Wideband Channel-Selective Amplifier Structure With On-Chip N-Path Filtering

The patent merges multiple separate transceivers into a single integrated transceiver that can operate across multiple frequency bands and communication protocols. The wideband LNA receives signals from a single antenna across a broad frequency range, and the channel-selective mixer with N-path filters enables selective reception of different frequency channels, eliminating the need for multiple separate transceiver circuits.

The patent creates a universal transceiver architecture that can handle multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) and communication protocols through a single device. The N-path filter bank provides tunable frequency selection, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple communication standards without requiring separate dedicated transceivers for each protocol.

The patent extracts the filtering function from external off-chip components and integrates it directly into the chip architecture. The N-path filter bank is implemented using on-chip switches and resonators, removing the need for separate BAW or SAW filter components. This extraction of the filtering function to the chip level eliminates the need for expensive off-chip filtering components while maintaining signal selectivity.

The patent creates multiple filter paths (N-path filters) that are essentially copies of the same filter structure, each tuned to different frequency channels. These replicated filter circuits are implemented on-chip using standard CMOS processes, providing the filtering functionality that would otherwise require expensive specialized off-chip components.