US 8,509,351 B1 · Multi-mode radio frequency modulation circuitry

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to multi-mode RF circuitry using a single IQ modulator topology that may support different communication standards, including enhanced data rates for global system for mobile communications evolution (EDGE) and EDGE evolution by dividing certain modulation functions between a frequency synthesizer and an IQ modulator. Specifically, during a standard modulation mode, which may be used to support many communications standards, the frequency synthesizer provides an un-modulated RF carrier signal to the IQ modulator, which either phase modulates or phase and amplitude modulates the un-modulated RF carrier signal to provide a standard modulated RF signal. During a small signal polar modulation mode, which may be used to support the EDGE and EDGE evolution protocols, the frequency synthesizer provides a phase-modulated RF carrier signal to the IQ modulator, which may or may not amplitude modulate the phase-modulated RF carrier signal to provide a small signal polar modulated RF signal.

Claims24

Dependent claims

Multi-mode radio frequency (RF) circuitry comprising:

control circuitry adapted to select between a standard modulation mode and a small signal polar modulation mode;
a frequency synthesizer adapted to:
during the standard modulation mode, provide an un-modulated RF carrier signal;
and
during the small signal polar modulation mode, provide a phase-modulated RF carrier signal;
an IQ modulator adapted to:
during the standard modulation mode:
receive an in-phase modulation signal and a quadrature-phase modulation signal, such that the in-phase modulation signal and the quadrature-phase modulation signal comprise phase information;
and
receive and phase-modulate the un-modulated RF carrier signal using the phase information to provide a standard modulated RF signal;
and
during the small signal polar modulation mode:
receive at least one of the in-phase modulation signal and the quadrature-phase modulation signal, such that the at least one of the in-phase modulation signal and the quadrature-phase modulation signal comprises amplitude information;
and
receive the phase-modulated RF carrier signal and use the amplitude information to provide a small signal polar modulated RF signal.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-mode radio frequency modulation circuitry

Life of this patent

Multi-mode radio frequency modulation circuitry

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24