Unified frequency synthesizer for direct conversion receiver or transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency communication devices face challenges with multiband frequency synthesizers, which are either overly complex and expensive when designed for broad frequency ranges or require multiple synthesizers, increasing cost and complexity, while compromising performance and space efficiency in portable designs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a single RF synthesizer with a strategically selected tune range and a divider network for direct conversion coverage of all relevant bands, allowing frequency division by integer divisor values to generate multiple tuning ranges, enabling direct conversion of RF signals to or from baseband signals using a single phase locked loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single frequency synthesizer is designed to tune over a very broad range of frequencies to cover all bands, then the number of synthesizers is reduced to one, but the device complexity increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency synthesizer is divided into multiple independent band-specific synthesizers, each tuned to a specific frequency band. This segmentation allows each synthesizer to be optimized for its specific band, reducing individual complexity while collectively covering all required frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
A single frequency synthesizer is designed with the capability to tune across multiple frequency bands by adjusting its tuning range. This multi-functionality allows one synthesizer to replace what would traditionally require multiple synthesizers, reducing component count while maintaining broad frequency coverage.
2Reliability
If multiple frequency synthesizers are used to cover different bands, then performance is maintained for each band, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency synthesizer is designed as a universal component capable of operating across multiple frequency bands. By making the synthesizer multi-functional, the system achieves reliable frequency conversion for all bands while reducing the total number of synthesizers needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple band-specific synthesizer functions are merged into a single frequency synthesizer unit. This consolidation reduces the total component count and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining the performance characteristics of individual band synthesizers through careful design of the tuning range and frequency conversion circuitry.
3Reliability
If multiple frequency synthesizers are used to cover different bands, then each band can be optimized, but the device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency synthesizer is designed to perform multiple band-specific functions within a single integrated circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the total circuit board area required compared to using separate synthesizers for each band, while maintaining optimized performance for each frequency band through careful frequency planning and circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple synthesizer units are merged into a single integrated frequency synthesizer. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required on the circuit board by eliminating redundant components and interconnections, while maintaining band-specific performance optimization through selective tuning and frequency division techniques.
4Reliability
If multiple frequency synthesizers are used to cover different bands, then each synthesizer can be optimized for its band, but the device requires additional band switching network
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency synthesizer is designed with universal tuning capability across all required frequency bands. This eliminates the need for complex band switching networks, as the synthesizer can be directly tuned to any band without requiring additional switching circuitry. The direct conversion architecture further simplifies the system by eliminating intermediate frequency stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency range is segmented into distinct bands, with each band handled by a dedicated frequency division ratio. This segmentation approach allows the synthesizer to be optimized for each band through software-controlled division ratios, eliminating the need for hardware band switching networks while maintaining band-specific performance optimization.
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 approach allows for efficient and cost-effective direct conversion coverage of multiple frequency bands with a single synthesizer, reducing complexity and space requirements, while maintaining performance, by using a single phase locked loop and adjustable frequency dividers.
Implementation Method 1
generating a first signal Sfs using a frequency synthesizer having a predetermined synthesizer tuning range
Implementation Method 2
The second signal is generated by selectively performing a frequency dividing operation on the first signal in accordance with any one of a plurality of predetermined integer divisor values
Implementation Method 3
The second signal is then used in a modulator or demodulator to perform a frequency conversion operation on a third signal
Implementation Method 4
The frequency conversion can include a direct conversion from a frequency of a received or transmitted RF signal, to or from a baseband signal
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for direct conversion receiver (100), transmitter (200), or transceiver (300) device. The device includes a single frequency synthesizer (102) generating a frequency synthesizer output signal. At least one frequency divider (110n) is provided for generating a reduced frequency signal by selectively dividing the single frequency synthesizer output signal by an integer divisor value. Significantly, the device is configured to vary the reduced frequency signal so as to include every frequency the direct conversion communication device is designed to receive within a plurality of frequency bands by adjusting a frequency of the single synthesizer output signal and the divisor value.