Transformer-Coupled RF Mixer Bias Sharing for Lower Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing mixers for wireless communications circuitry that balance performance with minimized power consumption is challenging.
Innovation Solution
The use of a transformer-based mixer that shares a DC bias current between the transconductor and the switching quad, eliminating the need for different power supply voltages and thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power supply voltages are used to bias the transconductor and switching quad, then performance can be maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biasing functions by connecting the center taps of both windings to a common bias current source through conductive paths, allowing a single bias current to serve both the transconductor and switching quad simultaneously, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The single bias current source performs multiple functions by simultaneously biasing both the transconductor stage and the switching quad stage through the transformer's center taps, eliminating the need for separate power supply voltages and reducing overall power consumption
2Reliability
If a transformer-based mixer is used to improve linearity, then performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the transformer structure, which simultaneously provides signal transformation for improved linearity and serves as the bias current distribution network through its center taps, reducing overall device complexity despite the added transformation capability
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 enhances mixer linearity and performance while minimizing power consumption, achieving improved efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer can include a first coil having a first center tap contact. The transformer can include a second coil magnetically coupled to the first coil
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include wireless circuitry with a mixer. The mixer may include a transconductor with first and second input transistors, a switching quad with first and second pairs of mixer transistors, and a transformer coupled between the transconductor and the switching quad. The transformer may have a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformer may have a conductive path that couples a center tap contact of the primary winding to a center tap contact of the secondary winding. The conductive path may configure the transformer to share a DC bias current between the transconductor and the switching quad. This may eliminate the need to bias the transconductor and the switching quad using different power supply voltages, thereby minimizing power consumption without sacrificing performance.