Patent Application
20110194648
The following applications of common assignee are related to the present application, and are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties:
“Method and System for Down-Converting Electromagnetic Signals,” Ser. No. 09/176,022, filed Oct. 21, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551 on May 9, 2000.
“Method and System for Down-Converting Electromagnetic Signals Having Optimized Switch Structures,” Ser. No. 09/293,095, filed Apr. 16, 1999.
“Method and System for Down-Converting Electromagnetic Signals Including Resonant Structures for Enhanced Energy Transfer,” Ser. No. 09/293,342, filed Apr. 16, 1999.
“Method and System for Frequency Up-Conversion,” Ser. No. 09/176,154, filed Oct. 21, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,940 on Jul. 18, 2000.
“Method and System for Frequency Up-Conversion Having Optimized Switch Structures,” Ser. No. 09/293,097, filed Apr. 16, 1999.
“Method and System for Ensuring Reception of a Communications Signal,” Ser. No. 09/176,415, filed Oct. 21, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,555 on May 9, 2000.
“Integrated Frequency Translation And Selectivity,” Ser. No. 09/175,966, filed Oct. 21, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,706 on Apr. 11, 2000.
“Integrated Frequency Translation and Selectivity with a Variety of Filter Embodiments,” Ser. No. 09/293,283, filed Apr. 16, 1999.
“Applications of Universal Frequency Translation,” Ser. No. 09/261,129, filed Mar. 3, 1999.
“Method and System for Down-Converting an Electromagnetic Signal, Transforms For Same, and Aperture Relationships”, Ser. No. 09/550,644, filed on Apr. 14, 2000.
“Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Technology and Applications Including Techniques of Universal Frequency Translation”, Attorney Docket No. 1744.0630002, filed on Aug. 4, 2000.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to wireless local area networks (WLANs), and more particularly, to WLANs that utilize universal frequency translation technology for frequency translation, and applications of same.
2. Related Art
Wireless LANs exist for receiving and transmitting information to/from mobile terminals using electromagnetic (EM) signals. Conventional wireless communications circuitry is complex and has a large number of circuit parts. This complexity and high parts count increases overall cost. Additionally, higher part counts result in higher power consumption, which is undesirable, particularly in battery powered wireless units. Additionally, various communication components exist for performing frequency down-conversion, frequency up-conversion, and filtering. Also, schemes exist for signal reception in the face of potential jamming signals.
The present invention is directed to a wireless local area network (WLAN) that includes one or more WLAN devices (also called stations, terminals, access points, client devices, or infrastructure devices) for effecting wireless communications over the WLAN. The WLAN device includes at least an antenna, a receiver, and a transmitter for effecting wireless communications over the WLAN. Additionally, the WLAN device may also include a LNA/PA module, a control signal generator, a demodulation/modulation facilitation module, and a media access control (MAC) interface. The WLAN receiver includes at least one universal frequency translation module that frequency down-converts a received electromagnetic (EM) signal. In embodiments, the UFT based receiver is configured in a multi-phase embodiment to reduce or eliminate re-radiation that is caused by DC offset. The WLAN transmitter includes at least one universal frequency translation module that frequency up-converts a baseband signal in preparation for transmission over the WLAN. In embodiments, the UFT based transmitter is configured in a differential and/or multi-phase embodiment to reduce carrier insertion and spectral growth in the transmitted signal.
WLANs exhibit multiple advantages by using UFT modules for frequency translation. These advantages include, but are not limited to: lower power consumption, longer battery life, fewer parts, lower cost, less tuning, and more effective signal transmission and reception. These advantages are possible because the UFT module enables direct frequency conversion in an efficient manner with minimal signal distortion. The structure and operation of embodiments of the UFT module, and various applications of the same are described in detail in the following sections.
Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the leftmost character(s) and/or digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.
The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGS. 20A and 20A-1 are example aliasing modules according to embodiments of the invention;
The present invention is related to frequency translation, and applications of same. Such applications include, but are not limited to, frequency down-conversion, frequency up-conversion, enhanced signal reception, unified down-conversion and filtering, and combinations and applications of same.
As indicated by the example of
Generally, the UFT module 102 (perhaps in combination with other components) operates to generate an output signal from an input signal, where the frequency of the output signal differs from the frequency of the input signal. In other words, the UFT module 102 (and perhaps other components) operates to generate the output signal from the input signal by translating the frequency (and perhaps other characteristics) of the input signal to the frequency (and perhaps other characteristics) of the output signal.
An example embodiment of the UFT module 103 is generally illustrated in
As noted above, some UFT embodiments include other than three ports. For example, and without limitation,
The UFT module is a very powerful and flexible device. Its flexibility is illustrated, in part, by the wide range of applications in which it can be used. Its power is illustrated, in part, by the usefulness and performance of such applications.
For example, a UFT module 115 can be used in a universal frequency down-conversion (UFD) module 114, an example of which is shown in
As another example, as shown in
These and other applications of the UFT module are described below. Additional applications of the UFT module will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. In some applications, the UFT module is a required component. In other applications, the UFT module is an optional component.
The present invention is directed to systems and methods of universal frequency down-conversion, and applications of same.
In particular, the following discussion describes down-converting using a Universal Frequency Translation Module. The down-conversion of an EM signal by aliasing the EM signal at an aliasing rate is fully described in co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Method and System for Down-Converting Electromagnetic Signals,” Ser. No. 09/176,022, filed Oct. 21, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551 on May 9, 2000, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A relevant portion of the above mentioned patent application is summarized below to describe down-converting an input signal to produce a down-converted signal that exists at a lower frequency or a baseband signal.
In one implementation, aliasing module 2000 down-converts the input signal 2004 to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In another implementation, the aliasing module 2000 down-converts the input signal 2004 to a demodulated baseband signal. In yet another implementation, the input signal 2004 is a frequency modulated (FM) signal, and the aliasing module 2000 down-converts it to a non-FM signal, such as a phase modulated (PM) signal or an amplitude modulated (AM) signal. Each of the above implementations is described below.
In an embodiment, the control signal 2006 includes a train of pulses that repeat at an aliasing rate that is equal to, or less than, twice the frequency of the input signal 2004. In this embodiment, the control signal 2006 is referred to herein as an aliasing signal because it is below the Nyquist rate for the frequency of the input signal 2004. Preferably, the frequency of control signal 2006 is much less than the input signal 2004.
A train of pulses 2018 as shown in
Exemplary waveforms are shown in
As noted above, the train of pulses 2020 (i.e., control signal 2006) control the switch 2008 to alias the analog AM carrier signal 2016 (i.e., input signal 2004) at the aliasing rate of the aliasing signal 2018. Specifically, in this embodiment, the switch 2008 closes on a first edge of each pulse and opens on a second edge of each pulse. When the switch 2008 is closed, input signal 2004 is coupled to the capacitor 2010, and charge is transferred from the input signal 2004 to the capacitor 2010. The charge transferred during a pulse is referred to herein as an under-sample. Exemplary under-samples 2022 form down-converted signal portion 2024 (
The waveforms shown in
The aliasing rate of control signal 2006 determines whether the input signal 2004 is down-converted to an IF signal, down-converted to a demodulated baseband signal, or down-converted from an FM signal to a PM or an AM signal. Generally, relationships between the input signal 2004, the aliasing rate of the control signal 2006, and the down-converted output signal 2012 are illustrated below:
(Freq. of input signal 2004)=n·(Freq. of control signal 2006)±(Freq. of down-converted output signal 2012)
For the examples contained herein, only the “+” condition will be discussed. The value of n represents a harmonic or sub-harmonic of input signal 2004 (e.g., n=0.5, 1, 2, 3, . . . ).
When the aliasing rate of control signal 2006 is off-set from the frequency of input signal 2004, or off-set from a harmonic or sub-harmonic thereof, input signal 2004 is down-converted to an IF signal. This is because the under-sampling pulses occur at different phases of subsequent cycles of input signal 2004. As a result, the under-samples form a lower frequency oscillating pattern. If the input signal 2004 includes lower frequency changes, such as amplitude, frequency, phase, etc., or any combination thereof, the charge stored during associated under-samples reflects the lower frequency changes, resulting in similar changes on the down-converted IF signal. For example, to down-convert a 901 MHZ input signal to a 1 MHZ IF signal, the frequency of the control signal 2006 would be calculated as follows:
(Freqinput−FreqIF)/n=Freqcontrol,
(901 MHZ−1 MHZ)/n=900/n
For n=0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., the frequency of the control signal 2006 would be substantially equal to 1.8 GHz, 900 MHZ, 450 MHZ, 300 MHZ, 225 MHZ, etc.
Exemplary time domain and frequency domain drawings, illustrating down-conversion of analog and digital AM, PM and FM signals to IF signals, and exemplary methods and systems thereof; are disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Method and System for Down-converting Electromagnetic Signals,” application Ser. No. 09/176,022, Attorney Docket Number 1744.0010000, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551 on May 9, 2000.
Alternatively, when the aliasing rate of the control signal 2006 is substantially equal to the frequency of the input signal 2004, or substantially equal to a harmonic or sub-harmonic thereof, input signal 2004 is directly down-converted to a demodulated baseband signal. This is because, without modulation, the under-sampling pulses occur at the same point of subsequent cycles of the input signal 2004. As a result, the under-samples form a constant output baseband signal. If the input signal 2004 includes lower frequency changes, such as amplitude, frequency, phase, etc., or any combination thereof, the charge stored during associated under-samples reflects the lower frequency changes, resulting in similar changes on the demodulated baseband signal. For example, to directly down-convert a 900 MHZ input signal to a demodulated baseband signal (i.e., zero IF), the frequency of the control signal 2006 would be calculated as follows:
(Freqinput−FreqIF)/n=Freqcontrol
(900 MHZ−0 MHZ)/n=900 MHZ/n
For n=0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., the frequency of the control signal 2006 should be substantially equal to 1.8 GHz, 900 MHZ, 450 MHZ, 300 MHZ, 225 MHZ, etc.
Exemplary time domain and frequency domain drawings, illustrating direct down-conversion of analog and digital AM and PM signals to demodulated baseband signals, and exemplary methods and systems thereof, are disclosed in the co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Method and System for Down-converting Electromagnetic Signals,” application Ser. No. 09/176,022, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551 on May 9, 2000.
Alternatively, to down-convert an input FM signal to a non-FM signal, a frequency within the FM bandwidth must be down-converted to baseband (i.e., zero IF). As an example, to down-convert a frequency shift keying (FSK) signal (a sub-set of FM) to a phase shift keying (PSK) signal (a subset of PM), the mid-point between a lower frequency F1 and an upper frequency F2 (that is, [(F1+F2)÷2]) of the FSK signal is down-converted to zero IF. For example, to down-convert an FSK signal having F1 equal to 899 MHZ and F2 equal to 901 MHZ, to a PSK signal, the aliasing rate of the control signal 2006 would be calculated as follows:
Frequency of the down-converted signal=0 (i.e., baseband)
(Freqinput−FreqIF)/n=Freqcontrol
(900 MHZ−0 MHZ)/n=900 MHZ/n
For n=0.5, 1, 2, 3, etc., the frequency of the control signal 2006 should be substantially equal to 1.8 GHz, 900 MHZ, 450 MHZ, 300 MHZ, 225 MHZ, etc. The frequency of the down-converted PSK signal is substantially equal to one half the difference between the lower frequency F1 and the upper frequency F2.
