RF FPFA Transceiver Circuit Reconfiguration for Multi-Standard Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated circuits for radio frequency (RF) transceivers are often application-specific and require additional components to meet RF performance requirements, leading to elevated manufacturing costs and limitations in flexibility for multi-band, multi-standard wireless equipment.
Innovation Solution
A Radio Frequency Field Programmable Function Array (RF FPFA) with a configurable transceiver circuit that includes digital to analogue conversion, filtering, frequency synthesizing, mixing, and amplification, allowing for selective connection and reconfiguration of functional blocks to adapt to different applications and frequencies, enabling efficient use and reuse of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If application-specific integrated circuits are used for RF transceivers, then RF performance is optimized for a specific application, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional components and lack of flexibility for multi-band multi-standard equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RF transceiver integrated circuit that can operate across multiple frequency bands and support multiple wireless standards (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc.) through a unified architecture. The circuit uses programmable functional blocks including digital-to-analogue converters, filters, frequency synthesizers, mixers, and amplifiers that can be configured via control inputs to handle different RF applications, eliminating the need for separate application-specific circuits for each band or standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable circuit elements where the transceiver can switch between different operational modes, frequency bands, and signal processing paths in real-time. Control inputs allow the circuit to adapt its configuration dynamically, enabling seamless transitions between transmit and receive modes, different frequency ranges, and various modulation schemes, thus providing both optimized RF performance and versatile adaptability.
2Reliability
If additional external components are added to meet RF performance requirements, then RF performance specification is met, but manufacturing cost is elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate RF functional blocks into a single integrated circuit chip. The design combines digital-to-analogue converters, programmable filters, frequency synthesizers, mixers, and amplifiers into one unified device, reducing the total component count and eliminating the need for additional external components. This integration maintains full RF performance specifications while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a universal RF transceiver that can handle multiple frequency bands and wireless standards through internal reconfiguration, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture separate circuits for different applications. This single versatile circuit replaces multiple application-specific circuits, reducing inventory complexity, stocking costs, and manufacturing overhead while meeting all required RF performance specifications.
3Reliability
If dedicated components are interconnected in an optimum way for a specific application, then RF performance is optimized, but the circuit cannot be reused for other applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamically reconfigurable RF transceiver where the interconnection of functional blocks can be changed in real-time through control inputs. The circuit can optimize its internal signal paths for different frequency bands, modulation schemes, and operational modes (transmit/receive) as needed, allowing the same physical circuit to deliver optimized RF performance across multiple applications rather than being dedicated to a single use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit incorporates universal functional blocks with programmable characteristics, including filters with adjustable frequency responses, amplifiers with variable gain, and frequency synthesizers that can be tuned across multiple bands. This universal architecture maintains optimized RF performance for each specific application while enabling the circuit to be reused across GSM, WCDMA, LTE, and other wireless standards without requiring additional external components.
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 RF FPFA reduces stocking costs and enhances flexibility by allowing the same device to be used across various applications, including radio telemetry, while minimizing the need for additional external components, thus lowering production costs and improving RF performance.
Implementation Method 1
digital to analogue conversion means for converting a digital input signal to an analogue signal
Implementation Method 2
filtering means for filtering the analogue signal
Implementation Method 3
first frequency synthesizing means for producing a first synthesized RF signal
Implementation Method 4
mixing means for mixing the analogue signal with the RF signal to produce an RF output
Implementation Method 5
amplifying means for amplifying the RF output for transmission
Implementation Method 6
second amplification means for amplifying a received RF input
Implementation Method 7
second mixing means for mixing the amplified RF input with the second synthesized RF signal to produce a baseband signal
Implementation Method 8
second filtering means for filtering the baseband signal
Implementation Method 9
analogue to digital conversion means for converting the baseband signal to a digital output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A transceiver circuit includes: a transmit path with at least one of each of a digital to analog converter converting a digital input signal to an analog signal, a filter, a first frequency synthesizer, a mixer to produce an RF output, and an amplifier amplifying the RF output for transmission; and a receive path with at least one of each of a second amplifier amplifying a received RF input, a second frequency synthesizer, a second mixer to produce a baseband signal, a second filter, and an analog to digital converter converting the baseband signal to a digital output signal; at least one switch selectively connecting different points of the circuit thereby to bypass at least one component of the circuit; and a control input connected to the switch to receive control signals for controlling operation of the switch.