RF Receiver Impedance Switching for Cost-Power Trade-Offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio frequency receiver devices face a trade-off between cost and power consumption due to the need for impedance matching between filters and amplifiers, with on-chip implementations reducing component count but increasing power consumption, and off-chip implementations reducing power consumption but increasing component count and cost, particularly in multi-band receivers.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency receiver device with amplifiers that can switch between on- and off-chip impedance matching configurations, maintaining near-identical noise and linearity performance in both modes, allowing for cost or power consumption optimization without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If on-chip impedance matching is implemented, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between on-chip and off-chip impedance matching modes through control logic that responds to operational conditions. The system can transition between integrated matching circuits (reducing component count) and external matching circuits (reducing power consumption) based on real-time requirements, making the impedance matching approach adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance matching configuration parameter from a fixed state to a variable state. By allowing the system to switch between different impedance matching implementations (on-chip vs off-chip), the design optimizes the trade-off between component count and power consumption based on operational context, frequency band, and performance requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If off-chip impedance matching is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between on-chip and off-chip impedance matching based on power consumption requirements. When low power is critical (e.g., battery-operated devices), the system switches to off-chip matching with external LCR circuits, accepting the increased component count as a necessary trade-off for extended battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance matching configuration is changed from a static design decision to a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted based on power consumption targets. The system can reconfigure between integrated and external matching approaches to meet different power budget requirements across various operating modes.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed impedance matching is implemented, then design simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different frequency bands and applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal RF receiver design that can function across multiple frequency bands and application scenarios by implementing selectable impedance matching modes. The same base RFIC can be configured for different frequency ranges (e.g., 700MHz, 800MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2600MHz) and different power/cost requirements without requiring separate dedicated designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance matching system transitions from a fixed, band-specific design to a dynamic, multi-band capable architecture. The control logic enables the RF receiver to adapt its impedance matching configuration based on the operating frequency band and performance requirements, allowing a single chip design to serve multiple telecommunications standards and frequency ranges.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio frequency receiver device comprises: a receiver input arranged to receive signals having one or more frequency components within a frequency spectrum; a filter having a filter output impedance; and an amplifier comprising: an amplifier input (134a, 134b) connected to the filter output; an amplifier output 72a, 72b); at least one radio frequency input transistor (144a, 144b); and a feedback circuit including at least one feedback resistor (146a, 146b). The device is arranged to be selectably operable in: a first mode wherein the amplifier has first feedback resistance and transconductance values respectively such that the amplifier input impedance and the filter output impedance are substantially the same; and a second mode having second feedback resistance and transconductance values such that upon connection of a predetermined external impedance matching circuit (160) between the filter and the amplifier, the amplifier input impedance and the filter output impedance are substantially the same.