As another example, to down-convert a FSK signal to an amplitude shift keying (ASK) signal (a subset of AM), either the lower frequency F1 or the upper frequency F2 of the FSK signal is down-converted to zero IF. For example, to down-convert an FSK signal having F1 equal to 900 MHZ and F2 equal to 901 MHZ, to an ASK signal, the aliasing rate of the control signal 2006 should be substantially equal to:
(900 MHZ−0 MHZ)/n=900 MHZ/n, or
(901 MHZ−0 MHZ)/n=901 MHZ/n.
For the former case of 900 MHZ/n, and for n=0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., the frequency of the control signal 2006 should be substantially equal to 1.8 GHz, 900 MHZ, 450 MHZ, 300 MHZ, 225 MHZ, etc. For the latter case of 901 MHZ/n, and for n=0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., the frequency of the control signal 2006 should be substantially equal to 1.802 GHz, 901 MHZ, 450.5 MHZ, 300.333 MHZ, 225.25 MHZ, etc. The frequency of the down-converted AM signal is substantially equal to the difference between the lower frequency F1 and the upper frequency F2 (i.e., 1 MHZ).
Exemplary time domain and frequency domain drawings, illustrating down-conversion of FM signals to non-FM signals, and exemplary methods and systems thereof, are disclosed in the co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Method and System for Down-converting Electromagnetic Signals,” application Ser. No. 09/176,022, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551 on May 9, 2000.
In an embodiment, the pulses of the control signal 2006 have negligible apertures that tend towards zero. This makes the UFT module 2002 a high input impedance device. This configuration is useful for situations where minimal disturbance of the input signal may be desired.
In another embodiment, the pulses of the control signal 2006 have non-negligible apertures that tend away from zero. This makes the UFT module 2002 a lower input impedance device. This allows the lower input impedance of the UFT module 2002 to be substantially matched with a source impedance of the input signal 2004. This also improves the energy transfer from the input signal 2004 to the down-converted output signal 2012, and hence the efficiency and signal to noise (s/n) ratio of UFT module 2002.
Exemplary systems and methods for generating and optimizing the control signal 2006, and for otherwise improving energy transfer and s/n ratio, are disclosed in the co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Method and System for Down-converting Electromagnetic Signals,” application Ser. No. 09/176,022, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551 on May 9, 2000.
The present invention is directed to systems and methods of frequency up-conversion, and applications of same.
An example frequency up-conversion system 300 is illustrated in
An input signal 302 (designated as “Control Signal” in
The output of switch module 304 is a harmonically rich signal 306, shown for example in
Harmonically rich signal 608 is comprised of a plurality of sinusoidal waves whose frequencies are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency of the waveform of the harmonically rich signal 608. These sinusoidal waves are referred to as the harmonics of the underlying waveform, and the fundamental frequency is referred to as the first harmonic.
The relative amplitudes of the harmonics are generally a function of the relative widths of the pulses of harmonically rich signal 306 and the period of the fundamental frequency, and can be determined by doing a Fourier analysis of harmonically rich signal 306. According to an embodiment of the invention, the input signal 606 may be shaped to ensure that the amplitude of the desired harmonic is sufficient for its intended use (e.g., transmission).
A filter 308 filters out any undesired frequencies (harmonics), and outputs an electromagnetic (EM) signal at the desired harmonic frequency or frequencies as an output signal 310, shown for example as a filtered output signal 614 in
Also in
The invention is not limited to the UFU embodiment shown in
For example, in an alternate embodiment shown in
The purpose of the pulse shaping module 502 is to define the pulse width of the input signal 302. Recall that the input signal 302 controls the opening and closing of the switch 406 in switch module 304. During such operation, the pulse width of the input signal 302 establishes the pulse width of the harmonically rich signal 306. As stated above, the relative amplitudes of the harmonics of the harmonically rich signal 306 are a function of at least the pulse width of the harmonically rich signal 306. As such, the pulse width of the input signal 302 contributes to setting the relative amplitudes of the harmonics of harmonically rich signal 306.
Further details of up-conversion as described in this section are presented in pending U.S. application “Method and System for Frequency Up-Conversion,” Ser. No. 09/176,154, filed Oct. 21, 1998, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention is directed to systems and methods of enhanced signal reception (ESR), and applications of same.
Referring to
Modulating baseband signal 2102 is preferably any information signal desired for transmission and/or reception. An example modulating baseband signal 2202 is illustrated in
Each transmitted redundant spectrum 2106a-n contains the necessary information to substantially reconstruct the modulating baseband signal 2102. In other words, each redundant spectrum 2106a-n contains the necessary amplitude, phase, and frequency information to reconstruct the modulating baseband signal 2102.
Transmitted redundant spectrums 2206b-d are centered at f1, with a frequency spacing f2 between adjacent spectrums. Frequencies f1 and f2 are dynamically adjustable in real-time as will be shown below.
Received redundant spectrums 2110a-n are substantially similar to transmitted redundant spectrums 2106a-n, except for the changes introduced by the communications medium 2108. Such changes can include but are not limited to signal attenuation, and signal interference.
As stated above, demodulated baseband signal 2114 is extracted from one or more of received redundant spectrums 2210b-d.
An advantage of the present invention should now be apparent. The recovery of modulating baseband signal 2202 can be accomplished by receiver 2112 in spite of the fact that high strength jamming signal(s) (e.g. jamming signal spectrum 2211) exist on the communications medium. The intended baseband signal can be recovered because multiple redundant spectrums are transmitted, where each redundant spectrum carries the necessary information to reconstruct the baseband signal. At the destination, the redundant spectrums are isolated from each other so that the baseband signal can be recovered even if one or more of the redundant spectrums are corrupted by a jamming signal.
Transmitter 2104 will now be explored in greater detail.
Transmitter 2301 operates as follows. First oscillator 2302 and second oscillator 2309 generate a first oscillating signal 2305 and second oscillating signal 2312, respectively. First stage modulator 2306 modulates first oscillating signal 2305 with modulating baseband signal 2202, resulting in modulated signal 2308. First stage modulator 2306 may implement any type of modulation including but not limited to: amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, combinations thereof, or any other type of modulation. Second stage modulator 2310 modulates modulated signal 2308 with second oscillating signal 2312, resulting in multiple redundant spectrums 2206a-n shown in
Redundant spectrums 2206a-n are substantially centered around f1, which is the characteristic frequency of first oscillating signal 2305. Also, each redundant spectrum 2206a-n (except for 2206c) is offset from f1 by approximately a multiple of f2 (Hz), where f2 is the frequency of the second oscillating signal 2312. Thus, each redundant spectrum 2206a-n is offset from an adjacent redundant spectrum by f2 (Hz). This allows the spacing between adjacent redundant spectrums to be adjusted (or tuned) by changing f2 that is associated with second oscillator 2309. Adjusting the spacing between adjacent redundant spectrums allows for dynamic real-time tuning of the bandwidth occupied by redundant spectrums 2206a-n.
In one embodiment, the number of redundant spectrums 2206a-n generated by transmitter 2301 is arbitrary and may be unlimited as indicated by the “a-n” designation for redundant spectrums 2206a-n. However, a typical communications medium will have a physical and/or administrative limitations (i.e. FCC regulations) that restrict the number of redundant spectrums that can be practically transmitted over the communications medium. Also, there may be other reasons to limit the number of redundant spectrums transmitted. Therefore, preferably, the transmitter 2301 will include an optional spectrum processing module 2304 to process the redundant spectrums 2206a-n prior to transmission over communications medium 2108.
In one embodiment, spectrum processing module 2304 includes a filter with a passband 2207 (
As shown in
Redundant spectrums 2208a-n are centered on unmodulated spectrum 2209 (at f1 Hz), and adjacent spectrums are separated by f2 Hz. The number of redundant spectrums 2208a-n generated by generator 2311 is arbitrary and unlimited, similar to spectrums 2206a-n discussed above. Therefore, optional spectrum processing module 2304 may also include a filter with passband 2325 to select, for example, spectrums 2208c,d for transmission over communications medium 2108. In addition, optional spectrum processing module 2304 may also include a filter (such as a bandstop filter) to attenuate unmodulated spectrum 2209. Alternatively, unmodulated spectrum 2209 may be attenuated by using phasing techniques during redundant spectrum generation. Finally, (optional) medium interface module 2320 transmits redundant spectrums 2208c,d over communications medium 2108.
Receiver 2112 will now be explored in greater detail to illustrate recovery of a demodulated baseband signal from received redundant spectrums.
In one embodiment, optional medium interface module 2402 receives redundant spectrums 2210b-d (
Referring to
The error detection schemes implemented by the error detection modules include but are not limited to: cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and parity check for digital signals, and various error detections schemes for analog signal.
Further details of enhanced signal reception as described in this section are presented in pending U.S. application “Method and System for Ensuring Reception of a Communications Signal,” Ser. No. 09/176,415, filed Oct. 21, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,555 on May 9, 2000.
The present invention is directed to systems and methods of unified down-conversion and filtering (UDF), and applications of same.
In particular, the present invention includes a unified down-converting and filtering (UDF) module that performs frequency selectivity and frequency translation in a unified (i.e., integrated) manner. By operating in this manner, the invention achieves high frequency selectivity prior to frequency translation (the invention is not limited to this embodiment). The invention achieves high frequency selectivity at substantially any frequency, including but not limited to RF (radio frequency) and greater frequencies. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to this example of RF and greater frequencies. The invention is intended, adapted, and capable of working with lower than radio frequencies.
The effect achieved by the UDF module 1702 is to perform the frequency selectivity operation prior to the performance of the frequency translation operation. Thus, the UDF module 1702 effectively performs input filtering.
According to embodiments of the present invention, such input filtering involves a relatively narrow bandwidth. For example, such input filtering may represent channel select filtering, where the filter bandwidth may be, for example, 50 KHz to 150 KHz. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to these frequencies. The invention is intended, adapted, and capable of achieving filter bandwidths of less than and greater than these values.
In embodiments of the invention, input signals 1704 received by the UDF module 1702 are at radio frequencies. The UDF module 1702 effectively operates to input filter these RF input signals 1704. Specifically, in these embodiments, the UDF module 1702 effectively performs input, channel select filtering of the RF input signal 1704. Accordingly, the invention achieves high selectivity at high frequencies.
The UDF module 1702 effectively performs various types of filtering, including but not limited to bandpass filtering, low pass filtering, high pass filtering, notch filtering, all pass filtering, band stop filtering, etc., and combinations thereof.
Conceptually, the UDF module 1702 includes a frequency translator 1708. The frequency translator 1708 conceptually represents that portion of the UDF module 1702 that performs frequency translation (down conversion).
The UDF module 1702 also conceptually includes an apparent input filter 1706 (also sometimes called an input filtering emulator). Conceptually, the apparent input filter 1706 represents that portion of the UDF module 1702 that performs input filtering.
In practice, the input filtering operation performed by the UDF module 1702 is integrated with the frequency translation operation. The input filtering operation can be viewed as being performed concurrently with the frequency translation operation. This is a reason why the input filter 1706 is herein referred to as an “apparent” input filter 1706.
