Transceiver PLL Noise Measurement Using Internal Receiver Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring noise in transceivers consume significant area and power on the integrated circuit and are limited in accuracy due to the performance of replica electronics, failing to meet high-performance requirements in applications like radar systems.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver design that includes a coupler to internally couple reference signals between the transmitter and receiver sections, allowing for noise measurement without a replica, using a second PLL to cancel noise at the ADC and measure only the noise introduced by the first PLL, reducing hardware and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If replica electronics are deployed to measure noise, then noise measurement capability is provided, but area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing receiver electronics are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both normal reception operations and noise measurement functions. The receiver processes signals from either the antenna or the transmitter output, allowing the same hardware to serve dual purposes without requiring separate replica electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver uses its own existing receiver electronics to measure the noise introduced by its own transmitter, eliminating the need for external or separate measurement equipment. The system measures its own noise characteristics through internal signal routing and processing.
2Measurement precision
If replica electronics are deployed to measure noise, then noise measurement capability is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver electronics perform both normal reception and noise measurement functions, eliminating the need for separate replica electronics that would consume additional power. The same hardware resources are utilized for multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver measures its own noise using existing receiver components, avoiding the power consumption associated with operating separate replica electronics for measurement purposes.
3Measurement precision
If low noise replica is deployed to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing receiver electronics are utilized for noise measurement, eliminating the need for separate low-noise replica components. The receiver's existing noise performance is sufficient for measuring transmitter noise characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating physical replica electronics, the system uses signal routing to feed transmitter output to the receiver, effectively copying the signal path for measurement purposes without duplicating the hardware.
4Measurement precision
If conventional noise measurement methods are used, then noise can be measured, but measurement accuracy is limited by replica performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies the transmitter output signal directly to the receiver input through internal routing, allowing the receiver to measure the actual transmitter noise characteristics without relying on replica accuracy. This direct signal copying eliminates the measurement limitations imposed by replica performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver uses its own receiver to measure its own transmitter noise, ensuring that the measurement system's noise performance does not limit the accuracy of the transmitter noise characterization.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a transceiver comprises a transmitter section having a first PLL (phased locked loop) providing a first reference signal to the transmitter section, a receiver section having a second PLL providing a second reference signal to the receiver section, a coupler coupling the second PLL to the transmitter section when the transceiver is operative in a test mode measuring a first noise component introduced by the first PLL. The first reference signal is coupled to the receiver section internally within the transceiver as a local reference signal to the receiver section both in the test mode and a functional mode.