US 8,897,726 B2 · Block sharing using three-way transformers in wireless circuits

Abstract

A multipath circuit is described that has multiple signal paths and various common components used for normal operation. Each of the multiple signal paths also has multiple circuit blocks defining the functionality of the signal path. A shared access path is provided through the third winding of a three-way transformer for each signal path. Multiple switches are provided in the multipath circuit that couple to the third winding in each of the multiple signal paths. The switches are also coupled to the various common components. Selected ones of these switches may be closed to provide a shared access path between a common component and one of the signal paths or between a common components and one of the circuit blocks in one of the signal paths.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A wireless radio transmitter configured for wireless communication, comprising:

a plurality of signal paths, each of the plurality of signal paths including a plurality of circuit blocks;
one or more common components coupled to each of the plurality of signal paths;
a three-way transformer in each of the plurality of signal paths, wherein a first winding of the three-way transformer is coupled to a first group of circuit blocks of the plurality of circuit blocks, a second winding of the three-way transformer is coupled to a second group of circuit blocks of the plurality of circuit blocks, and a third winding of the three-way transformer is coupled to the one or more common components;
one or more switches coupled to the third winding of the three-way transformer of each of the plurality of signal paths, wherein, in response to activation of the one or more switches, a shared access path is created between the one or more common components and at least one of the first and second groups of circuit blocks.

1 more element

A multipath wireless circuit, comprising:

means for activating a testing path into a signal path of a plurality of signal paths of the multipath circuit, the testing path coupled to a third winding of a three-way transformer coupled into the signal path;
means for transmitting one or more deactivation signals via the testing path to at least one of:
one or more circuit blocks of a plurality of circuit blocks within the signal path and one or more common components of a plurality of common components coupled to each of the plurality of signal paths;
and
means for testing active ones of each of the plurality of circuit blocks and the plurality of common components using the testing path.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Block sharing using three-way transformers in wireless circuits

Life of this patent

Block sharing using three-way transformers in wireless circuits

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21