Universal RF Front-End with Adjustable Analog Signal Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless transceivers require multiple separate RF front-ends to support different communication standards and frequency bands, limiting their ability to adapt to new standards and increasing hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device with a single RF transceiver capable of supporting multiple frequency bands and communication standards through adjustable components such as Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) and analog signal path components, which can be tuned to operate across various frequency bands and standards using a single down conversion or up conversion operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate RF front-ends are used to support multiple communication standards, then each standard can be supported reliably, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RF front-end architecture where a single transceiver can operate across multiple frequency bands and support multiple communication standards through software configuration. The system uses a common LNA, mixer, and ADC that can be tuned to different frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each standard while maintaining reliable communication support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable components including variable gain amplifiers, tunable filters, and reconfigurable mixers that can adapt their parameters based on the selected communication standard and frequency band. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware to optimize its performance for different standards without requiring multiple fixed designs.
2Reliability
If multiple separate RF front-ends are used to support multiple communication standards, then each standard can be supported reliably, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single universal RF front-end that can be manufactured as one standardized unit, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing multiple separate front-ends. The universal design allows for economies of scale and simplified assembly processes while maintaining the ability to support multiple standards through software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate RF front-end functions into a single integrated transceiver unit. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while preserving multi-standard support capabilities.
3Device complexity
If a single RF transceiver is used to support multiple frequency bands, then hardware complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different standards becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamically reconfigurable parameters including adjustable center frequencies, variable bandwidths, and tunable gain settings that can be programmed to match the requirements of different communication standards. This dynamic adaptability allows the single transceiver to seamlessly switch between standards without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability to multiple standards by changing operational parameters such as frequency band, bandwidth, gain, and filter characteristics through software control. These parameter changes allow the same physical hardware to optimize its performance for different communication protocols and frequency bands.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable analog signal path components are used, then versatility across frequency bands is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that manages the adjustable analog components. This control layer coordinates the settings of variable gain amplifiers, tunable filters, and reconfigurable mixers based on the selected frequency band and standard, simplifying the overall system management while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device includes processing circuitry, a receiver section, a transmitter section, and an antenna. The processing circuitry determines a set of information signals of a RF Multiple Frequency Bands Multiple Standards (MFBMS) signal. The receiver section down-converts a portion of the RF MFBMS signal by one or more respective shift frequencies to produce a corresponding baseband/low Intermediate Frequency (BB/IF) information signal from which the processing circuitry extracts data. The transmitter section converts a respective BB/IF information signal received from the processing circuitry by a respective shift frequency to produce a corresponding RF information signal and a combiner that combines the RF information signals to form a RF MFBMS signal. Each of the receiver section and the transmitter section may include analog signal path elements that are adjustable based upon characteristics of the RF MFBMS signal, the BB/IF MFBMS signal, and/or based upon signals carried therein, e.g., modulation type, SNR requirements, etc.