Shared RF-IF Amplification Path for Low-Complexity Receivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superheterodyne receiver architectures have a high active component count, leading to large, expensive, and power-hungry circuits.
Innovation Solution
A radio receiver front-end design with 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 IF filter to amplify and filter signals efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional superheterodyne receiver architecture is used, then signal reception and processing can be achieved, but the active component count becomes high resulting in large, expensive, and power-hungry circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF and IF amplification functions into a single shared LNA, merging two separate amplification paths into one unified component. This reduces the total active component count while maintaining the necessary signal processing capabilities for both RF and IF bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared low noise amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: it amplifies both RF signals and IF signals, serving dual purposes that traditionally required separate amplifiers. This multi-functional approach directly reduces component count and circuit complexity.
2Reliability
If separate amplification paths for RF and IF signals are used, then signal processing can be performed independently, but the circuit becomes larger and more power-hungry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate RF and IF amplification paths into a single shared amplification path, reducing the total number of active components and their associated power consumption while maintaining signal processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared amplifier is designed with multi-functionality to handle both RF and IF signals, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers and thereby reducing overall power consumption of the receiver circuit.
3Reliability
If multiple separate amplifiers are used for RF and IF bands, then each band can be optimized independently, but the circuit cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines what would traditionally be separate RF and IF amplifiers into a single shared low noise amplifier, reducing the physical circuit area and component count while maintaining the ability to process both bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared amplifier provides universal amplification capability for both RF and IF bands, eliminating redundant components and reducing circuit size while preserving band-specific processing through frequency-selective routing.
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 the component count, enhances power efficiency, and decreases costs 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 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 4
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
Implementation Method 5
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
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.