The UDF module 1702 of the present invention includes a number of advantages. For example, high selectivity at high frequencies is realizable using the UDF module 1702. This feature of the invention is evident by the high Q factors that are attainable. For example, and without limitation, the UDF module 1702 can be designed with a filter center frequency fC on the order of 900 MHZ, and a filter bandwidth on the order of 50 KHz. This represents a Q of 18,000 (Q is equal to the center frequency divided by the bandwidth).
It should be understood that the invention is not limited to filters with high Q factors. The filters contemplated by the present invention may have lesser or greater Qs, depending on the application, design, and/or implementation. Also, the scope of the invention includes filters where Q factor as discussed herein is not applicable.
The invention exhibits additional advantages. For example, the filtering center frequency fC of the UDF module 1702 can be electrically adjusted, either statically or dynamically.
Also, the UDF module 1702 can be designed to amplify input signals.
Further, the UDF module 1702 can be implemented without large resistors, capacitors, or inductors. Also, the UDF module 1702 does not require that tight tolerances be maintained on the values of its individual components, i.e., its resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc. As a result, the architecture of the UDF module 1702 is friendly to integrated circuit design techniques and processes.
The features and advantages exhibited by the UDF module 1702 are achieved at least in part by adopting a new technological paradigm with respect to frequency selectivity and translation. Specifically, according to the present invention, the UDF module 1702 performs the frequency selectivity operation and the frequency translation operation as a single, unified (integrated) operation. According to the invention, operations relating to frequency translation also contribute to the performance of frequency selectivity, and vice versa.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the UDF module generates an output signal from an input signal using samples/instances of the input signal and samples/instances of the output signal.
More particularly, first, the input signal is under-sampled. This input sample includes information (such as amplitude, phase, etc.) representative of the input signal existing at the time the sample was taken.
As described further below, the effect of repetitively performing this step is to translate the frequency (that is, down-convert) of the input signal to a desired lower frequency, such as an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband.
Next, the input sample is held (that is, delayed).
Then, one or more delayed input samples (some of which may have been scaled) are combined with one or more delayed instances of the output signal (some of which may have been scaled) to generate a current instance of the output signal.
Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the output signal is generated from prior samples/instances of the input signal and/or the output signal. (It is noted that, in some embodiments of the invention, current samples/instances of the input signal and/or the output signal may be used to generate current instances of the output signal). By operating in this manner, the UDF module preferably performs input filtering and frequency down-conversion in a unified manner.
In the example of
VO=α
1
z
−1
VI−β
1
z
−1
VO−β
0
z
−2
VO EQ. 1
It should be noted, however, that the invention is not limited to band-pass filtering. Instead, the invention effectively performs various types of filtering, including but not limited to bandpass filtering, low pass filtering, high pass filtering, notch filtering, all pass filtering, band stop filtering, etc., and combinations thereof. As will be appreciated, there are many representations of any given flier type. The invention is applicable to these filter representations. Thus, EQ. 1 is referred to herein for illustrative purposes only, and is not limiting.
The UDF module 1922 includes a down-convert and delay module 1924, first and second delay modules 1928 and 1930, first and second scaling modules 1932 and 1934, an output sample and hold module 1936, and an (optional) output smoothing module 1938. Other embodiments of the UDF module will have these components in different configurations, and/or a subset of these components, and/or additional components. For example, and without limitation, in the configuration shown in
As further described below, in the example of
Preferably, each of these switches closes on a rising edge of φ1 or φ2, and opens on the next corresponding falling edge of φ1 or φ2. However, the invention is not limited to this example. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s), other clock conventions can be used to control the switches.
In the example of
The example UDF module 1922 has a filter center frequency of 900.2 MHZ and a filter bandwidth of 570 KHz. The pass band of the UDF module 1922 is on the order of 899.915 MHZ to 900.485 MHZ. The Q factor of the UDF module 1922 is approximately 1879 (i.e., 900.2 MHZ divided by 570 KHz).
The operation of the UDF module 1922 shall now be described with reference to a Table 1802 (
At the rising edge of φ1 at time t−1, a switch 1950 in the down-convert and delay module 1924 closes. This allows a capacitor 1952 to charge to the current value of an input signal, VIt−1, such that node 1902 is at VIt−1. This is indicated by cell 1804 in
The manner in which the down-convert and delay module 1924 performs frequency down-conversion is further described elsewhere in this application, and is additionally described in pending U.S. application “Method and System for Down-Converting Electromagnetic Signals,” Ser. No. 09/176,022, filed Oct. 21, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551 on May 9, 2000, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Also at the rising edge of φ1 at time t−1, a switch 1958 in the first delay module 1928 closes, allowing a capacitor 1960 to charge to VOt−1, such that node 1906 is at VOt−1. This is indicated by cell 1806 in Table 1802. (In practice, VOt−1 is undefined at this point. However, for ease of understanding, VOt−1 shall continue to be used for purposes of explanation.)
Also at the rising edge of φ1 at time t−1, a switch 1966 in the second delay module 1930 closes, allowing a capacitor 1968 to charge to a value stored in a capacitor 1964. At this time, however, the value in capacitor 1964 is undefined, so the value in capacitor 1968 is undefined. This is indicated by cell 1807 in table 1802.
At the rising edge of φ2 at time t−1, a switch 1954 in the down-convert and delay module 1924 closes, allowing a capacitor 1956 to charge to the level of the capacitor 1952. Accordingly, the capacitor 1956 charges to VIt−1, such that node 1904 is at This is indicated by cell 1810 in Table 1802.
The UDF module 1922 may optionally include a unity gain module 1990A between capacitors 1952 and 1956. The unity gain module 1990A operates as a current source to enable capacitor 1956 to charge without draining the charge from capacitor 1952. For a similar reason, the UDF module 1922 may include other unity gain modules 1990B-1990G. It should be understood that, for many embodiments and applications of the invention, these unity gain modules 1990A-1990G are optional. The structure and operation of the unity gain modules 1990 will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).
Also at the rising edge of φ2 at time t−1, a switch 1962 in the first delay module 1928 closes, allowing a capacitor 1964 to charge to the level of the capacitor 1960. Accordingly, the capacitor 1964 charges to VOt−1, such that node 1908 is at VOt−1. This is indicated by cell 1814 in Table 1802.
Also at the rising edge of φ2 at time t−1, a switch 1970 in the second delay module 1930 closes, allowing a capacitor 1972 to charge to a value stored in a capacitor 1968. At this time, however, the value in capacitor 1968 is undefined, so the value in capacitor 1972 is undefined. This is indicated by cell 1815 in table 1802.
At time t, at the rising edge of φ1, the switch 1950 in the down-convert and delay module 1924 closes. This allows the capacitor 1952 to charge to VIt, such that node 1902 is at VIt. This is indicated in cell 1816 of Table 1802.
Also at the rising edge of φ1 at time t, the switch 1958 in the first delay module 1928 closes, thereby allowing the capacitor 1960 to charge to VOt. Accordingly, node 1906 is at VOt. This is indicated in cell 1820 in Table 1802.
Further at the rising edge of φ1 at time t, the switch 1966 in the second delay module 1930 closes, allowing a capacitor 1968 to charge to the level of the capacitor 1964. Therefore, the capacitor 1968 charges to VOt−1, such that node 1910 is at VOt−1. This is indicated by cell 1824 in Table 1802.
At the rising edge of φ2 at time t, the switch 1954 in the down-convert and delay module 1924 closes, allowing the capacitor 1956 to charge to the level of the capacitor 1952. Accordingly, the capacitor 1956 charges to VIt, such that node 1904 is at VIt. This is indicated by cell 1828 in Table 1802.
Also at the rising edge of φ2 at time t, the switch 1962 in the first delay module 1928 closes, allowing the capacitor 1964 to charge to the level in the capacitor 1960. Therefore, the capacitor 1964 charges to VOt, such that node 1908 is at VOt. This is indicated by cell 1832 in Table 1802.
Further at the rising edge of φ2 at time t, the switch 1970 in the second delay module 1930 closes, allowing the capacitor 1972 in the second delay module 1930 to charge to the level of the capacitor 1968 in the second delay module 1930. Therefore, the capacitor 1972 charges to VOt−1, such that node 1912 is at VOt−1. This is indicated in cell 1836 of
At time t+1, at the rising edge of φ1, the switch 1950 in the down-convert and delay module 1924 closes, allowing the capacitor 1952 to charge to VIt−1. Therefore, node 1902 is at VIt−1, as indicated by cell 1838 of Table 1802.
Also at the rising edge of φ1 at time t+1, the switch 1958 in the first delay module 1928 closes, allowing the capacitor 1960 to charge to VOt+1. Accordingly, node 1906 is at VOt+1, as indicated by cell 1842 in Table 1802.
Further at the rising edge of φ1 at time t+1, the switch 1966 in the second delay module 1930 closes, allowing the capacitor 1968 to charge to the level of the capacitor 1964. Accordingly, the capacitor 1968 charges to VOt, as indicated by cell 1846 of Table 1802.
In the example of
At time t+1, the values at the inputs of the summer 1926 are: VIt at node 1904, −0.1*VOt at node 1914, and −0.8*VOt−1 at node 1916 (in the example of
At the rising edge of φ1 at time t+1, a switch 1991 in the output sample and hold module 1936 closes, thereby allowing a capacitor 1992 to charge to VOt+1. Accordingly, the capacitor 1992 charges to VOt+1, which is equal to the sum generated by the adder 1926. As just noted, this value is equal to: VIt−0.1*VOt−0.8*VOt−1. This is indicated in cell 1850 of Table 1802. This value is presented to the optional output smoothing module 1938, which smooths the signal to thereby generate the instance of the output signal VOt+1. It is apparent from inspection that this value of VOt+1 is consistent with the band pass filter transfer function of EQ. 1.
Further details of unified down-conversion and filtering as described in this section are presented in pending U.S. application “Integrated Frequency Translation And Selectivity,” Ser. No. 09/175,966, filed Oct. 21, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,706 on Apr. 11, 2000, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
As noted above, the UFT module of the present invention is a very powerful and flexible device. Its flexibility is illustrated, in part, by the wide range of applications in which it can be used. Its power is illustrated, in part, by the usefulness and performance of such applications.
Example applications of the UFT module were described above. In particular, frequency down-conversion, frequency up-conversion, enhanced signal reception, and unified down-conversion and filtering applications of the UFT module were summarized above, and are further described below. These applications of the UFT module are discussed herein for illustrative purposes. The invention is not limited to these example applications. Additional applications of the UFT module will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s), based on the teachings contained herein.
