Shared DAC in Multi-Mode Transmitter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-mode transmitters for mobile phones are bulky and heavy due to the separate integration of transmitters for different mobile radio standards, which are not used concurrently, leading to inefficiencies in design and increased dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter that shares a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) across exclusive operating modes, using switches to route digital signals and analog signals efficiently, allowing for the generation of both wideband and narrowband modulated signals, reducing the need for multiple DACs and minimizing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmitters are integrated for different mobile radio standards, then the transmitter can support multiple standards, but the dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single transmitter architecture that can operate in multiple modes (GSM/EDGE and WCDMA) by configuring different operating modes rather than using separate dedicated transmitters for each standard. This multi-functional approach allows one transmitter to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate transmitters for different mobile radio standards into a single integrated transmitter. By combining the GSM/EDGE transmitter and WCDMA transmitter into one unified device with shared components and mode-switching capability, the overall dimensions and weight are reduced while maintaining multi-standard support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmitters are integrated for different mobile radio standards, then the transmitter can support multiple standards, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can operate in both GSM/EDGE and WCDMA modes through configurable operating modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transmitters and thereby reducing overall device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the GSM/EDGE and WCDMA transmitter functionalities into a single integrated unit with shared components and mode-switching capability, the patent reduces the physical space required while maintaining support for multiple standards.
3Reliability
If multiple DACs are used for different operating modes, then signal conversion can be optimized for each mode, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DAC is designed as a universal component that can serve both GSM/EDGE and WCDMA operating modes. By making the DAC multi-functional rather than having separate dedicated DACs for each mode, the patent reduces component count and complexity while maintaining signal conversion quality through proper mode-specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple mode-specific DACs into a single shared DAC that serves both GSM/EDGE and WCDMA modes. This consolidation reduces the number of components and overall system complexity while maintaining the necessary signal conversion capabilities for different operating modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transmitter for generating modulated signals is shown, wherein in a first-type operating mode, a first digital signal is input into a digital-to-analog converter to obtain a first analog signal that is input into a first-type unit, in which a first-type modulated signal is generated in dependence on at least the first analog signal; and wherein in a second-type operating mode, a second digital signal is input into the digital-to-analog converter to obtain a second analog signal that is input into a second-type unit, in which a second-type modulated signal is generated in dependence on at least the second analog signal. Correspondingly, a wireless communication device is shown, as well as a base station, a module in a wireless communication device, a module in a base station, an integrated circuit, a method, a computer program and a computer program product.