Variable-Gain RF Front End for Low-Power AGC Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radio frequency (RF) receivers face challenges in managing signal strength variability, leading to potential overloading and distortion due to strong received signals, which existing gain control techniques do not adequately address, particularly in terms of efficiency and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a variable gain RF receiver front end architecture that includes a variable gain low noise amplifier (LNA) and mixer, operating at RF frequencies, which allows for multiple gain levels without the need for a separate variable gain amplifier and filter, using CMOS technology and switchable transistors to control gain states, thereby reducing power consumption and increasing compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional gain control techniques are used with separate variable gain amplifier and filter, then gain controllability is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegain controllabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the variable gain amplifier and variable filter into a single integrated circuit block, eliminating the need for separate discrete components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining full gain controllability across multiple wireless standards, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit is designed to provide universal functionality by supporting multiple wireless standards (CDMA2000, WCDMA, LTE) with a single device that can dynamically adjust both gain and filtering characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for standard-specific separate amplifiers and filters, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional gain control techniques are used with separate variable gain amplifier and filter, then gain controllability is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegain controllabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the variable gain amplifier and variable filter into a single integrated circuit, the patent reduces the total power consumption compared to using separate discrete components. The integration allows for shared power management and reduced overhead, achieving gain controllability with lower overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate variable gain amplifier and filter are used, then gain control is provided, but compactness and integration are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegain control capabilityVSAvoidcompactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the variable gain amplifier and variable filter functions into a single integrated circuit, dramatically improving compactness. This integration consolidates multiple discrete components into one unified device, reducing the overall volume while maintaining full gain control capability across different wireless standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7539471B2Method and apparatus to provide variable gain in a radio receiver front end

Publication Date: 2009.05.26 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An RF receiver front end includes a variable gain low noise amplifier and/or a variable gain mixer to provide gain variability in the receiver. This gain variability may be used during, for example, automatic gain control operations. In at least one embodiment, the variable gain LNA is a broadband device that is capable of supporting multiple wireless standards.