For example, the present invention can be used in applications that involve frequency down-conversion. This is shown in
The present invention can be used in applications that involve frequency up-conversion. This is shown in
The present invention can be used in environments having one or more transmitters 902 and one or more receivers 906, as illustrated in
The invention can be used to implement a transceiver. An example transceiver 1002 is illustrated in
Another transceiver embodiment according to the invention is shown in
As described elsewhere in this application, the invention is directed to methods and systems for enhanced signal reception (ESR). Various ESR embodiments include an ESR module (transmit) in a transmitter 1202, and an ESR module (receive) in a receiver 1210. An example ESR embodiment configured in this manner is illustrated in
The ESR module (transmit) 1204 includes a frequency up-conversion module 1206. Some embodiments of this frequency up-conversion module 1206 may be implemented using a UFT module, such as that shown in
The ESR module (receive) 1212 includes a frequency down-conversion module 1214. Some embodiments of this frequency down-conversion module 1214 may be implemented using a UFT module, such as that shown in
As described elsewhere in this application, the invention is directed to methods and systems for unified down-conversion and filtering (UDF). An example unified down-conversion and filtering module 1302 is illustrated in
Unified down-conversion and filtering according to the invention is useful in applications involving filtering and/or frequency down-conversion. This is depicted, for example, in
For example, receivers, which typically perform filtering, down-conversion, and filtering operations, can be implemented using one or more unified down-conversion and filtering modules. This is illustrated, for example, in
The methods and systems of unified down-conversion and filtering of the invention have many other applications. For example, as discussed herein, the enhanced signal reception (ESR) module (receive) operates to down-convert a signal containing a plurality of spectrums. The ESR module (receive) also operates to isolate the spectrums in the down-converted signal, where such isolation is implemented via filtering in some embodiments. According to embodiments of the invention, the ESR module (receive) is implemented using one or more unified down-conversion and filtering (UDF) modules. This is illustrated, for example, in
The invention is not limited to the applications of the UFT module described above. For example, and without limitation, subsets of the applications (methods and/or structures) described herein (and others that would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the herein teachings) can be associated to form useful combinations.
For example, transmitters and receivers are two applications of the UFT module.
Also, ESR (enhanced signal reception) and unified down-conversion and filtering are two other applications of the UFT module.
The invention is not limited to the example applications of the UFT module discussed herein. Also, the invention is not limited to the example combinations of applications of the UFT module discussed herein. These examples were provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting. Other applications and combinations of such applications will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such applications and combinations include, for example and without limitation, applications/combinations comprising and/or involving one or more of: (1) frequency translation; (2) frequency down-conversion; (3) frequency up-conversion; (4) receiving; (5) transmitting; (6) filtering; and/or (7) signal transmission and reception in environments containing potentially jamming signals.
Additional example applications are described below.
The invention is directed to data communication among data processing devices. For example, and without limitation, the invention is directed to computer networks such as, for example, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), including wireless LANs (WLANs) and wireless WANs, modulator/demodulators (modems), including wireless modems, etc.
In the teachings contained herein, for illustrative purposes, a link may be designated as being a wired link or a wireless link. Such designations are for example purposes only, and are not limiting. A link designated as being wireless may alternatively be wired. Similarly, a link designated as being wired may alternatively be wireless. This is applicable throughout the entire application.
The computers 2504, 2512 and 2526 each include an interface 2506, 2514, and 2528, respectively, for communicating with the network 2534. The interfaces 2506, 2514, and 2528 include transmitters 2508, 2516, and 2530 respectively. Also, the interfaces 2506, 2514 and 2528 include receivers 2510, 2518, and 2532 respectively. In embodiments of the invention, the transmitters 2508, 2516 and 2530 are implemented using UFT modules for performing frequency up-conversion operations (see, for example,
As noted above, the computers 2512 and 2526 interact with the network 2534 via wireless links. In embodiments of the invention, the interfaces 2514, 2528 in computers 2512, 2526 represent modulator/demodulators (modems).
In embodiments, the network 2534 includes an interface or modem 2520 for communicating with the modems 2514, 2528 in the computers 2512, 2526. In embodiments, the interface 2520 includes a transmitter 2522, and a receiver 2524. Either or both of the transmitter 2522, and the receiver 2524 are implemented using UFT modules for performing frequency translation operations (see, for example,
In alternative embodiments, one or more of the interfaces 2506, 2514, 2520, and 2528 are implemented using transceivers that employ one or more UFT modules for performing frequency translation operations (see, for example,
The interfaces 2606 may represent any computer interface or port, such as but not limited to a high speed internal interface, a wireless serial port, a wireless PS2 port, a wireless USB port, PCMCIA port, etc.
The interface 2606 includes a transmitter 2608 and a receiver 2610. In embodiments of the invention, either or both of the transmitter 2608 and the receiver 2610 are implemented using UFT modules for frequency up-conversion and down-conversion (see, for example,
The invention includes multiple networks linked together. The invention also envisions wireless networks conforming to any known or custom standard or specification. This is shown in
The invention supports WLANs that are located in one or multiple buildings, as shown in
More generally, the invention is directed to WLAN client devices and WLAN infrastructure devices. “WLAN Client Devices” refers to, for example, any data processing and/or communication devices in which wired or wireless communication functionality is desired, such as but not limited to computers, personal data assistants (PDAs), automatic identification data collection devices (such as bar code scanners/readers, electronic article surveillance readers, and radio frequency identification readers), telephones, network devices, etc., and combinations thereof. “WLAN Infrastructure Devices” refers to, for example, Access Points and other devices used to provide the ability for WLAN Client Devices (as well as potentially other devices) to connect to wired and/or wireless networks and/or to provide the network functionality of a WLAN. “WLAN” refers to, for example, a Wireless Local Area Network that is implemented according to and that operates within WLAN standards and/or specifications, such as but not limited to IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, HomeRF, Proxim Range LAN, Proxim Range LAN2, Symbol Spectrum 1, Symbol Spectrum 24 as it existed prior to adoption of IEEE 802.11, HiperLAN1, or HiperLAN2. WLAN client devices and/or WLAN infrastructure devices may operate in a multi-mode capacity. For example, a device may include WLAN and WAN functionality. Another device may include WLAN and short range communication (such as but not limited to Blue Tooth) functionality. Another device may include WLAN and WAN and short range communication functionality. It is noted that the above definitions and examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and are not limiting. Equivalents to that described above will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
6.1.1. Example Implementations: Interfaces, Wireless Modems, Wireless LANs, etc.
The present invention is now described as implemented in an interface, such as a wireless modem or other device (such as client or infrastructure device), which can be utilized to implement or interact with a wireless local area network (WLAN) or wireless wide area network (WWAN), for example. In an embodiment, the present invention is implemented in a WLAN to support IEEE WLAN Standard 802.11, but this embodiment is mentioned for illustrative purposes only. The invention is not limited to this standard.
Conventional wireless modems are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,693, titled, “Wireless Radio Modem with Minimal Inter-Device RF Interference,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present invention replaces a substantial portion of conventional wireless modems with one or more universal frequency translators (UFTs). The resultant improved wireless modem consumes less power that conventional wireless modems and is easier and less expensive to design and build. A wireless modem in accordance with the present invention can be implemented in a PC-MCIA card or within a main housing of a computer, for example.
The interface 2910 includes a transmitter module 2912 and a receiver module 2934. The receiver module 2934 includes an RF section 2936, one or more IF sections 2938, an I/Q demodulator section 2940, an optional A/D converter 2944, and a frequency generator/synthesizer 2942. The I/Q demodulator section 2940 includes a signal splitter 2946, mixers 2948, and a phase shifter 2950. The signal splitter 2946 provides a received signal to the mixers 2948. The phase shifter 2950 operates the mixers 2948 ninety degrees out of phase with one another to generate I and Q information channels 2952 and 2954, respectively, which are provided to a DSP 2956 through the optional A/D converter 2944.
The transmitter module 2912 includes an optional D/A converter 2922, an I/Q modulator section 2918, one or more IF sections 2916, an RF section 2914, and a frequency generator/synthesizer 2920. The I/Q modulator section 2918 includes mixers 2924, a phase shifter 2926, and a signal combiner 2928. The phase shifter 2926 operates the mixers 2924 ninety degrees out of phase with one another to generate I and Q modulated information signals 2930 and 2932, respectively, which are combined by the signal combiner 2928. The IF section(s) 2916 and RF section 2914 up-convert the combined I and Q modulated information signals 2930 and 2932 to RF for transmission by the antenna, in a manner well known in the relevant art(s).
Heterodyne implementations, such as those illustrated in
In the example of
In the example of
The example implementations of the interfaces described above, and variations thereof, can also be used to implement network interfaces, such as the network interface 2520 illustrated in
6.1.2. Example Modifications
The RF modem applications, WLAN applications, etc., described herein, can be modified by incorporating one or more of the enhanced signal reception (ESR) techniques described herein. Use of ESR embodiments with the network embodiments described herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
The RF modem applications, WLAN applications, etc., described herein can be enhanced by incorporating one or more of the unified down-conversion and filtering (UDF) techniques described herein. Use of UDF embodiments with the network embodiments described herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
The application embodiments described above are provided for purposes of illustration. These applications and embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. Alternate and additional applications and embodiments, differing slightly or substantially from those described herein, will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. For example, such alternate and additional applications and embodiments include combinations of those described above. Such combinations will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the herein teachings.
The WLAN interface/modem 3902 represents a transmit and receive application that utilizes the universal frequency translation technology described herein. It also represents a zero IF (or direct-to-data) WLAN architecture.
The WLAN interface/modem 3902 also represents a vector modulator and a vector demodulator using the universal frequency translation (UFT) technology described herein. Use of the UFT technology enhances the flexibility of the WLAN application (i.e., makes it universal).
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
The operation of the WLAN interface/modem 3902 when receiving shall now be described.
Signals 3922 received by the antenna 3903 are amplified by the LNA/PA 3904. The amplified signals 3924 are down-converted and demodulated by the receiver 3906. The receiver 3906 outputs I signal 3926 and Q signal 3928.
Signal 3924 is split by a 90 degree splitter 4001 to produce an I signal 4006A and Q signal 4006B that are preferably 90 degrees apart in phase. I and Q signals 4006A, 4006B are down-converted by UFD (universal frequency down-conversion) modules 4002A, 4002B. The UDF modules 4002A, 4002B output down-converted I and Q signals 3926, 3928. The UFD modules 4002A, 4002B each includes at least one UFT (universal frequency translation) module 4004A. UFD and UFT modules are described above. An example implementation of the receiver 3906 (vector demodulator) is shown in
The demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 receives the I and Q signals 3926, 3928. The demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 amplifies and filters the I and Q signals 3926, 3928. The demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 also performs automatic gain control (AGC) functions. The AGC function is coupled with the universal frequency translation technology described herein. The demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 outputs processed I and Q signals 3930, 3932.
The MAC interface 3914 receives the processed I and Q signals 3930, 3932. The MAC interface 3914 preferably includes a baseband processor. The MAC interface 3914 preferably performs functions such as combining the I and Q signals 3930, 3932, and arranging the data according to the protocol/file formal being used. Other functions performed by the MAC interface 3914 and the baseband processor contained therein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. The MAC interface 3914 outputs the baseband information signal, which is received and processed by the computer 3916 in an implementation and application specific manner.
In the example embodiment of
The operation of the WLAN interface/modem 3902 when transmitting shall now be described.
A baseband information signal 3936 is received by the MAC interface 3914 from the computer 3916. The MAC interface 3914 preferably performs functions such as splitting the baseband information signal to form I and Q signals 3930, 3932, and arranging the data according to the protocol/file formal being used. Other functions performed by the MAC interface 3914 and the baseband processor contained therein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
The demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 filters and amplifies the I and Q signals 3930, 3932. The demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 outputs processed I and Q signals 3942, 3944. Preferably, at least some filtering and/or amplifying components in the demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 are used for both the transmit and receive paths.
The transmitter 3910 up-converts the processed I and Q signals 3942, 3944, and combines the up-converted I and Q signals. This up-converted/combined signal is amplified by the LNA/PA 3904, and then transmitted via the antenna 3904.
