Single VCO RF Receiver for Multi-Protocol Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices require multiple transceivers to operate in different wireless protocols, leading to increased area and complexity, particularly when trying to receive a wide range of radio signals across various standards like 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g, which necessitate a well-designed voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) bank.
Innovation Solution
A radio-frequency receiver and transmitter design that utilizes a single VCO with a local oscillating module and mixers, capable of generating phase-differed local oscillating signals to cover both 802.11a and 802.11b/g frequencies, eliminating the need for a VCO bank and reducing the required tuning range of the oscillator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceivers are provided to operate in different wireless protocols, then the device can support multiple standards (802.11a/b/g), but the area and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single transceiver that can operate across multiple wireless protocols (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g) by using one VCO that generates multiple local oscillating signals with different frequencies and phase relationships. This universal design eliminates the need for separate transceivers for each protocol, thereby reducing device area while maintaining multi-protocol support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple VCOs into a single VCO that generates multiple local oscillating signals (first, second, and third local oscillating signals) with different frequencies and phase differences. This merging approach consolidates the functionality of multiple transceivers into one, reducing the overall device area while preserving the ability to receive various wireless protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a VCO bank including multiple VCOs is used to cover wide radio frequency spectrum, then the device can receive multiple wireless protocols, but the area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single VCO is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different local oscillating signals for different frequency bands. The VCO generates a first local oscillating signal for 802.11a (5GHz) and second/third local oscillating signals for 802.11b/g (2.4GHz), thereby achieving wide frequency coverage without requiring multiple VCOs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic phase shifting and frequency modulation techniques where the single VCO can switch between generating different local oscillating signals with varying phase relationships (including 90-degree phase differences). This dynamic capability allows the VCO to adapt to different wireless protocols and frequency ranges, expanding coverage without increasing area.
3Area of stationary object
If a single VCO is used to cover wide frequency range, then the area is reduced, but the oscillator tuning range requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the effective tuning range requirement by dynamically adjusting the phase relationships and frequency ratios between local oscillating signals. The VCO operates at a fixed frequency but generates multiple signals with different phase differences (including 90 degrees) and frequency relationships, thereby covering wide bands without requiring the VCO itself to tune over a wide range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency coverage into distinct bands (802.11a at 5GHz and 802.11b/g at 2.4GHz) by generating separate local oscillating signals for each band from the single VCO. This segmentation allows the VCO to operate within a narrower tuning range while still providing coverage across multiple standards through signal processing and mixing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple local oscillating signals with phase differences are generated from a single VCO, then multi-protocol reception is enabled, but the mixer configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs mixers that can perform multiple functions by switching between different operating modes. The same mixer circuitry can process both 802.11a and 802.11b/g signals by utilizing different local oscillating signals and phase relationships, thereby enabling multi-protocol reception without requiring separate mixer circuits for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching and phase shifting mechanisms that allow the mixer configuration to adapt to different signal types. By dynamically adjusting the phase differences and frequency relationships of local oscillating signals, the system can receive different wireless protocols using the same mixer infrastructure, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enables efficient operation across multiple wireless protocols with a single VCO, reducing the area and complexity of communication devices while meeting the specifications for 802.11a/b/g standards without the need for an image rejection filter or a wide-range oscillator.
Implementation Method 1
the second and third local oscillating signals have a phase difference of about 90 degrees
Implementation Method 2
The first mixer mixes the first RF signal with the first local oscillating signal to generate an intermediate frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency receiver. The radio-frequency receiver includes a first and second low noise amplifier (LNA), a local oscillating module, and a first, second, and third mixer. The first LNA amplifies a first RF signal. The local oscillating module generates a first, second and third local oscillating signals. The first local oscillating signal is generated according to the second local oscillating signal. The first mixer mixes the first RF signal with the first local oscillating signal to generate an intermediate frequency signal. The second LNA amplifies a second RF signal. The second and third mixers can be operated in two modes. The second and third mixers mix the intermediate frequency signal to generate a first and second baseband signal respectively in the first mode, and the second and third mixers mix the second RF signal with the second and third oscillating frequency respectively in a second mode.