Receiver RF Filter Layout to Prevent Blocker-Induced Clipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power signals near the signal frequency pose a challenge for receivers, making it difficult for them to correctly receive transmitted signal information, as existing technologies lack effective methods to attenuate blocker signals.
Innovation Solution
A receiver circuit comprising an amplifier and an RF filter that generates an RF signal based on a received signal, including an information signal and a blocker signal, where the RF filter selectively attenuates the blocker signal to prevent clipping and maintain signal range limits, with a controller managing gain and filtering elements to achieve this.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high power blocker signals are present near the signal frequency, then the receiver can still attempt to process the signal, but the blocker signal causes clipping and exceeds signal range limits making correct reception difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the blocker signal from the received signal before processing. The RF filter is specifically configured to identify and extract the blocker signal component from the composite signal, separating it from the desired information signal. This extracted blocker signal is then routed to the attenuator for removal, preventing it from causing clipping in subsequent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary RF filter between the amplifier and subsequent processing stages. This filter acts as a mediator that selectively processes the blocker signal component while allowing the information signal to pass through. The filter provides a controlled interface for attenuating harmful frequencies without affecting the desired signal path.
2Productivity
If the receiver processes signals with high power blocker present, then it can maintain operation, but clipping occurs exceeding signal range limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary attenuation of the blocker signal before it can cause clipping in subsequent processing stages. The RF filter and attenuator are positioned early in the signal chain, before the mixer and baseband processing stages, to preemptively reduce the blocker signal power to safe levels that prevent overflow and clipping while maintaining receiver operation.
3Device complexity
If no blocker attenuation is applied, then the receiver circuit remains simple, but the blocker signal makes correct signal reception difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The RF filter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a frequency selection element and as a blocker signal extraction mechanism. Rather than requiring separate components for filtering and blocker rejection, this single filter performs both functions, maintaining circuit simplicity while achieving reliable signal reception in the presence of blockers.
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
The solution effectively attenuates blocker signals, preventing clipping and ensuring that signal range limits are not exceeded, thereby improving the receiver's ability to accurately process information signals.
Implementation Method 1
the RF filter is configured to selectively attenuate the blocker signal
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver circuit is disclosed. The receiver circuit includes an amplifier configured to generate an RF signal based on a received signal, where the RF signal includes an information signal and a blocker signal modulating an RF carrier frequency. The receiver circuit also includes an RF filter connected to the amplifier, where the RF filter is configured to selectively attenuate the blocker signal.