Abstract: There is provided an FM demodulator comprising a transistor (Q323), a filter unit for producing first and second amplitude-modulated signals from a received frequency-modulated signal, wherein the filter unit is coupled to the switching transistor (Q323), and first and second diodes (D300) connected in opposite relationship for rectifying the first and second amplitude-modulated signals of the filter unit. The filter unit has an LC network and is so dimensioned that there is a linear relationship between the output voltage and the input frequency. The demodulator further has an operating point adjusting unit for adjusting an operating point of the transistor. The operating point adjusting unit (100) is adapted to effect operating point adjustment with a noise negative feedback.

Abstract: A micropower RF transdponder employs a novel adaptation of the superregenerative receiver wherein the quench oscillator is external to the regenerative transistor. The quench oscillator applies an exponentially decaying waveform rather than the usual sinewave to achieve high sensitivity at microampere current levels. Further improvements include circuit simplifications for antenna coupling, extraction of the detected signal, and a low-voltage bias configuration that allows operation with less than a 1-volt rail voltage. The inventive transponder is expected to operate as long as the battery shelf life.

Abstract: A mixer circuit has a first filter connected between a local oscillator terminal and a node and another filter connected between a RF signal terminal and the node. A first circuit path extends from the node through a first diode to a first tuned circuit which can be connected to an input terminal of a balanced-to-unbalanced converter. A second circuit path extends from the node through an oppositely disposed diode which is connected to another tuned circuit which can be connected to another input terminal of the balanced-to-unbalanced converter. The diodes alternately conduct in response to opposite half cycles of the local oscillator signal and the RF signal to generate a variety of mixing components. The tuned circuits preserve the desired output signal and attenuate the other mixing components.