Integrated RF Frequency Extender With Multiplier-Divider Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency extension systems are complex, bulky, consume high power, and are costly, with issues of interference and difficulty in switching between frequency spectra, making them impractical for simultaneous extension to higher and lower frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A frequency extender comprising a preamplifier, series frequency multiplier and divider branches, and a multiplexer, which simplifies structure, reduces power consumption, and enhances anti-interference capabilities by integrating frequency multiplication and division, allowing convenient switching and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different devices are used to extend frequency to both higher and lower frequencies simultaneously, then frequency coverage is extended, but device complexity and circuit structure become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines frequency multiplication and frequency division functions into a single integrated device. The frequency extender includes both frequency multiplier circuits and frequency divider circuits within one system, allowing simultaneous extension to higher and lower frequencies without requiring multiple separate devices. This merging approach directly reduces device complexity while maintaining broad frequency coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency extender is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: frequency multiplication, frequency division, and signal amplification. By making the device multi-functional, it replaces what would traditionally require several specialized devices, thereby simplifying the overall circuit structure while achieving comprehensive frequency extension capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different devices are used for frequency extension, then frequency coverage is extended, but the circuit size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
By merging frequency multiplication and division circuits into a single integrated frequency extender, the patent significantly reduces the physical space required. Instead of having separate devices for each function that would need to be housed in different circuit boards or modules, all functions are consolidated into one compact unit, directly reducing circuit size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different devices are used for frequency extension, then frequency coverage is extended, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates frequency multiplication and division functions into a single device with shared amplification stages. The preamplifier and power amplifier are shared resources that serve both the frequency multiplication and division paths, eliminating the need for duplicate amplification circuits. This sharing of components directly reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to extend frequency in both directions simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different devices are used for frequency extension, then frequency coverage is extended, but interference between different output frequencies occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and addresses the interference problem by implementing specific isolation measures between the frequency multiplication and division paths. The design includes isolation circuits and filtering mechanisms that separate the different frequency paths, preventing harmful interactions between the multiplied and divided frequency signals while allowing both functions to operate simultaneously.
5Adaptability or versatility
If existing frequency extension systems are used, then frequency extension is achieved, but switching to different frequency spectrum is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability that allows the system to easily transition between different frequency spectra and operating modes. The frequency extender includes switching mechanisms that can dynamically select between frequency multiplication mode, frequency division mode, or direct pass-through mode, enabling flexible adaptation to different communication requirements without complex reconfiguration.
6Adaptability or versatility
If existing frequency extension systems are used, then frequency extension is achieved, but integration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent is designed as an integrated circuit that combines frequency multiplication, frequency division, amplification, and switching functions into a single manufacturable unit. This integration approach simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of discrete components that need to be assembled and connected, while also improving reliability by minimizing interconnections between different functional blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a frequency extender, including a preamplifier to receive a RF input signal and output a pre-amplified RF signal, a series frequency multiplier branch, a series frequency divider branch and a multiplexer. The output port of the preamplifier couples to one input port of the multiplexer. The series frequency multiplier branch and the series divider branch are coupled to receive the pre-amplified RF signal. The output port of each frequency multiplier in the series multiplier branch and/or the output port of each frequency divider in the series divider branch are coupled to the input ports of the multiplexer respectively. The multiplexer couples to receive the pre-amplified RF signal, the frequency-multiplied RF signal and the frequency-divided signal, the multiplexer selects a signal from the received signals and outputs a multiplexer output signal based on the selected signal.