I and Q signals 3942, 3944 are received by UFU (universal frequency up-conversion) modules 4102A, 4102B. The UFU modules 4102A, 4102B each includes at least one UFT module 4104A, 4104B. The UFU modules 4102A, 4102B up-convert I and Q signals 3942, 3944. The UFU modules 4102A, 4102B output up-converted I and Q signals 4106, 4108. The 90 degree combiner 4110 effectively phase shifts either the I signal 4106 or the Q signal 4108 by 90 degrees, and then combines the phase shifted signal with the unshifted signal to generate a combined, up-converted PQ signal 3946.
In the example embodiment of
An example implementation of the transmitter 3910 (vector modulator) is shown in
The components in the WLAN interface/modem 3902 are preferably controlled by the MAC interface 3914 in operation with the MAC 3918 in the computer 3916. This is represented by the distributed control arrow 3940 in
In some applications, it is desired to separate the receive path and the transmit path.
Example embodiments and implementations of the IQ receiver 3906 will be discussed as follows. The example embodiments and implementations include multi-phase embodiments that are useful for reducing or eliminating unwanted DC offsets and circuit re-radiation. The invention is not limited to these example receiver embodiments. Other receiver embodiments will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts based on the discussion given herein. These other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
7.2.1 IQ Receiver
An example embodiment of the receiver 3906 is shown in
The 90 degree splitter 4001 receives the received signal 3924 from the LNA/PA module 3904. The 90 degree splitter 4001 divides the signal 3924 into an I signal 4006A and a Q signal 4006B.
The UFD module 4002A receives the I signal 4006A and down-converts the I signal 4006A using the control signal 3920A to a lower frequency signal 13926. More specifically, the controlled switch 6702A samples the I signal 4006A according to the control signal 3920A, transferring charge (or energy) to the storage module 6704A. The charge stored during successive samples of the I signal 4006A, results in the down-converted signal I signal 3926. Likewise, UFD module 4002B receives the Q signal 4006B and down-converts the Q signal 4006B using the control signal 3920B to a lower frequency signal Q 3928. More specifically, the controlled switch 6702B samples the Q signal 4006B according to the control signal 3920B, resulting in charge (or energy) that is stored in the storage module 6704B. The charge stored during successive samples of the I signal 4006A, results in the down-converted signal Q signal 3928.
Down-conversion utilizing a UFD module (also called an aliasing module) is further described in the above referenced applications, such as “Method and System for Down-converting Electromagnetic Signals,” Ser. No. 09/176,022, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551. As discussed in the '551 patent, the control signals 3920A,B can be configured as a plurality of pulses that are established to improve energy transfer from the signals 4006A,B to the down-converted signals 3926 and 3928, respectively. In other words, the pulse widths of the control signals 3920 can be adjusted to increase and/or optimize the energy transfer from the signals 4006 to the down-converted output signals 3926 and 3938, respectively. Additionally, matched filter principles can be implemented to shape the sampling pulses of the control signal 3920, and therefore further improve energy transfer to the down-converted output signal 3106. Matched filter principle and energy transfer are further described in the above referenced applications, such as U.S. patent application titled, “Method and System for Down-Converting an Electromagnetic Signal, Transforms For Same, and Aperture Relationships”, Ser. No. 09/550,644, filed on Apr. 14, 2000.
The configuration of the UFT based receiver 3906 is flexible. In
Additionally in
Furthermore, the configuration of the controlled switch 6702 is also flexible. More specifically, the controlled switches 6702 can be implemented in many different ways, including transistor switches.
7.2.2 Multi-Phase IQ Receiver
I/Q modulation receiver 7000 comprises a first UFD module 7002, a first optional filter 7004, a second UFD module 7006, a second optional filter 7008, a third UFD module 7010, a third optional filter 7012, a fourth UFD module 7014, a fourth filter 7016, an optional LNA 7018, a first differential amplifier 7020, a second differential amplifier 7022, and an antenna 7072.
I/Q modulation receiver 7000 receives, down-converts, and demodulates a I/Q modulated RF input signal 7082 to an I baseband output signal 7084, and a Q baseband output signal 7086. I/Q modulated RF input signal 7082 comprises a first information signal and a second information signal that are I/Q modulated onto an RF carrier signal. I baseband output signal 7084 comprises the first baseband information signal. Q baseband output signal 7086 comprises the second baseband information signal.
Antenna 7072 receives I/Q modulated RF input signal 7082. I/Q modulated RF input signal 7082 is output by antenna 7072 and received by optional LNA 7018. When present, LNA 7018 amplifies I/Q modulated RF input signal 7082, and outputs amplified I/Q signal 7088.
First UFD module 7002 receives amplified I/Q signal 7088. First UFD module 7002 down-converts the I-phase signal portion of amplified input I/Q signal 7088 according to an I control signal 7090. First UFD module 7002 outputs an I output signal 7098.
In an embodiment, first UFD module 7002 comprises a first storage module 7024, a first UFT module 7026, and a first voltage reference 7028. In an embodiment, a switch contained within first UFT module 7026 opens and closes as a function of I control signal 7090. As a result of the opening and closing of this switch, which respectively couples and de-couples first storage module 7024 to and from first voltage reference 7028, a down-converted signal, referred to as I output signal 7098, results. First voltage reference 7028 may be any reference voltage, and is preferably ground. I output signal 7098 is stored by first storage module 7024.
In an embodiment, first storage module 7024 comprises a first capacitor 7074. In addition to storing I output signal 7098, first capacitor 7074 reduces or prevents a DC offset voltage resulting from charge injection from appearing on I output signal 7098.
I output signal 7098 is received by optional first filter 7004. When present, first filter 7004 is in some embodiments a high pass filter to at least filter I output signal 7098 to remove any carrier signal “bleed through”. In a preferred embodiment, when present, first filter 7004 comprises a first resistor 7030, a first filter capacitor 7032, and a first filter voltage reference 7034. Preferably, first resistor 7030 is coupled between I output signal 7098 and a filtered I output signal 7007, and first filter capacitor 7032 is coupled between filtered I output signal 7007 and first filter voltage reference 7034. Alternately, first filter 7004 may comprise any other applicable filter configuration as would be understood by persons skilled in the relevant art(s). First filter 7004 outputs filtered I output signal 7007.
Second UFD module 7006 receives amplified I/Q signal 7088. Second UFD module 7006 down-converts the inverted I-phase signal portion of amplified input I/Q signal 7088 according to an inverted I control signal 7092. Second UFD module 7006 outputs an inverted I output signal 7001.
In an embodiment, second UFD module 7006 comprises a second storage module 7036, a second UFT module 7038, and a second voltage reference 7040. In an embodiment, a switch contained within second UFT module 7038 opens and closes as a function of inverted I control signal 7092. As a result of the opening and closing of this switch, which respectively couples and de-couples second storage module 7036 to and from second voltage reference 7040, a down-converted signal, referred to as inverted I output signal 7001, results. Second voltage reference 7040 may be any reference voltage, and is preferably ground. Inverted I output signal 7001 is stored by second storage module 7036.
In an embodiment, second storage module 7036 comprises a second capacitor 7076. In addition to storing inverted I output signal 7001, second capacitor 7076 reduces or prevents a DC offset voltage resulting from charge injection from appearing on inverted I output signal 7001.
Inverted I output signal 7001 is received by optional second filter 7008. When present, second filter 7008 is a high pass filter to at least filter inverted I output signal 7001 to remove any carrier signal “bleed through”. In a preferred embodiment, when present, second filter 7008 comprises a second resistor 7042, a second filter capacitor 7044, and a second filter voltage reference 7046. Preferably, second resistor 7042 is coupled between inverted I output signal 7001 and a filtered inverted I output signal 7009, and second filter capacitor 7044 is coupled between filtered inverted I output signal 7009 and second filter voltage reference 7046. Alternately, second filter 7008 may comprise any other applicable filter configuration as would be understood by persons skilled in the relevant art(s). Second filter 7008 outputs filtered inverted I output signal 7009.
First differential amplifier 7020 receives filtered I output signal 7007 at its non-inverting input and receives filtered inverted I output signal 7009 at its inverting input. First differential amplifier 7020 subtracts filtered inverted I output signal 7009 from filtered I output signal 7007, amplifies the result, and outputs I baseband output signal 7084. Because filtered inverted I output signal 7009 is substantially equal to an inverted version of filtered I output signal 7007, I baseband output signal 7084 is substantially equal to filtered I output signal 7009, with its amplitude doubled. Furthermore, filtered I output signal 7007 and filtered inverted I output signal 7009 may comprise substantially equal noise and DC offset contributions from prior down-conversion circuitry, including first UFD module 7002 and second UFD module 7006, respectively. When first differential amplifier 7020 subtracts filtered inverted I output signal 7009 from filtered I output signal 7007, these noise and DC offset contributions substantially cancel each other.
Third UFD module 7010 receives amplified I/Q signal 7088. Third UFD module 7010 down-converts the Q-phase signal portion of amplified input I/Q signal 7088 according to an Q control signal 7094. Third UFD module 7010 outputs an Q output signal 7003.
In an embodiment, third UFD module 7010 comprises a third storage module 7048, a third UFT module 7050, and a third voltage reference 7052. In an embodiment, a switch contained within third UFT module 7050 opens and closes as a function of Q control signal 7094. As a result of the opening and closing of this switch, which respectively couples and de-couples third storage module 7048 to and from third voltage reference 7052, a down-converted signal, referred to as Q output signal 7003, results. Third voltage reference 7052 may be any reference voltage, and is preferably ground. Q output signal 7003 is stored by third storage module 7048.
In an embodiment, third storage module 7048 comprises a third capacitor 7078. In addition to storing Q output signal 7003, third capacitor 7078 reduces or prevents a DC offset voltage resulting from charge injection from appearing on Q output signal 7003.
Q output signal 7003 is received by optional third filter 7012. When present, in an embodiment, third filter 7012 is a high pass filter to at least filter Q output signal 7003 to remove any carrier signal “bleed through”. In an embodiment, when present, third filter 7012 comprises a third resistor 7054, a third filter capacitor 7056, and a third filter voltage reference 7058. Preferably, third resistor 7054 is coupled between Q output signal 7003 and a filtered Q output signal 7011, and third filter capacitor 7056 is coupled between filtered Q output signal 7011 and third filter voltage reference 7058. Alternately, third filter 7012 may comprise any other applicable filter configuration as would be understood by persons skilled in the relevant art(s). Third filter 7012 outputs filtered Q output signal 7011.
Fourth UFD module 7014 receives amplified I/Q signal 7088. Fourth UFD module 7014 down-converts the inverted Q-phase signal portion of amplified input I/Q signal 7088 according to an inverted Q control signal 7096. Fourth UFD module 7014 outputs an inverted Q output signal 7005.
In an embodiment, fourth UFD module 7014 comprises a fourth storage module 7060, a fourth UFT module 7062, and a fourth voltage reference 7064. In an embodiment, a switch contained within fourth UFT module 7062 opens and closes as a function of inverted Q control signal 7096. As a result of the opening and closing of this switch, which respectively couples and de-couples fourth storage module 7060 to and from fourth voltage reference 7064, a down-converted signal, referred to as inverted Q output signal 7005, results. Fourth voltage reference 7064 may be any reference voltage, and is preferably ground. Inverted Q output signal 7005 is stored by fourth storage module 7060.
