Wireless Receiver Bias Current Control Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor wireless receiver circuits face challenges in reducing power consumption due to variations in manufacturing processes, leading to inconsistent current consumption and limitations in further reducing power consumption, especially in portable devices where battery efficiency is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor circuit for wireless receiving that includes a bias current supply device, a detection device, and a control device to adjust bias current based on detected thresholds, using a reference resistor with higher accuracy to manage bias current levels, thereby optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the bias current is reduced to lower power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but oscillation stop occurs in the oscillator circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoscillator circuit operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the bias current based on process variation detection. The system detects resistor value variations and accordingly modifies the bias current level to maintain oscillator operation while minimizing power consumption. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the bias current parameter to the actual circuit characteristics rather than using a fixed value.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the actual bias current level and using this information to control the bias current supply. The detection circuit monitors the bias current and provides feedback to the control circuit, which then adjusts the bias current to prevent oscillation stop while reducing power consumption. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable oscillator operation at optimized power levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the bias current is increased to improve receiving characteristics, then gain and noise index improve, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiving characteristicsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the bias current parameter dynamically based on detected process variations. By detecting resistor value variations and adjusting the bias current accordingly, the system achieves optimal receiving characteristics (gain and noise index) without unnecessarily high power consumption. This resolves the contradiction by setting the bias current to the minimum required level for acceptable performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by making the bias current adjustable rather than fixed. The bias current is dynamically controlled based on process variation detection, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and achieve optimal performance with minimal power consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between performance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the bias current detection device operates continuously to monitor current levels, then current control precision improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebias current detection precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by operating the bias current detection device only when necessary (during startup or mode switching) rather than continuously. The detection circuit is activated at specific moments to detect process variations and set appropriate bias current levels, then remains inactive to minimize power consumption. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction between detection precision and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing bias current detection and adjustment during startup or mode switching before normal operation begins. The detection device operates in advance to detect process variations and configure the bias current, then stops operating during normal operation. This preliminary action ensures accurate current control while minimizing ongoing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7835718B2Semiconductor circuit for wireless receiving provided with controller circuit for controlling bias current

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 GODO KAISHA IP BRIDGE 1

AI summary

A constant voltage source supplies a bias current to a wireless receiver circuit. A bias current detector circuit detects the bias current, and outputs a detection result to a current controller circuit. The current controller circuit outputs the detection result of the bias current to a memory circuit. The current controller circuit controls the bias current detector circuit to stop operating thereof, and then controls the bias current to decrease when the detected bias current is larger than a predetermined first threshold value and controls the bias current to increase when the detected bias current is smaller than a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, based on the detection result stored in the memory circuit.