RF Up-Converter Architecture for Multi-Mode Bandwidth Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base-band to radio frequency up-converter technologies face challenges in efficiently adapting to different modes, such as 3:1 and 6:1, due to limitations in clock frequency and bandwidth, which affect the performance and cost-effectiveness of mobile communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A base-band to radio frequency up-converter that uses a phase converter to generate intermediate samples, which are then processed by a mode extension switch and delta-sigma modulators to enable operation in multiple modes, allowing for flexible clock frequencies and increased bandwidth by multiplexing and interleaving signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a base-band to radio frequency up-converter is designed to operate in multiple modes (3:1 and 6:1), then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal up-converter architecture that can operate in multiple modes (3:1 and 6:1) using the same core components. The phase converter, delta-sigma modulators, and multiplexer are designed to handle different sampling rate ratios through configurable control signals, eliminating the need for separate hardware designs for each mode and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms where the mode extension switch and multiplexer can reconfigure signal paths based on the operating mode. Control signals dynamically adjust the behavior of the delta-sigma modulators and signal interleaving to match the required sampling rate ratio, allowing the system to adapt between modes without physical reconfiguration.
2Speed
If clock frequency is increased to support higher bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic signal interleaving and mode switching to achieve high bandwidth efficiency. By alternating between different signal paths and using time-division multiplexing in the multiplexer, the system can achieve high effective bandwidth without requiring all components to operate continuously at maximum clock frequencies, thereby reducing average power consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate chips are used for different modes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate mode-specific chips into a single integrated up-converter. By combining the phase converter, multiple delta-sigma modulators, mode extension switch, and multiplexer into one chip, the system achieves mode-specific optimization through software-controlled configuration rather than hardware segmentation, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A base band to frequency up-converter (1) is described wherein the base band to frequency up-converter (1) comprises a first input (201) for receiving a first base band signal of first base band samples and a second input (202) for receiving a second base band signal of second base band samples and an output (TX) for providing up-converted radio signal samples. The base-band to radio frequency up-converter (1) further comprises a phase converter (2) for converting the first base band signal of first base band samples and the second base band signal of second base band samples into a first intermediate signal (Xn) of first intermediate samples, a second intermediate signal (Yn) of second intermediate samples, and a third intermediate signal (Zn) of third intermediate samples. The intermediate samples are then up-converted into radio signal samples.