Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Using Universal Frequency Translation Technology Including Multi-Phase Embodiments

• US 20100111150A1
• Filed: 01/14/2010
• Published: 05/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
• Original Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
• Inventors: Cook, Robert W., Rawlins, Gregory S., Bultman, Michael J., Sorrells, David F., Moses, Charley D. JR., Looke, Richard C., Rawlins, Michael W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,929,638 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 375/222
• CPC Class Codes: H03C 3/40 using two signal paths the outputs of which have a predetermined phase difference and at least one output being amplitude-modulated
• CPC Class Codes: H03D 3/006 by sampling the oscillations and further processing the samples, e.g. by computing techniques H03D3/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H03D 7/00 Transference of modulation from one carrier to another, e.g. frequency-changing H03D9/00, H03D11/00 take precedence; dielectric amplifiers, magnetic amplifiers, parametric amplifiers used as a frequency-changers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

Frequency translation and applications of the same are described herein, including RF modem and wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. In embodiments, the WLAN invention includes an antenna, an LNA/PA module, a receiver, a transmitter, a control signal generator, a demodulation/modulation facilitation module, and a MAC interface. The WLAN receiver includes at least one universal frequency translation module that frequency down-converts a received 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 wireless LAN. In embodiments, the UFT based transmitter is configured in a differential and multi-phase embodiment to reduce carrier insertion and spectral growth.

Claims

1. A wireless modem apparatus, comprising:

(a) a balanced transmitter for up-converting a baseband signal, including,

(b) an inverter, to receive said baseband signal and generate an inverted baseband signal;

(c) a first controlled switch, coupled to a non-inverting output of said inverter, said first controlled switch to sample said baseband signal according to a first control signal, resulting in a first harmonically rich signal;

(d) a second controlled switch, coupled to an inverting output of said inverter, said second controlled switch to sample said inverted baseband signal according to a second control signal, resulting in a second harmonically rich signal; and

(e) a combiner, coupled to an output of said first controlled switch and an output of said second controlled switch, said combiner to combine said first harmonically rich signal and said second harmonically rich signal, resulting in a third harmonically rich signal.