Variable Bandwidth Low-Pass Filter for EER Transmitter

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional RF transmitter architectures with linear power amplifiers are inefficient for evolving digital cellular systems using non-constant envelope modulation, and existing class-S modulators face challenges with bandwidth and stability, especially when handling multiple power amplifiers and varying modulation bandwidths.

Innovation Solution

A RF transmitter with a variable bandwidth low-pass filter and a pulse width modulator driven by a variable frequency clock, along with variable bypass capacitances, to optimize bandwidth and stability for multi-band and multi-mode operations, allowing for dynamic adjustment of filter settings based on the operating mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed bandwidth low-pass filter is used in the class-S modulator, then the filter design is simple, but the bandwidth cannot be optimized for different modulation types and frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth adaptabilityVSAvoidfilter configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a variable bandwidth low-pass filter that can dynamically adjust its cutoff frequency based on the operating mode. The filter transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one where the bandwidth is adjusted according to the specific modulation type and frequency requirements, allowing optimization for each operating condition without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of the low-pass filter based on different operating modes. By adjusting the cutoff frequency parameter dynamically, the system adapts to different modulation schemes (e.g., GSM, EDGE, WCDMA) and frequency bands, achieving optimal performance for each mode while maintaining a single filter structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the clock frequency of the pulse width modulator is kept fixed, then the modulator operation is simple, but the efficiency degrades at low frequencies and narrow bandwidths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodulator efficiencyVSAvoidclock frequency control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a variable clock frequency for the pulse width modulator that dynamically adjusts based on the operating mode and bandwidth requirements. At low frequencies and narrow bandwidths, the clock frequency is reduced to improve efficiency, while at higher frequencies and broader bandwidths, the clock frequency increases to maintain performance, optimizing energy usage across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the clock frequency parameter of the pulse width modulator according to the specific operating mode and bandwidth requirements. This parameter adjustment allows the modulator to operate efficiently across different frequency ranges and bandwidths, preventing efficiency degradation that would occur with a fixed clock frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If bypass capacitances are fixed, then the circuit design is simple, but the stability is insufficient at low frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmitter stabilityVSAvoidcapacitance configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements variable bypass capacitances that can be dynamically adjusted based on the operating frequency and mode. At low frequencies, larger capacitance values are selected to maintain stability, while at higher frequencies, smaller capacitance values are used. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal stability across the entire operating range without requiring multiple fixed capacitor banks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the capacitance parameter of the bypass capacitors according to the operating frequency and mode requirements. By selecting appropriate capacitance values for each operating condition, the system achieves improved stability at low frequencies while maintaining proper operation across all frequency ranges, eliminating the need for complex multi-capacitor configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7400865B2Variable bandwidth envelope modulator for use with envelope elimination and restoration transmitter architecture and method
Publication Date: 2008.07.15 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • US7400865B2 patent drawing
  • US7400865B2 patent drawing
  • US7400865B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A RF transmitter has at least one amplifier having an input terminal for receiving a phase modulated signal to be transmitted on an RF carrier and an input node for receiving a modulation signal for amplitude modulating the RF carrier. The RF transmitter further includes an amplitude modulator having an output coupled to the input node of the power amplifier through a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter includes at least one variable filter component for varying a bandwidth of the low-pass filter. In a preferred embodiment an envelope elimination and restoration (EER) RF transmitter includes at least one power RF amplifier having the input terminal for receiving the phase modulated signal to be transmitted on the RF carrier, and further including an input power node for receiving a modulated voltage for amplitude modulating the RF carrier. The EER RF transmitter further includes a class-S modulator having a variable bandwidth low-pass filter having an output coupled to the input power node and including at least one first variable capacitance.