Use of an image reject mixer in a forward data channel tuner
AssigneeMicrotune (Texas), L.P.
InventorsKurt J. Richter, Jerry T. Bolton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods which utilize an image reject mixer in an out-of-band mixer application such as in a forward data channel frequency converter. For example, according to a preferred embodiment, an image reject mixer is utilized to provide a relatively high degree of image rejection with respect to an out-of-band signal, thereby relaxing the requirement for filtering in the signal path leading to the mixer circuitry. Preferred embodiments of the invention are substantially or fully implemented utilizing integrated circuit technology.
Claims48
A data channel tuner comprising:
- an input interface for accepting said data channel, wherein said input interface further accepts signal energy at a frequency associated with an image of said data channel as mixed by said tuner;
- and
- an image reject mixer coupled to said input interface and providing frequency conversion of said data channel.
A system for providing tuning of a particular signal in a signal stream including additional signal energy at an image frequency of said particular signal as frequency converted by said system, said system comprising:
- an image reject mixer providing frequency conversion of said particular signal and rejection of said additional signal energy, wherein a signal energy of said particular signal is substantially less than said additional signal energy.
A method for tuning a particular signal from a signal stream, said method comprising:
- providing said signal stream having a first signal and a second signal both utilized substantially simultaneously by a subscriber station, wherein said second signal is offset from said first signal such that said second signal corresponds to an image frequency of said first signal;
- and
- mixing said signal stream using an image reject mixer to provide a frequency converted said first signal substantially without said second signal.
A method for providing tuning of a data channel in a signal stream having an application signal offset from said data signal such that said application signal corresponds to an image frequency of said data signal, said method comprising:
- filtering said signal stream to provide relatively coarse filtering of said application signal;
- and
- mixing said filtered signal stream using an image reject mixer to provide a frequency converted said data channel substantially without said application signal.
A method for providing tuning of a signal of interest appearing in a signal stream including said signal of interest and a signal at an image frequency of said signal of interest, said method comprising:
- providing said signal stream to a tuner circuit including an image reject mixer, wherein said image frequency signal as provided to said tuner circuit is substantially greater in amplitude than said signal of interest;
- and
- mixing said signal stream using said image reject mixer to provide a frequency converted said signal of interest substantially without said image frequency signal.
A method for providing tuning of a forward data channel approximately 20 dB down from a forward application terminal signal in a signal stream, said method comprising:
- filtering said signal stream to provide approximately 20 dB of filtering of said forward application terminal;
- and
- mixing said filtered signal stream using an image reject mixer to provide a frequency converted said forward data channel substantially without said forward application terminal signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.