RF Receiver Non-Linear Component Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radio frequency (RF) receiver systems face challenges in reducing non-linear components in signals, which can lead to distortion and interference, especially in multi-mode and multi-frequency environments like mobile telephony, where traditional architectures struggle with linearity, selectivity, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A RF receiver system that estimates and corrects unwanted non-linear components by generating a correction signal using finite impulse response (FIR) filters and digital domain processing, allowing for reduced impact of harmonics and intermodulation distortion, enabling operation across multiple standards and frequency bands with improved linearity and reduced power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional RF receiver architecture is used, then the receiver can operate across multiple frequency bands and modes, but non-linear distortion and interference from unwanted signal components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-mode and multi-frequency operationVSAvoidnon-linear distortion and intermodulation interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent estimates the non-linear unwanted components using the actual input signal and deliberately applies equivalent non-linear processing to generate correction signals. By converting the harmful non-linear distortion into a usable correction signal, the system cancels out the unwanted components while maintaining multi-frequency operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by estimating the unwanted non-linear components based on the input signal and feeding back correction signals to cancel these components. The correction signal generator continuously adjusts the cancellation based on the estimated non-linear distortion, enabling the receiver to maintain linearity across multiple frequency bands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If narrowband filtering is applied to reduce unwanted components, then linearity improves, but the receiver selectivity and ability to handle broadband signals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal linearityVSAvoidbroadband signal handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by targeting specific frequency components for correction. The system identifies and corrects unwanted non-linear components at specific frequencies while leaving the desired broadband signal intact. This allows linearity improvement in specific frequency regions without compromising overall broadband signal handling capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-generated harmful factors

If complex non-linear correction processing is implemented, then unwanted component reduction improves, but computational complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunwanted signal component levelsVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by focusing correction efforts on the most significant non-linear components rather than attempting to correct all distortion products. The system estimates and corrects the dominant unwanted components using simplified models, achieving effective reduction with reduced computational complexity and lower power consumption compared to comprehensive correction approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2930854B1Unwanted component reduction system
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 ANALOG DEVICES GLOBAL UNLTD
  • EP2930854B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2930854B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2930854B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is described for forming an estimate of an unwanted signal component that may be formed as a result of non-linearities in a system. The estimate is used to form a cancellation signal which is added to an input signal to reduce the influence of the unwanted component.