Configurable RF DAC Mixer Interface for Shared Multi-Protocol Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication devices require multiple transmission paths and SAW filters for different communication standards, increasing the pin count, size, and cost of the transceiver, while also consuming more power.
Innovation Solution
A single, flexible transmission path is implemented using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a switch matrix to steer current to different mixers, eliminating the need for filters and allowing for multiple communication protocols to be supported with varying transmission powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission paths and SAW filters are used for different communication standards, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transmission path that can support multiple communication standards (2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) through a single shared architecture. The configurable DAC mixer interface and programmable mixer allow the same hardware path to be reconfigured for different standards, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transmission paths for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate transmission paths into a single shared transmission path. By combining the DAC, mixer, and power amplifier into one shared resource that can be dynamically reconfigured, the patent reduces the overall number of components and interconnections while maintaining support for multiple communication standards.
2Reliability
If SAW filters are added for each transmission band, then noise performance is improved, but pin count and PCB size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the SAW filters from the transmission path by implementing a digitally controlled system where filtering is performed in the digital domain before the DAC. The configurable DAC mixer interface allows for digital pre-filtering and spectral shaping, removing the need for analog SAW filters and their associated PCB real estate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission paths are implemented, then communication protocol support is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal transmission path that can be dynamically reconfigured to support different communication protocols. The programmable mixer and configurable DAC interface allow the same hardware to serve multiple protocols, ensuring that only one transmission path operates at any given time, thereby avoiding the cumulative power consumption of multiple simultaneously active paths.
4Reliability
If separate transmission paths are used for different standards, then transmission performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transmission paths into a single shared path with reconfigurable components. The configurable DAC mixer interface and programmable mixer are designed as integrated circuits that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes, reducing the bill of materials and assembly costs compared to multiple separate transmission paths.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a circuit. The circuit includes a digital to analog converter (DAC) configured to convert a time-varying, multi-bit digital value to a corresponding time-varying output current. The circuit also includes a mixer module downstream of the DAC and comprising a plurality of mixers. A control block is configured to selectively steer output current from the DAC to different mixers of the mixer module. Other techniques are also described.