Single RF Transceiver for Multi-Band Wireless Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless transceivers require multiple RF front-ends to support different communication standards and frequency bands, leading to hardware limitations and the need for new hardware with each new standard release.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device with a single RF transceiver capable of supporting multiple frequency bands and communication standards through down conversion and up conversion operations, using a single transceiver to handle RF Multiple Frequency Bands Multiple Standards (MFBMS) signals, allowing for simultaneous communication across various protocols and spectra without the need for separate transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF front-ends are used to support different communication standards and frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single RF transceiver that can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 862-960 MHz, 1.7-2.2 GHz, 2.3-2.4 GHz, 3.4-3.8 GHz) and support multiple communication standards (LTE, WiMAX, WLAN, Bluetooth) through software-defined radio architecture. This universal design eliminates the need for separate hardware front-ends for each standard, resolving the contradiction by making one component perform multiple functions that previously required multiple dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic frequency synthesis using programmable phase-locked loops (PLLs) and voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) that can be reconfigured via software to operate at different frequency bands and standards. This dynamic reconfigurability allows a single static hardware platform to adapt its behavior to match different communication requirements, achieving versatility without increasing hardware complexity
2Reliability
If separate transceivers are used for each frequency band, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate transceiver functions into a single integrated RF transceiver unit with unified signal processing chains for both transmit and receive paths. By combining what would traditionally be separate hardware units into one integrated platform with shared components (amplifiers, filters, mixers, ADC/DAC), the system achieves the same communication reliability while dramatically simplifying manufacturing and reducing bill of materials costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF front-ends are implemented, then adaptability to new standards is improved, but loss of time for upgrades worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically reconfigurable software-defined radio architecture where new communication standards can be added through software updates rather than hardware changes. The programmable nature of the RF transceiver allows it to adapt to newly released standards (LTE-Advanced, 5G, etc.) by loading new protocol stacks and frequency configurations, eliminating the time-consuming process of physical hardware upgrades and enabling instantaneous adaptability
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 seamless communication across multiple frequency bands and standards using a single transceiver, reducing hardware requirements and facilitating adaptability to new standards without the need for frequent upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more intermediate frequency stages mix the amplified RF signals with one or more local oscillations to convert the amplified RF signal into baseband signals or intermediate frequency (IF) signals
Implementation Method 2
The one or more intermediate frequency stages mix the amplified RF signals with one or more local oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device includes processing circuitry and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver section. The processing circuitry determines a set of information signals for receipt, the set of information signals carried by a RF Multiple Frequency Bands Multiple Standards (MFBMS) signal having a plurality of information signal frequency bands. The processing circuitry determines a shift frequency based upon the determination. the RF receiver section receives the RF MFBMS signal and down-converts the RF MFBMS signal by the shift frequency to produce a baseband/low Intermediate Frequency (BB/IF) MFBMS signal. The processing circuitry then extracts data from the set of information signals of the BB/IF MFBMS signal.