strong RF signals through dynamic gain control. The receiver uses a single integrated circuit structure with switchable gain stages rather than separate dedicated circuits for different signal strengths, making the system multi-functional while reducing chip area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic gain control where the receiver can switch between different gain paths based on the detected signal strength. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for varying signal conditions without requiring static separate circuits, thereby reducing overall chip area while meeting amplification requirements
2Reliability
If separate signal amplifying circuits are designed for RF signals of different strengths, then signal amplification requirements are met, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic gain control to activate only the necessary signal paths based on detected signal strength. For weak signals, high-gain paths are activated; for strong signals, low-gain paths are used. This dynamic switching reduces power consumption compared to having all amplifying circuits continuously active or designed for worst-case scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gain parameter dynamically based on signal strength detection. By adjusting the amplification factor according to actual signal conditions, the system avoids unnecessary power consumption associated with fixed high-gain designs while ensuring adequate amplification for weak signals
3Reliability
If a high-gain path is used for low signal strengths, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing path into segmented gain stages that can be independently controlled. Rather than one complex high-gain amplifier, the system uses multiple lower-gain stages that can be selectively activated, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different gain paths based on signal strength detection. This allows the system to use complex high-gain paths only when necessary for weak signals, while simpler paths handle strong signals, effectively managing circuit complexity based on actual operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A signal mixing circuit device and a receiver are disclosed, the signal mixing circuit device comprising first to fourth mixers, first and second signal amplifying circuits, a signal strength detector, a controller and an attenuator. A signal strength value for the output from the first signal amplifying circuit is detected using the signal strength detector. If the signal strength value is less than a first threshold, a high-gain path is initiated, so that noises respectively input to the first and second mixers together with local oscillator signals are eliminated by the fourth and third mixers respectively, thereby ensuring a high signal-to-noise ratio. If the signal strength value is greater than a second threshold, a low-gain path is initiated, which partially reuses the circuit of the high-gain path, thereby effectively reducing the overall circuit area and decreasing chip cost and power consumption.