Reconfigurable Passive Mixer Cores for Linearity-Power Tradeoffs

The patent applies dynamics by making the mixer configuration changeable over time through a controller that selectively enables or disables mixer cores based on operating conditions. The effective transistor width is dynamically adjusted by controlling which mixer cores are active, allowing the system to adapt between worst-case and non-worst-case configurations, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining linearity when needed.

The patent changes the effective transistor width parameter by selectively enabling or disabling mixer cores. This parameter change allows the mixer to provide higher conversion gain and better linearity when configured with more active cores for worst-case scenarios, or reduce power consumption by deactivating cores when worst-case conditions do not exist, thus resolving the contradiction between linearity performance and power consumption.

The patent segments the mixer into multiple independent mixer cores that can be selectively enabled or disabled. Each mixer core functions as an independent unit with its own transistors and connections. By segmenting the mixer this way, the system can meet worst-case performance requirements when needed by activating all cores, while reducing complexity and power consumption by activating only necessary cores during normal operation.

The patent creates a universal mixer structure where multiple mixer cores share common input and output connections. This multi-functional design allows the same physical hardware to provide different levels of performance depending on which cores are active. The controller selectively configures the mixer cores to provide appropriate conversion gain and linearity for different operating conditions, reducing the need for multiple dedicated mixer circuits.