In an embodiment, fourth storage module 7060 comprises a fourth capacitor 7080. In addition to storing inverted Q output signal 7005, fourth capacitor 7080 reduces or prevents a DC offset voltage resulting from charge injection from appearing on inverted Q output signal 7005.
Inverted Q output signal 7005 is received by optional fourth filter 7016. When present, fourth filter 7016 is a high pass filter to at least filter inverted Q output signal 7005 to remove any carrier signal “bleed through”. In a preferred embodiment, when present, fourth filter 7016 comprises a fourth resistor 7066, a fourth filter capacitor 7068, and a fourth filter voltage reference 7070. Preferably, fourth resistor 7066 is coupled between inverted Q output signal 7005 and a filtered inverted Q output signal 7013, and fourth filter capacitor 7068 is coupled between filtered inverted Q output signal 7013 and fourth filter voltage reference 7070. Alternately, fourth filter 7016 may comprise any other applicable filter configuration as would be understood by persons skilled in the relevant art(s). Fourth filter 7016 outputs filtered inverted Q output signal 7013.
Second differential amplifier 7022 receives filtered Q output signal 7011 at its non-inverting input and receives filtered inverted Q output signal 7013 at its inverting input. Second differential amplifier 7022 subtracts filtered inverted Q output signal 7013 from filtered Q output signal 7011, amplifies the result, and outputs Q baseband output signal 7086. Because filtered inverted Q output signal 7013 is substantially equal to an inverted version of filtered Q output signal 7011, Q baseband output signal 7086 is substantially equal to filtered Q output signal 7013, with its amplitude doubled. Furthermore, filtered Q output signal 7011 and filtered inverted Q output signal 7013 may comprise substantially equal noise and DC offset contributions of the same polarity from prior down-conversion circuitry, including third UFD module 7010 and fourth UFD module 7014, respectively. When second differential amplifier 7022 subtracts filtered inverted Q output signal 7013 from filtered Q output signal 7011, these noise and DC offset contributions substantially cancel each other.
Additional embodiments relating to addressing DC offset and re-radiation concerns, applicable to the present invention, are described in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 09/526,041, entitled “DC Offset, Re-radiation, and I/Q Solutions Using Universal Frequency Translation Technology,” Attorney Docket No. 1744.0880000, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
7.2.2.1 Example I/Q Modulation Control Signal Generator Embodiments
I/Q modulation control signal generator 7023 comprises a local oscillator 7025, a first divide-by-two module 7027, a 180 degree phase shifter 7029, a second divide-by-two module 7031, a first pulse generator 7033, a second pulse generator 7035, a third pulse generator 7037, and a fourth pulse generator 7039.
Local oscillator 7025 outputs an oscillating signal 7015.
First divide-by-two module 7027 receives oscillating signal 7015, divides oscillating signal 7015 by two, and outputs a half frequency LO signal 7017 and a half frequency inverted LO signal 7041.
180 degree phase shifter 7029 receives oscillating signal 7015, shifts the phase of oscillating signal 7015 by 180 degrees, and outputs phase shifted LO signal 7019. 180 degree phase shifter 7029 may be implemented in circuit logic, hardware, software, or any combination thereof; as would be known by persons skilled in the relevant art(s). In alternative embodiments, other amounts of phase shift may be used.
Second divide-by two module 7031 receives phase shifted LO signal 7019, divides phase shifted LO signal 7019 by two, and outputs a half frequency phase shifted LO signal 7021 and a half frequency inverted phase shifted LO signal 7043.
First pulse generator 7033 receives half frequency LO signal 7017, generates an output pulse whenever a rising edge is received on half frequency LO signal 7017, and outputs I control signal 7090.
Second pulse generator 7035 receives half frequency inverted LO signal 7041, generates an output pulse whenever a rising edge is received on half frequency inverted LO signal 7041, and outputs inverted I control signal 7092.
Third pulse generator 7037 receives half frequency phase shifted LO signal 7021, generates an output pulse whenever a rising edge is received on half frequency phase shifted LO signal 7021, and outputs Q control signal 7094.
Fourth pulse generator 7039 receives half frequency inverted phase shifted LO signal 7043, generates an output pulse whenever a rising edge is received on half frequency inverted phase shifted LO signal 7043, and outputs inverted Q control signal 7096.
In an embodiment, control signals 7090, 7021, 7041 and 7043 include pulses having a width equal to one-half of a period of I/Q modulated RF input signal 7082. The invention, however, is not limited to these pulse widths, and control signals 7090, 7021, 7041, and 7043 may comprise pulse widths of any fraction of, or multiple and fraction of, a period of I/Q modulated RF input signal 7082.
First, second, third, and fourth pulse generators 7033, 7035, 7037, and 7039 may be implemented in circuit logic, hardware, software, or any combination thereof, as would be known by persons skilled in the relevant art(s).
As shown in
For example,
As
It should be understood that the above control signal generator circuit example is provided for illustrative purposes only. The invention is not limited to these embodiments. Alternative embodiments (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of the embodiments described herein) for I/Q modulation control signal generator 7023 will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) from the teachings herein, and are within the scope of the present invention.
Additional embodiments relating to addressing DC offset and re-radiation concerns, applicable to the present invention, are described in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 09/526,041, entitled “DC Offset, Re-radiation, and I/Q Solutions Using Universal Frequency Translation Technology,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
7.2.2.2 Implementation of Multi-phase I/Q Modulation Receiver Embodiment with Exemplary Waveforms
7.2.2.3 Example Single Channel Receiver Embodiment
7.2.2.4 Alternative Example I/Q Modulation Receiver Embodiment
Example embodiments and implementations of the IQ transmitter 3910 will be discussed as follows. The example embodiments and implementations include multi-phase embodiments that are useful for reducing or eliminating unwanted DC offsets that can result in unwanted carrier insertion.
7.3.1 Universal Transmitter with 2 UFT Modules
Referring to flowchart 8400, in step 8402, the balanced modulator 7104 receives the baseband signal 7110.
In step 8404, the balanced modulator 7104 samples the baseband signal in a differential and balanced fashion according to a first and second control signals that are phase shifted with respect to each other. The resulting harmonically rich signal 7138 includes multiple harmonic images that repeat at harmonics of the sampling frequency, where each image contains the necessary amplitude and frequency information to reconstruct the baseband signal 7110.
In embodiments of the invention, the control signals include pulses having pulse widths (or apertures) that are established to improve energy transfer to a desired harmonic of the harmonically rich signal 7138. In further embodiments of the invention, DC offset voltages are minimized between sampling modules as indicated in step 8406, thereby minimizing carrier insertion in the harmonic images of the harmonically rich signal 7138.
In step 8408, the optional bandpass filter 7106 selects the desired harmonic of interest (or a subset of harmonics) in from the harmonically rich signal 7138 for transmission.
In step 8410, the optional amplifier 7108 amplifies the selected harmonic(s) prior to transmission.
In step 8412, the selected harmonic(s) is transmitted over a communications medium.
7.3.1.1 Balanced Modulator Detailed Description
Referring to the example embodiment shown in
In step 8402, the buffer/inverter 7112 receives the input baseband signal 7110 and generates input signal 7114 and inverted input signal 7116. Input signal 7114 is substantially similar to signal 7110, and inverted signal 7116 is an inverted version of signal 7114. As such, the buffer/inverter 7112 converts the (single-ended) baseband signal 7110 into differential input signals 7114 and 7116 that will be sampled by the UFT modules. Buffer/inverter 7112 can be implemented using known operational amplifier (op amp) circuits, as will be understood by those skilled in the arts, although the invention is not limited to this example.
In step 8504, the summer amplifier 7118 sums the DC reference voltage 7113 applied to terminal 7111 with the input signal 7114, to generate a combined signal 7120. Likewise, the summer amplifier 7119 sums the DC reference voltage 7113 with the inverted input signal 7116 to generate a combined signal 7122 Summer amplifiers 7118 and 7119 can be implemented using known op amp summer circuits, and can be designed to have a specified gain or attenuation, including unity gain, although the invention is not limited to this example. The DC reference voltage 7113 is also distributed to the outputs of both UFT modules 7124 and 7128 through the inductor 7126 as is shown.
In step 8506, the control signal generator 7142 generates control signals 7123 and 7127 that are shown by way of example in
In one embodiment, the control signal generator 7142 includes an oscillator 7146, pulse generators 7144a and 7144b, and an inverter 7147 as shown. In operation, the oscillator 7146 generates the master clock signal 7145, which is illustrated in
In step 8508, the UFT module 7124 samples the combined signal 7120 according to the control signal 7123 to generate harmonically rich signal 7130. More specifically, the switch 7148 closes during the pulse widths TA of the control signal 7123 to sample the combined signal 7120 resulting in the harmonically rich signal 7130.
In step 8510, the UFT module 7128 samples the combined signal 7122 according to the control signal 7127 to generate harmonically rich signal 7134. More specifically, the switch 7150 closes during the pulse widths TA of the control signal 7127 to sample the combined signal 7122 resulting in the harmonically rich signal 7134. The harmonically rich signal 7134 includes multiple frequency images of baseband signal 7110 that repeat at harmonics of the sampling frequency (1/TS), similar to that for the harmonically rich signal 7130. However, the images in the signal 7134 are phase-shifted compared to those in signal 7130 because of the inversion of signal 7116 compared to signal 7114, and because of the relative phase shift between the control signals 7123 and 7127.
In step 8512, the node 7132 sums the harmonically rich signals 7130 and 7134 to generate harmonically rich signal 7133.
In step 8408, the optional filter 7106 can be used to select a desired harmonic image for transmission. This is represented for example by a passband 7156 that selects the harmonic image 7154c for transmission in
An advantage of the modulator 7104 is that it is fully balanced, which substantially minimizes (or eliminates) any DC voltage offset between the two UFT modules 7124 and 7128. DC offset is minimized because the reference voltage 7113 contributes a consistent DC component to the input signals 7120 and 7122 through the summing amplifiers 7118 and 7119, respectively. Furthermore, the reference voltage 7113 is also directly coupled to the outputs of the UFT modules 7124 and 7128 through the inductor 7126 and the node 7132. The result of controlling the DC offset between the UFT modules is that carrier insertion is minimized in the harmonic images of the harmonically rich signal 7138. As discussed above, carrier insertion is substantially wasted energy because the information for a modulated signal is carried in the sidebands of the modulated signal and not in the carrier. Therefore, it is often desirable to minimize the energy at the carrier frequency by controlling the relative DC offset.
7.3.1.2 Balanced Modulator Example Signal Diagrams and Mathematical Description
In order to further describe the invention,
Still referring to
Still referring to
Still referring to
where:
As shown by Equation 1, the relative amplitude of the frequency images is generally a function of the harmonic number n, and the ratio of TA/TS. As indicated, the TA/TS ratio represents the ratio of the pulse width of the control signals relative to the period of the sub-harmonic master clock. The TA/TS ratio can be optimized in order to maximize the amplitude of the frequency image at a given harmonic. For example, if a passband waveform is desired to be created at 5× the frequency of the sub-harmonic clock, then a baseline power for that harmonic extraction may be calculated for the fifth harmonic (n=5) as:
As shown by Equation 2, IC (t) for the fifth harmonic is a sinusoidal function having an amplitude that is proportional to the sin (5πTA/TS). The signal amplitude can be maximized by setting TA=( 1/10·TS) so that sin (5πTA/TS)=sin(π/2)=1. Doing so results in the equation:
This component is a frequency at 5× of the sampling frequency of sub-harmonic clock, and can be extracted from the Fourier series via a bandpass filter (such as bandpass filter 7106) that is centered around 5fS. The extracted frequency component can then be optionally amplified by the amplifier 7108 prior to transmission on a wireless or wire-line communications channel or channels.
