Voltage-mode passive mixer with integrated input and output buffers
AssigneeWaveguide Corporation
InventorMichael Trakimas
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Abstract
Various approaches of receiving signals in integrated circuitry include implementing a voltage-mode passive mixer for down-converting the frequency of the received signals, a baseband output buffer, and a transconductance amplifier coupled between the voltage-mode passive mixer and baseband output buffer for presenting a high-impedance load to the voltage-mode passive mixer and shielding the baseband output buffer from a high-frequency feedthrough.
Claims17
A sensor for receiving signals in integrated circuitry, the sensor comprising:
- a voltage-mode passive mixer for down-converting one or more frequencies of the received signals;
- a baseband output buffer;
- and
- a transconductance amplifier coupled to the voltage-mode passive mixer for receiving output signals therefrom and coupled to the baseband output buffer for providing input signals thereto, the transconductance amplifier presenting a high-impedance load to the voltage-mode passive mixer and shielding the baseband output buffer from a high-frequency feedthrough.
An NMR apparatus comprising:
- an NMR coil configured to enclose a sample;
- a receiver for receiving NMR signals from the sample, the receiver comprising (i) a voltage-mode passive mixer for down-converting a frequency of the received NMR signals, (ii) a baseband output buffer, and (iii) a transconductance amplifier coupled to the voltage-mode passive mixer for receiving output signals therefrom and coupled to the baseband output buffer for providing input signals thereto, the transconductance amplifier presenting a high-impedance load to the voltage-mode mixer and shielding the baseband output buffer from a high-frequency feedthrough;
- and
- a controller configured to analyze the received NMR signals.
A method of receiving signals in integrated circuitry, the method comprising:
- providing a frequency-conversion means for down-converting a frequency of the received signals;
- providing a first amplification means for converting the signals from a current domain to the voltage domain;
- and
- providing a second amplification means coupled to the frequency-conversion means for receiving output signals therefrom and coupled to the first amplification means for providing input signals thereto, the second amplification means presenting a high-impedance load to the frequency-conversion means and shielding the first amplification means from a high-frequency feedthrough.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.