Device and method for receiving and processing RF signals, a method for providing digital calibration values for such a device and a receiver incorporating the device

#The invention is directed, in general, to a RF receiving device and, more specifically, to a digitally-tunable resonance circuit associated with a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) of an RF receiving device.

#At the point at which an antenna receives it, a radio frequency (RF) signal is not only typically far too weak to be processed, but also contains unwanted “blockers.” Blockers are artifacts that superpose and interfere with the received signal and include noise from external sources and perhaps near-end crosstalk (NEXT) from simultaneous transmissions from the transceiver itself. The receive chain of the transceiver is therefore provided with an LNA and a resonant circuit to reduce the artifacts and amplify the received signal before processing occurs.

#The goal of a well-designed LNA and resonant circuit is to amplify the received signal and reject the blockers. This is known as “discrimination.” Effective discrimination is beneficial for transceivers of all kinds, including Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) compliant transceivers. However, it is essential for transceivers that transmit and receive concurrently, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) compliant transceivers. Unfortunately, achieving effective discrimination in the latter context is particularly challenging, since the blockers potentially include both noise and NEXT.

#For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a receiver constructed according to the principles of the invention;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for processing an RF signal carried out according to the principles of the invention;

#FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a receiver, generally designated 100, constructed according to the principles of the invention. The receiver 100 is a radio frequency (RF) receiver that includes an antenna 110, a signal processing signal processing device 120 and a user interface 130. Of course, one skilled in the art will understand that the receiver 100 includes additional components or circuitry that are not illustrated or discussed but are typically included therein. For example, the receiver 100, may be a mobile telephone that also includes a keypad, a display, a microphone, a memory, a controller, etc. In some embodiments, the receiver 100 may be a mobile telephone configured to operate in a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) environment. In other embodiments, the receiver 100 may be a mobile telephone configured to operate in other communications networks, such as a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) environment.

#The antenna 110 is configured to receive RF signals via multiple programmable channels. The antenna 110 may be a conventional antenna typically employed in mobile telephones. As such, the antenna 110 may send and receive RF signals through a cellular communications network. Thus, the channels that receive the RF signals can be programmed automatically by the receiver 100 as the receiver travels through various communications cells. Additionally, the receiver may switch channels automatically due to interference. The receiver 100 may include a control that allows a user to manually switch channels.

#Coupled to the antenna 110 is the signal processing device 120. The signal processing device 120 is configured to process a signal received by the antenna 110. The signal processing device 120 may be a chip. A chip is defined as a piece of semi conducting material (typically small) on which an integrated circuit is embedded.