Equation 3 can be extended to reflect the inclusion of a message signal as illustrated by equation 4 below:
Equation 4 illustrates that a message signal can be carried in harmonically rich signals 7133 such that both amplitude and phase can be modulated. In other words, m(t) is modulated for amplitude and θ(t) is modulated for phase. In such cases, it should be noted that θ(t) is augmented modulo n while the amplitude modulation m(t) is simply scaled. Therefore, complex waveforms may be reconstructed from their Fourier series with multiple aperture UFT combinations.
As discussed above, the signal amplitude for the 5th harmonic was maximized by setting the sampling aperture width TA= 1/10 TS, where TS is the period of the master clock signal. This can be restated and generalized as setting TA=½ the period (or π radians) at the harmonic of interest. In other words, the signal amplitude of any harmonic n can be maximized by sampling the input waveform with a sampling aperture of TA=½ the period of the harmonic of interest (n). Based on this discussion, it is apparent that varying the aperture changes the harmonic and amplitude content of the output waveform. For example, if the sub-harmonic clock has a frequency of 200 MHZ, then the fifth harmonic is at 1 Ghz. The amplitude of the fifth harmonic is maximized by setting the aperture width TA=500 picoseconds, which equates to ½ the period (or π radians) at 1 Ghz.
7.3.1.3 Balanced Modulator Having a Shunt Configuration
The balanced modulator 7901 includes the following components: a buffer/inverter 7904; optional impedances 7910, 7912; UFT modules 7916 and 7922 having controlled switches 7918 and 7924, respectively; blocking capacitors 7928 and 7930; and a terminal 7920 that is tied to ground. As stated above, the balanced modulator 7901 differentially shunts the baseband signal 7902 to ground, resulting in a harmonically rich signal 7934. More specifically, the UFT modules 7916 and 7922 alternately shunts the baseband signal to terminal 7920 according to control signals 7123 and 7127, respectively. Terminal 7920 is tied to ground and prevents any DC offset voltages from developing between the UFT modules 7916 and 7922. As described above, a DC offset voltage can lead to undesired carrier insertion. The operation of the balanced modulator 7901 is described in greater detail according to the flowchart 8600 (
In step 8402, the buffer/inverter 7904 receives the input baseband signal 7902 and generates I signal 7906 and inverted I signal 7908. I signal 7906 is substantially similar to the baseband signal 7902, and the inverted I signal 7908 is an inverted version of signal 7902. As such, the buffer/inverter 7904 converts the (single-ended) baseband signal 7902 into differential signals 7906 and 7908 that are sampled by the UFT modules. Buffer/inverter 7904 can be implemented using known operational amplifier (op amp) circuits, as will be understood by those skilled in the arts, although the invention is not limited to this example.
In step 8604, the control signal generator 7142 generates control signals 7123 and 7127 from the master clock signal 7145. Examples of the master clock signal 7145, control signal 7123, and control signal 7127 are shown in
In step 8606, the UFT module 7916 shunts the signal 7906 to ground according to the control signal 7123, to generate a harmonically rich signal 7914. More specifically, the switch 7918 closes and shorts the signal 7906 to ground (at terminal 7920) during the aperture width TA of the control signal 7123, to generate the harmonically rich signal 7914.
The relative amplitude of the frequency images 7950 are generally a function of the harmonic number and the pulse width TA. As such, the relative amplitude of a particular harmonic 7950 can be increased (or decreased) by adjusting the pulse width TA of the control signal 7123. In general, shorter pulse widths of TA shift more energy into the higher frequency harmonics, and longer pulse widths of TA shift energy into the lower frequency harmonics, as described by equations 1-4 above. Additionally, the relative amplitude of a particular harmonic 7950 can also be adjusted by adding/tuning an optional impedance 7910. Impedance 7910 operates as a filter that emphasizes a particular harmonic in the harmonically rich signal 7914.
In step 8608, the UFT module 7922 shunts the inverted signal 7908 to ground according to the control signal 7127, to generate a harmonically rich signal 7926. More specifically, the switch 7924 closes during the pulse widths TA and shorts the inverted I signal 7908 to ground (at terminal 7920), to generate the harmonically rich signal 7926. At any given time, only one of input signals 7906 or 7908 is shorted to ground because the pulses in the control signals 7123 and 7127 are phase shifted with respect to each other, as shown in
The harmonically rich signal 7926 includes multiple frequency images of baseband signal 7902 that repeat at harmonics of the sampling frequency (1/TS), similar to that for the harmonically rich signal 7914. However, the images in the signal 7926 are phase-shifted compared to those in signal 7914 because of the inversion of the signal 7908 compared to the signal 7906, and because of the relative phase shift between the control signals 7123 and 7127. The optional impedance 7912 can be included to emphasis a particular harmonic of interest, and is similar to the impedance 7910 above.
In step 8610, the node 7932 sums the harmonically rich signals 7914 and 7926 to generate the harmonically rich signal 7934. The capacitors 7928 and 7930 operate as blocking capacitors that substantially pass the respective harmonically rich signals 7914 and 7926 to the node 7932. (The capacitor values may be chosen to substantially block baseband frequency components as well.)
An advantage of the modulator 7901 is that it is fully balanced, which substantially minimizes (or eliminates) any DC voltage offset between the two UFT modules 7912 and 7914. DC offset is minimized because the UFT modules 7916 and 7922 are both connected to ground at terminal 7920. The result of controlling the DC offset between the UFT modules is that carrier insertion is minimized in the harmonic images of the harmonically rich signal 7934. As discussed above, carrier insertion is substantially wasted energy because the information for a modulated signal is carried in the sidebands of the modulated signal and not in the carrier. Therefore, it is often desirable to minimize the energy at the carrier frequency by controlling the relative DC offset.
7.3.1.4 Balanced Modulator FET Configuration
As described above, the balanced modulators 7104 and 7901 utilize two balanced UFT modules to sample the input baseband signals to generate harmonically rich signals that contain the up-converted baseband information. More specifically, the UFT modules include controlled switches that sample the baseband signal in a balanced and differential fashion.
7.3.1.5 Universal Transmitter Configured for Carrier Insertion
As discussed above, the transmitters 7102 and 7900 have a balanced configuration that substantially eliminates any DC offset and results in minimal carrier insertion in the output signal 7140. Minimal carrier insertion is generally desired for most applications because the carrier signal carries no information and reduces the overall transmitter efficiency. However, some applications require the received signal to have sufficient carrier energy for the receiver to extract the carrier for coherent demodulation. In support thereof, the present invention can be configured to provide the necessary carrier insertion by implementing a DC offset between the two sampling UFT modules.
7.3.2 Universal Transmitter In I Q Configuration:
As described above, the balanced modulators 7104 and 7901 up-convert a baseband signal to a harmonically rich signal having multiple harmonic images of the baseband information. By combining two balanced modulators, IQ configurations can be formed for up-converting I and Q baseband signals. In doing so, either the (series type) balanced modulator 7104 or the (shunt type) balanced modulator 7901 can be utilized. IQ modulators having both series and shunt configurations are described below.
7.3.2.1 IQ Transmitter Using Series-Type Balanced Modulator
As stated above, the balanced IQ modulator 7410 up-converts the I baseband signal 7402 and the Q baseband signal 7404 in a balanced manner to generate the combined harmonically rich signal 7412 that carriers the I and Q baseband information. To do so, the modulator 7410 utilizes two balanced modulators 7104 from
In step 8702, the IQ modulator 7410 receives the I baseband signal 7402 and the Q baseband signal 7404.
In step 8704, the I balanced modulator 7104a samples the I baseband signal 7402 in a differential fashion using the control signals 7123 and 7127 to generate a harmonically rich signal 7411a. The harmonically rich signal 7411a contains multiple harmonic images of the I baseband information, similar to the harmonically rich signal 7130 in
In step 8706, the balanced modulator 7104b samples the Q baseband signal 7404 in a differential fashion using control signals 7123 and 7127 to generate harmonically rich signal 7411b, where the harmonically rich signal 7411b contains multiple harmonic images of the Q baseband signal 7404. The operation of the balanced modulator 7104 and the generation of harmonically rich signals was fully described above and illustrated in
In step 8708, the DC terminal 7407 receives a DC voltage 7406 that is distributed to both modulators 7104a and 7104b. The DC voltage 7406 is distributed to both the input and output of both UFT modules 7124 and 7128 in each modulator 7104. This minimizes (or prevents) DC offset voltages from developing between the four UFT modules, and thereby minimizes or prevents any carrier insertion during the sampling steps 8704 and 8706.
In step 8710, the 90 degree signal combiner 7408 combines the harmonically rich signals 7411a and 7411b to generate IQ harmonically rich signal 7412. This is further illustrated in
In step 8712, the optional filter 7414 can be included to select a harmonic of interest, as represented by the passband 7508 selecting the image 7506c in
In step 8714, the optional amplifier 7416 can be included to amplify the harmonic (or harmonics) of interest prior to transmission.
In step 8716, the selected harmonic (or harmonics) is transmitted over a communications medium.
7.3.2.2 IQ Transmitter Using Shunt-Type Balanced Modulator
The IQ modulator 8001 includes two shunt balanced modulators 7901 from
In step 8802, the balanced modulator 8001 receives the I baseband signal 8002 and the Q baseband signal 8004.
In step 8804, the balanced modulator 7901a differentially shunts the I baseband signal 8002 to ground according the control signals 7123 and 7127, to generate a harmonically rich signal 8006. More specifically, the UFT modules 7916a and 7922a alternately shunt the I baseband signal 8002 and an inverted version of the I baseband signal 8002 to ground according to the control signals 7123 and 7127, respectively. The operation of the balanced modulator 7901 and the generation of harmonically rich signals was fully described above and is illustrated in
In step 8806, the balanced modulator 7901b differentially shunts the Q baseband signal 8004 to ground according to control signals 7123 and 7127, to generate harmonically rich signal 8008. More specifically, the UFT modules 7916b and 7922b alternately shunt the Q baseband signal 8004 and an inverted version of the Q baseband signal 8004 to ground, according to the control signals 7123 and 7127, respectively. As such, the harmonically rich signal 8008 contains multiple harmonic images that contain the Q baseband information.
In step 8808, the 90 degree signal combiner 8010 combines the harmonically rich signals 8006 and 8008 to generate IQ harmonically rich signal 8011. This is further illustrated in
In step 8810, the optional filter 8012 may be included to select a harmonic of interest, as represented by the passband 8108 selecting the image 8106c in
In step 8812, the optional amplifier 8014 can be included to amplify the selected harmonic image 8106 prior to transmission.
In step 8814, the selected harmonic (or harmonics) is transmitted over a communications medium.
