RF Trimmer Circuit With Switched Impedance for Beamforming Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beamforming communication systems face challenges in achieving precise control of magnitude and phase, particularly at higher frequency bands such as millimeter waves, due to systemic and random offsets between transmit and receive chains.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radio frequency trimmer circuit that includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a control input, at least one impedance element, and at least one transistor. This circuit allows for selective connection of impedance elements to control magnitude and phase trims of radio frequency signals, enabling precise adjustments through a digital control signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional beamforming systems are used, then basic signal transmission is achieved, but precise control of magnitude and phase is not achieved due to systemic and random offsets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing variable impedance elements (resistors and capacitors) that can be dynamically adjusted through transistor switching. These impedance elements modify the electrical parameters (magnitude and phase) of the RF signal path, enabling precise control to compensate for systemic and random offsets between transmit and receive chains
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the beamforming control into independent magnitude trimming and phase trimming circuits. Each circuit independently adjusts specific parameters (magnitude for magnitude circuit, phase for phase circuit), allowing separate optimization and compensation of different error sources, thereby improving overall control precision and reliability
2Measurement precision
If complex trimming circuits are implemented to achieve precise magnitude and phase control, then beamforming accuracy is improved, but power consumption and die area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential trimming functionality needed for magnitude and phase control, implementing minimal impedance elements (specific resistors and capacitors) switched by transistors. This extracted approach achieves necessary beamforming accuracy without the overhead of complex continuous-variable trimming circuits, thereby reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, easily manufacturable impedance elements (resistors and capacitors) with discrete switching transistors rather than complex continuous control components. These discrete elements consume minimal power and occupy small die area while providing sufficient trimming precision for beamforming applications
3Measurement precision
If complex trimming circuits are implemented to achieve precise magnitude and phase control, then beamforming accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the trimming function into separate magnitude and phase circuits, each with simple discrete impedance elements and switching transistors. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each circuit without the complexity of integrated continuous control, achieving precise beamforming accuracy through modular simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary trimming components (specific resistors, capacitors, and switching transistors) required for magnitude and phase control. This extracted minimal circuitry achieves beamforming accuracy without the complexity of full continuous-variable trimming systems
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for magnitude and phase trimming are provided. In one aspect, a radio frequency (RF) trimmer circuit includes an input terminal configured to receive an RF signal, an output terminal configured to output the RF signal, a control input configured to receive a control signal, at least one impedance element, and at least one transistor configured to selectively connect the impedance element onto a path between the input and output terminals. The selectively connecting the impedance element controls at least one of a magnitude trim and a phase trim of the RF signal.