Shared RF/IF Amplification Path for Low-Component Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superheterodyne receiver architectures are hindered by high active component counts, leading to large, expensive, and power-hungry circuits.
Innovation Solution
A radio receiver front-end design featuring a shared amplification path for both radio frequency (RF) and intermediate frequency (IF) signals, utilizing a first N-plexer for frequency multiplexing and a second N-plexer for demultiplexing, along with a mixer and controllable attenuators to amplify and filter signals efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional superheterodyne receiver architecture is used, then signal amplification and filtering functions are achieved, but the active component count is high resulting in large circuit size, high cost, and high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate amplification paths for RF and IF signals into a single shared amplification path. The amplifier and attenuator are shared between RF and IF signal processing, reducing the total number of active components while maintaining the necessary signal processing functions through frequency-selective routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier and attenuator in the shared amplification path serve multiple functions: they amplify both RF and IF signals, and their output is routed to different destinations based on the signal type. This multi-functional design reduces component count while preserving signal processing performance.
2Area of stationary object
If separate amplification paths are used for RF and IF signals, then signal processing performance is maintained, but circuit size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the amplification functions for RF and IF signals into a single shared amplifier and attenuator chain. This consolidation reduces the total number of active components, thereby reducing both the physical circuit area and the overall power consumption of the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal processing path using N-plexers that route RF and IF signals through the shared amplification path at different times or frequency bands. This allows a single amplifier to serve multiple signal types without requiring separate dedicated amplification chains, reducing both area and power consumption.
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
This design reduces circuit size, cost, and power consumption while maintaining effective signal amplification and filtering, suitable for various applications including GPS and cellular telephony.
Implementation Method 1
a first N-plexer arranged to perform frequency multiplexing, the first N-plexer comprising: a first port configured to receive signal(s) comprising one or more signals of a radio frequency (RF) band; a second port configured to receive signal(s) comprising one or more signals of an intermediate frequency (IF) band; and a third port configured to provide signals comprising the one or more signals of the RF band and the one or more signals of the IF band
Implementation Method 2
a shared amplification path having an input node and an output node, wherein the input node is coupled to the third port of the first N-plexer, the shared amplification path comprising: a first amplifier; and a controllable attenuator arranged in series with the first amplifier; wherein the shared amplification path is configured to amplify at least both RF signals and IF signals
Implementation Method 3
a second N-plexer arranged to perform frequency demultiplexing, the second N-plexer comprising: a first port coupled to the output node of the shared amplification path to receive signals comprising one or more amplified signals of the RF band and one or more amplified signals of the IF band; a second port configured to provide signal(s) comprising one or more amplified signals of the RF band; and a third port configured to provide signal(s) comprising one or more amplified signals of the IF band
Implementation Method 4
a mixer configured to multiply a local oscillator (LO) signal with signal(s) comprising the one or more amplified signals of the RF band to generate a plurality of signals including the one or more signals of the IF band
Implementation Method 5
an IF filter arranged in a signal path between an output of the mixer and the second port of the first N-plexer, wherein the IF filter is configured to filter the plurality of signals to extract the one or more signals of the IF band
Data Source
AI summary
A radio receiver has a front end having a shared amplification path for both radio frequency signals and intermediate frequency signals. In one example, the shared amplification path can include a low noise amplifier and an attenuator. By amplifying both radio frequency (RF) signals and intermediate frequency (IF) signals with the same shared amplification path, gains in power efficiency, and reductions in cost and circuit size can be achieved.