Shared-Antenna Communication Chip for Dual-Modulation RF Transceivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with dual modulation schemes require a large area due to separate transceivers and incur additional costs from a switch for antenna sharing.
Innovation Solution
A communication chip design that integrates a digital baseband circuit, reference signal generation, DAC, and filter circuits, allowing shared use of an impedance matching circuit and a pin for both transmission and reception, eliminating the need for a switch and reducing component redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two independent transceivers are used to support dual modulation schemes, then modulation scheme compatibility is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent transceivers into a single integrated transceiver that can support both TPM and IQM modulation schemes. The transmitter and receiver circuits are designed to handle multiple modulation types through a unified architecture, eliminating the need for separate transceiver components and reducing overall chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver is designed with universal functionality to support multiple modulation schemes (TPM and IQM) through a single device. The circuit architecture includes configurable components that can adapt to different modulation requirements, allowing one transceiver to perform the functions previously requiring two separate transceivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is added to share the antenna between two transceivers, then antenna sharing capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna interfaces of two transceivers into a single pin that can be used by either modulation scheme. The unified transceiver architecture eliminates the need for separate antenna connections and switching mechanisms, allowing direct antenna sharing without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the switch component from the system by designing the transceiver to natively support antenna sharing through its architecture. The switching function is extracted and replaced by the inherent capability of the unified transceiver to selectively activate different modulation schemes using the same antenna interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two independent transceivers are used, then modulation scheme functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functional capabilities of two transceivers into a single integrated unit with unified control logic. The transmitter, receiver, and associated circuits are combined into one cohesive system that manages multiple modulation schemes through centralized control, reducing the complexity of having two independent transceiver configurations.
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
The solution reduces area and cost by enabling efficient sharing of components across different modulation schemes, thereby optimizing space utilization and eliminating the need for a switch.
Implementation Method 1
The DAC is coupled to the digital baseband circuit and is configured to convert the digital output signal into an analog output signal
Implementation Method 2
The filter circuit is coupled to the DAC and is configured to filter the analog output signal to generate a filtered analog output signal
Implementation Method 3
When the communication chip operates in a first mode, the transmitter front-end circuit up-converts and amplifies the filtered analog output signal according to the reference signal to generate the RF output signal
Implementation Method 4
the transmitter front-end circuit up-converts and amplifies the filtered analog output signal
Implementation Method 5
When the communication chip operates in a second mode, the reference signal generation circuit changes the frequency of the reference signal according to the control signal
Implementation Method 6
The impedance matching circuit is coupled to the pin. The transmitter front-end circuit is coupled to the filter circuit and the impedance matching circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is used to transmit a radio frequency (RF) output signal or receive an RF input signal and includes an antenna and a communication chip. The communication chip includes a pin, an impedance matching circuit, a digital baseband circuit, a reference signal generation circuit, a transmitter circuit, and a receiver circuit. The pin is electrically connected to the antenna. The impedance matching circuit is coupled to the pin. The reference signal generation circuit is coupled to the digital baseband circuit. The transmitter circuit is used to generate the RF output signal. The receiver circuit is used to process the RF input signal. The communication chip transmits the RF output signal through the pin or receives the RF input signal through the pin.