Splitter-Based Single-Ended Conversion With Port Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal conversion technologies face challenges in efficiently converting single-ended signals into differential and common-mode signals, particularly in handling large-bandwidth signals with widely separated frequency bands, and maintaining high isolation between signal converter ports.

Innovation Solution

A signal conversion apparatus and method utilizing separate splitters for converting single-ended signals into differential and common-mode signals, with optional delay lines and transformers to ensure independent optimization over different frequency bands and maintain isolation, and incorporating mixing circuitry for frequency modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single splitter is used to convert single-ended signals into differential and common-mode signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the isolation between signal ports deteriorates and bandwidth handling capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of splittersVSAvoidisolation between ports

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the signal conversion function into separate splitters: a first splitter converts the first single-ended signal into differential signals, while a second splitter converts the second single-ended signal into common-mode signals. This segmentation allows each splitter to be independently optimized for specific frequency bands and signal types, thereby maintaining high isolation between ports while handling large bandwidths effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If splitters are optimized independently over different frequency bands, then the bandwidth handling capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional delay lines and isolation circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidadditional circuitry for isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each splitter is optimized for specific frequency bands with local characteristics tailored to its function. The first splitter handles differential signal conversion optimized for its frequency range, while the second splitter handles common-mode signal conversion optimized for its frequency range. This local optimization allows independent tuning of each splitter's performance characteristics without compromising overall system bandwidth handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Delay lines and isolation circuitry serve as intermediary elements between the independently optimized splitters. These intermediaries manage the interactions between splitters operating at different frequency bands, ensuring proper signal timing and maintaining isolation while allowing each splitter to function independently at its optimal performance point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If transformers are added to isolate differential and common-mode signals, then the isolation between signal ports is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical transformer coupling with electromagnetic field-based isolation mechanisms. Instead of using physical transformers that require precise mechanical assembly and alignment, the invention uses electromagnetic principles to achieve isolation between differential and common-mode signals, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high isolation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10483940B2High-performance conversion between single-ended and differential/common-mode signals

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 MAXLINEAR ISRAEL LTD

AI summary

A signal conversion apparatus includes first and second input ports and first and second output ports. A first splitter is coupled to convert a first single-ended signal received on the first input port into a differential signal including first and second opposite-phase components, and to provide the first and second opposite-phase components respectively on the first and second output ports. A second splitter is separate from the first splitter and is coupled to convert a second single-ended signal received on the second input port into a common-mode signal including first and second in-phase components, and to provide the first and second in-phase components respectively on the first and second output ports together with the first and second opposite-phase components.