7.3.2.3 IQ Transmitters Configured for Carrier Insertion
The transmitters 7420 (
Transmitter 7702 is similar to the transmitter 7420 with the exception that a modulator 7704 in transmitter 7702 is configured to accept two DC reference voltages so that the I channel modulator 7104a can be biased separately from the Q channel modulator 7104b. More specifically, modulator 7704 includes a terminal 7706 to accept a DC voltage reference 7707, and a terminal 7708 to accept a DC voltage reference 7709. Voltage 7707 biases the UFT modules 7124a and 7128a in the I channel modulator 7104a. Likewise, voltage 7709 biases the UFT modules 7124b and 7128b in the Q channel modulator 7104b. When voltage 7707 is different from voltage 7709, then a DC offset will appear between the I channel modulator 7104a and the Q channel modulator 7104b, which results in carrier insertion in the IQ harmonically rich signal 7412. The relative amplitude of the carrier frequency energy increases in proportion to the amount of DC offset.
Referring to
Referring to
7.5 Demodulator/Modulator Facilitation Module
An example demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 is shown in
An alternate example demodulator/modulator facilitation module 3912 is shown in
For receive, the de-spread module 5204 de-spreads received spread signals 3926 and 3928 using a spreading code 5202. Separate spreading codes can be used for the I and Q channels as will be understood by those skilled in the arts. The demodulator 5210 uses a signal 5208 to demodulate the de-spread received signals from the de-spread module 5204, to generate the I baseband signal 3930a and the Q baseband signal 3932a.
For transmit, the modulator 5212 modulates the I baseband signal 3930b and the Q baseband signal 3932b using a modulation signal 5208. The resulting modulated signals are then spread by the spread module 5206, to generate I spread signal 3942 and Q spread signal 3944.
In embodiments, the modulation scheme that is utilized is differential binary phase shift keying (DBPSK) or differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK), and is compliant with the various versions of IEEE 802.11. Other modulation schemes could be utilized besides DBPSK or DQPSK, as will understood by those skilled in arts based on the discussion herein.
In embodiments, the spreading code 5202 is a Barker spreading code, and is compliant with the various versions of IEEE 802.11. More specifically, in embodiments, an 11-bit Barker word is utilized for spreading/de-spreading. Other spreading codes could be utilized as will be understood by those skilled in the arts based on the discussion herein.
An example MAC interface 3914 is shown in
In embodiments, the MAC 3918 and MAC interface 3914 supply the functionality required to provide a reliable delivery mechanism for user data over noisy, and unreliable wireless media. This is done this while also providing advanced LAN services, equal to or beyond those of existing wired LANs.
The first functionality of the MAC is to provide a reliable data delivery service to users of the MAC. Through a frame exchange protocol at the MAC level, the MAC significantly improves on the reliability of data delivery services over wireless media, as compared to earlier WLANs. More specifically, the MAC implements a frame exchange protocol to allow the source of a frame to determine when the frame has been successfully received at the destination. This frame exchange protocol adds some overhead beyond that of other MAC protocols, like IEEE 802.3, because it is not sufficient to simply transmit a frame and expect that the destination has received it correctly on the wireless media. In addition, it cannot be expected that every station in the WLAN is able to communicate with every other station in the WLAN. If the source does not receive this acknowledgment, then the source will attempt to transmit the frame again. This retransmission of frame by the source effectively reduces the effective error rate of the medium at the cost of additional bandwidth consumption.
The minimal MAC frame exchange protocol consists of two frames, a frame sent from the source to the destination and an acknowledgment from the destination that the frame was received correctly. The frame and its acknowledgment are an atomic unit of the MAC protocol. As such, they cannot be interrupted by the transmission from any other station. Additionally, a second set of frames may be added to the minimal MAC frame exchange. The two added frames are a request to send frame and a clear to send frame. The source sends a request to send to the destination. The destination returns a clear to send to the source. Each of these frames contains information that allows other stations receiving them to be notified of the upcoming frame transmission, and therefore to delay any transmission their own. The request to send and clear frames serve to announce to all stations in the neighborhood of both the source and the destination about the pending transmission from the source to the destination. When the source receives the clear to send from the destination, the real frame that the source wants delivered to the destination is sent. If the frame is correctly received at the destination, then the destination will return an acknowledgment. completing the frame exchange protocol. While this four way frame exchange protocol is a required function of the MAC, it may be disabled by an attribute in the management information base.
The second functionality of the MAC is to fairly control access to the shared wireless medium. It performs this function through two different access mechanisms: the basic access mechanism, call the distribution coordination system function, and a centrally controlled access mechanism, called the point coordination function.
The basic access mechanism is a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) with binary exponential backoff. This access mechanism is similar to that used for IEEE 802.3, with some variations. CSMA/CA is a “listen before talk” (LBT) access mechanism. In this type of access mechanism, a station will listen to the medium before beginning a transmission. If the medium is already carrying a transmission, then the station that listening will not begin its own transmission. More specifically, if a listening station detects an existing transmission in progress, the listening station enters a transmit deferral period determined by the binary exponential backoff algorithm. The binary exponential backoff mechanism chooses a random number which represents the amount of time that must elapse while there are not any transmission. In other words, the medium is idle before the listening station may attempt to begin its transmission again. The MAC may also implement a network allocation vector (NAV). The NAV is the value that indicates to a station that amount of time that remains before a medium becomes available. The NAV is kept current through duration values that are transmitted in all frames. By examining the NAV, a station may avoid transmitting, even when the medium does not appear to be carrying a transmission in the physical sense.
The centrally controlled access mechanism uses a poll and response protocol to eliminate the possibility of contention for the medium. This access mechanism is called the point coordination function (PCF). A point coordinator (PC) controls the PCF. The PC is always located in an AP. Generally, the PCF operates by stations requesting that the PC register them on a polling list, and the PC then regularly polls the stations for traffic while also delivering traffic to the stations. With proper planning, the PCF is able to deliver near isochronous service to the stations on the polling list.
The third function of the MAC is to protect the data that it delivers. Because it is difficult to contain wireless WLAN signals to a particular physical area, the MAC provides a privacy service, called Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which encrypts the data sent over the wireless medium. The level of encryption chosen approximates the level of protection data might have on a wireless LAN in a building with controlled access that prevents physically connecting to the LAN without authorization.
In an embodiment, the control signal generator 3908 is preferably implemented using a synthesizer. An example synthesizer is shown in
An example LNA/PA 3904 is shown in
Additionally,
The 802.11 WLAN standard specifies two RF physical layers: frequency hopped spread spectrum (FHSS) and direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS). The invention is not limited to these specific examples. Both DSSS and FHSS support 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps data rates and operate in the 2.400-2.835 GHz band for wireless communications in accordance to FCC part 15 and ESTI-300 rules. Additionally, 802.11 has added an 11 Mbps standard that operates at 5 GHz and utilizes OFDM modulation.
The DSSS configuration supports the 1 MBPS data rate utilizing differential binary phase shift keying (DBPSK) modulation, and supports 2 MBPS utilizing differential quadrature phase shift keying modulation. In embodiments, an 11-bit Barker word is used as the spreading sequence that is utilized by the stations in the 802.11 network. A Barker word has a relatively short sequence, and is known to have very good correlation properties, and includes the following sequence: +1, −1, +1, +1, −1, +1, +1, +1, −1, −1, −1. The Barker word used for 802.11 is not to be confused with the spreading codes used for code division multiple access (CDMA) and global positioning system (GPS). CDMA and GPS use orthogonal spreading codes, which allow multiple users to operate on the same channel frequency. Generally, CDMA codes have longer sequences and have richer correlation properties.
During transmission, the 11-bit barker word is exclusive-ored (EX-OR) with each of the information bits using a modulo-2 adder, as illustrated by modulo-2 adder 9202 in
The second RF physical layer that is specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard is frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). A set of hop sequences is defined in IEEE 802.11 for use in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The channels are evenly spaced across the band over a span of 83.5 MHz. During the development of IEEE 802.11, the hop sequences listed in the standard were pre-approved for operation in North America, Europe, and Japan. In North America and Europe (excluding Spain and France), the required number of hop channels is 79. The number of hopped channels for Spain and France is 23 and 35, respectively. In Japan, the required number of hopped channels is 23. The hopped center channels are spaced uniformly across the 2.4 GHz frequency band occupying a bandwidth of 1 MHz. In North America and Europe (excluding Spain and France), the hopped channels operate from 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz. In Japan, the hopped channels operate from 2.447 GHz to 2.473 GHz. The modulation scheme called out for FHSS by 802.11 is 2-level Gaussian Phase Shift Keying (GFSK) for the 1 MBps data rate, and 4-level GFSK for the 2 MBps data rate.
In addition to DSSS and FHSS RF layer standards, the IEEE 802.11 Executive Committee approved two projects for higher rate physical layer extensions. The first extension, IEEE 802.11a defines requirements for a physical layer operating in the 5.0 GHz frequency band, and data rates ranging from 6 MBps to 54 MBps. This 802.11a draft standard is based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and uses 48 carriers as a phase reference (so coherent), with 20 MHZ spacing between the channels. The second extension, IEEE 802.11b, defines a set of physical layer specifications operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. This 802.11b utilizes complementary code keying (CCK), and extends the data rate up to 5.5 Mbps and 11 Mbps.
The transmitter and receiver circuits described herein can be operated in all of the WLAN physical layer embodiments described herein, including the DSSS and FHSS embodiments described herein. However, the present invention is not limited to being operated in WLAN physical layer embodiments that were described herein, as the invention could be configured in other physical layer embodiments.
The attached Appendix contained in
Example implementations of the systems and components of the invention have been described herein. As noted elsewhere, these example implementations have been described for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting. Other implementation embodiments are possible and covered by the invention, such as but not limited to software and software/hardware implementations of the systems and components of the invention. Such implementation embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
While various application embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/687,699, filed Jan. 14, 2010 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0630005), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/041,422, filed Jan. 25, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0630004), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/632,856, filed on Aug. 4, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0630003), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/632,856 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/147,129, filed on Aug. 4, 1999 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0630000); and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/632,856 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/525,615, filed on Mar. 14, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0450003); and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/632,856 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/526,041, filed on Mar. 14, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0880000), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/525,615 claims priority to the following: U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/177,381, filed on Jan. 24, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0450001); U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/171,502, filed Dec. 22, 1999 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0010007); U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/177,705, filed on Jan. 24, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0010008); U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/129,839, filed on Apr. 16, 1999 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0520000); U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/158,047, filed on Oct. 7, 1999 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0660000); U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/171,349, filed on Dec. 21, 1999 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0660001); U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/177,702, filed on Jan. 24, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0660002); U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/180,667, filed on Feb. 7, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0660003); and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/171,496, filed on Dec. 22, 1999 (Attorney Docket No. 1744.0770000); all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60147129 | Aug 1999 | US | |
| 60177381 | Jan 2000 | US | |
| 60171502 | Dec 1999 | US | |
| 60177705 | Jan 2000 | US | |
| 60129839 | Apr 1999 | US | |
| 60158047 | Oct 1999 | US | |
| 60171349 | Dec 1999 | US | |
| 60177702 | Jan 2000 | US | |
| 60180667 | Feb 2000 | US | |
| 60171496 | Dec 1999 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12687699 | Jan 2010 | US |
| Child | 13090031 | US | |
| Parent | 11041422 | Jan 2005 | US |
| Child | 12687699 | US | |
| Parent | 09632856 | Aug 2000 | US |
| Child | 11041422 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 09525615 | Mar 2000 | US |
| Child | 09632856 | US | |
| Parent | 09526041 | Mar 2000 | US |
| Child | 09525615 | US |
