RF Signal Chain Tuning Using a Multi-Core VCO Control Vector

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio frequency systems are limited to single frequency bands, making them obsolete as more frequencies are opened for civilian use, and they require inefficient and costly switchable banks of narrowband filters for multi-band operation, with parasitic impedances affecting matching and power added efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency apparatus with a multi-core voltage controlled oscillator and a control vector that dynamically tunes the frequency range and characteristics of system components, such as amplifiers and filters, to achieve wide-tuning-frequency capabilities without the need for multiple narrowband filters, using a composite control signal to adjust impedance and filter characteristics in real time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If switchable banks of narrowband filters are used for multi-band operation, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device area and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single wideband filter is designed to replace multiple narrowband filters, enabling the system to handle multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This universal filter approach eliminates the need for switchable banks of filters, reducing device area while maintaining multi-band operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple narrowband filters are merged into a single wideband filter structure. By combining the functionality of multiple filters into one component, the patent reduces the overall device area and eliminates the need for complex switching mechanisms between filters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If switchable banks of narrowband filters are used for multi-band operation, then frequency band coverage is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single wideband filter serves multiple frequency bands, reducing the total component count and associated costs. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple narrowband filters and their corresponding switching mechanisms, thereby reducing system cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple filter functions into a single wideband filter component, reducing the bill of materials and assembly complexity. This consolidation directly reduces system cost while maintaining the ability to operate across multiple frequency bands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If narrowband filters are used for each frequency band, then frequency selectivity is improved, but parasitic impedances affect matching and power added efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency selectivityVSAvoidpower added efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the filter parameter from narrowband to wideband, creating a single wideband filter that maintains adequate frequency selectivity while reducing parasitic impedances. This parameter change improves power added efficiency by eliminating the harmful effects associated with multiple narrowband filter implementations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient multi-band operation by reducing the need for area-consuming and costly narrowband filters, enhancing power added efficiency and frequency bandwidth performance while mitigating parasitic impedances, allowing for adaptive and dynamic modification of RF signal chain parameters.

Implementation Method 1

Voltage controlled oscillators can generate an oscillator output signal for a resonator or LC tank, and the frequency of oscillation can be determined by an LC tank with variable electrical characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLC oscillation: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a radio frequency system uses a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) as a local oscillator (LO) to mix and upconvert an input signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal mixing: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentUS9467151B1Apparatus and methods for using tuning information to adaptively and dynamically modify the parameters of an RF signal chain

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO

AI summary

Provided herein are apparatus and methods for using tuning information to adaptively and dynamically modify the parameters of an RF signal chain. The tuning information from an oscillator core, having multiple oscillators, adaptively tunes parameters of system components within a signal chain. In this way the system components are tuned to operate within a band tailored to the signal and to the oscillator core. In addition, RF impedances can be matched and power added efficiency can be enhanced in an area efficient monolithic integrated circuit.