RF Trimmer Circuit for Beamforming Magnitude and Phase Offsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beamforming communication systems, particularly those using high-frequency carriers like millimeter wave and centimeter wave, face challenges in achieving precise control of magnitude and phase to ensure accurate beam direction and coverage, due to systemic and random offsets between transmit and receive chains.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of radio frequency trimmer circuits with transistors and impedance elements, such as resistors and capacitors, that can be selectively connected to adjust magnitude and phase of radio frequency signals based on control signals, allowing for precise digitally-controlled adjustments with minimal power consumption and die area, thereby compensating for offsets and achieving impedance matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional magnitude and phase control methods are used in beamforming systems, then beam direction control is achieved, but systematic and random offsets between transmit and receive chains degrade measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnitude and phase control precisionVSAvoidbeam direction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing magnitude and phase trimming before beamforming operations. Trimmer circuits are integrated into the signal path to pre-compensate for systematic and random offsets between transmit and receive chains, ensuring that subsequent beam direction measurements are not degraded by these variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the signal path by dynamically adjusting magnitude and phase through trimmer circuits. These circuits modify the electrical characteristics (impedance, attenuation, phase shift) of the signal path to compensate for offsets, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If digitally-controlled trimmer circuits are implemented, then magnitude and phase control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnitude and phase control precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the magnitude and phase control functions into separate trimmer circuits. Each trimmer is independently controlled and optimized, allowing for precise digital control while maintaining modular architecture that limits overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with digitally-controlled electronic trimmer circuits. This substitution enables precise magnitude and phase control through digital signals while eliminating the complexity of mechanical components, switches, and manual calibration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional trimmer circuits are used, then magnitude and phase trimming is achieved, but power consumption and die area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnitude and phase control precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic trimmer circuits that can adjust their operation mode based on system requirements. The trimmer circuits are designed to provide precise magnitude and phase control only when needed, reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining measurement precision during active beamforming operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If conventional trimmer circuits are used, then magnitude and phase trimming is achieved, but die area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnitude and phase control precisionVSAvoiddie area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnitude and phase trimmer functions into integrated circuit blocks that share common control logic and signal paths. This consolidation reduces the total die area required compared to separate conventional trimmer circuits, while maintaining the precision needed for beamforming applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11811438B2Systems and methods for magnitude and phase trimming

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

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.