Abstract: A method and system for converting an optical signal to electrical information signals, including demodulated baseband information signals and modulated baseband signals at multiple harmonics. In an embodiment, the optical information signal is amplitude modulated with information. The method converts an optical signal to electrical charge, accumulates the electrical charge, and periodically transfers the accumulated electrical charge to a storage device, whereby the periodically transferred electrical charge forms the electrical signals. An exemplary system includes an optical transducer and a universal frequency translator coupled to an output of the optical transducer. The optical transducer receives an optical signal and converts the optical signal to electrical charge. The universal frequency translator periodically transfers energy from the electrical charge and forms the electrical signals from the transferred energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving dynamic range includes a frequency down-conversion module that receives an input signal and a bias circuit. The bias circuit includes a first resistor and a second resistor. The first resister has a first terminal coupled to a bias point and a second terminal coupled to a first voltage reference. The second resistor has a first terminal coupled to the bias point and a second terminal coupled to a second voltage reference. The bias point is coupled to the input signal. The frequency down-conversion module outputs a down-converted output signal. The bias circuit thereby adjusts a voltage of the input signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, and combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for down-converting and up-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal are described herein. Briefly stated, in embodiments the invention operates by receiving an EM signal and recursively operating on approximate half cycles (½, 1½, 2½, etc.) of the carrier signal. The recursive operations can be performed at a sub-harmonic rate of the carrier signal. The invention accumulates the results of the recursive operations and uses the accumulated results to form a down-converted signal. In an embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to a baseband information signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is a frequency modulated (FM) signal, which is down-converted to a non-FM signal, such as a phase modulated (PM) signal or an amplitude modulated (AM) signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for frequency selectivity and frequency translation, and applications for such methods and apparatuses, are described herein. The method includes steps of filtering an input signal, and down-converting the filtered input signal. The filtering and the down-conversion operations are performed in an integrated, unified manner. The apparatus described herein can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC). The apparatus may include a module or modules for gain control.

Abstract: Frequency translation and applications of same are described herein, including cable modem applications. Such applications include, but are not limited to, frequency down-conversion, frequency up-conversion, enhanced signal reception, unified down-conversion and filtering, and combinations and applications of same. Furthermore, QAM, QPSK, and other modulation techniques are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal by aliasing the EM signal, and applications thereof are described herein. Reducing or eliminating DC offset voltages and re-radiation generated when down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal is also described herein. Down-converting a signal and improving receiver dynamic range is also described herein.

Abstract: A method and system is described wherein an information signals is gated at a frequency that is a sub-harmonic of the frequency of the desired output signal. In the modulation embodiments, the information signal is modulated as part of the up-conversion process. In a first modulation embodiment, one information signal is phase modulated onto the carrier signal as part of the up-conversion process. In a second modulation embodiment, two information signals are multiplied, and, as part of the up-conversion process, one signal is phase modulated onto the carrier and the other signal is amplitude modulated onto the carrier. In a third modulation embodiment, one information signal is phase modulated onto the “I” phase of the carrier signal as part of the up-conversion process and a second information signal is phase modulated onto the “Q” phase of the carrier as part of the up-conversion process.

Abstract: A method and system is described wherein a signal with a lower frequency is up-converted to a higher frequency. In one embodiment, the higher frequency signal is used as a stable frequency and phase reference. In another embodiment, the invention is used as a transmitter. The up-conversion is accomplished by controlling a switch with an oscillating signal, the frequency of the oscillating signal being selected as a sub-harmonic of the desired output frequency. When the invention is being used as a frequency or phase reference, the oscillating signal is not modulated, and controls a switch that is connected to a bias signal. When the invention is being used in the frequency modulation (FM) or phase modulation (PM) implementations, the oscillating signal is modulated by an information signal before it causes the switch to gate the bias signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal by aliasing the EM signal, and applications thereof are described herein. Reducing or eliminating DC offset voltages and re-radiation generated when down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal is also described herein. Down-converting a signal and improving receiver dynamic range is also described herein.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting and up-converting an electromagnetic signal. In embodiments, the invention operates by receiving an electromagnetic signal and recursively operating on approximate half cycles of a carrier signal. The recursive operations can be performed at a sub-harmonic rate of the carrier signal. The invention accumulates the results of the recursive operations and uses the accumulated results to form a down-converted signal. In embodiments, up-conversion is accomplished by controlling a switch with an oscillating signal, the frequency of the oscillating signal being selected as a sub-harmonic of the desired output frequency. When the invention is being used in the frequency modulation or phase modulation implementations, the oscillating signal is modulated by an information signal before it causes the switch to gate a bias signal. The output of the switch is filtered, and the desired harmonic is output.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal by aliasing the EM signal are described herein. Briefly stated, such methods, systems, and apparatuses operate by receiving an EM signal and an aliasing signal having an aliasing rate. The EM signal is aliased according to the aliasing signal to down-convert the EM signal. The term aliasing, as used herein, refers to both down-converting an EM signal by under-sampling the EM signal at an aliasing rate, and down-converting an EM signal by transferring energy from the EM signal at the aliasing rate. In an embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to a demodulated baseband information signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is a frequency modulated (FM) signal, which is down-converted to a non-FM signal, such as a phase modulated (PM) signal or an amplitude modulated (AM) signal.

Abstract: A method and system for directly down-converting FM signals to demodulated baseband information signals that can be used to directly down-convert analog FM signals and digital FM signals to demodulated baseband information signals. In an embodiment, the method includes aliasing an FM signal at an aliasing rate substantially equal to the frequency of the FM signal or substantially equal to a sub-harmonic thereof; adjusting the aliasing rate in accordance with frequency changes on the FM signal to maintain the aliasing rate substantially equal to the frequency of the FM signal, and outputting a demodulated baseband information signal. The method optionally includes compensating for phase delays and/or other characteristics of the loop in order to maintain bandwidth and stability for the loop.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal by aliasing the EM signal are described herein. Briefly stated, such methods, systems, and apparatuses operate by receiving an EM signal and an aliasing signal having an aliasing rate. The EM signal is aliased according to the aliasing signal to down-convert the EM signal. The term aliasing, as used herein, refers to both down-converting an EM signal by under-sampling the EM signal at an aliasing rate, and down-converting an EM signal by transferring energy from the EM signal at the aliasing rate. In an embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to a demodulated baseband information signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is a frequency modulated (FM) signal, which is down-converted to a non-FM signal, such as a phase modulated (PM) signal or an amplitude modulated (AM) signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal by aliasing the EM signal, and applications thereof are described herein. Reducing or eliminating DC offset voltages and re-radiation generated when down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal is also described herein. Down-converting a signal and improving receiver dynamic range is also described herein.

Abstract: Frequency translation and applications of the same are described herein, including RF modem and wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. In embodiments, the WLAN invention includes an antenna, an LNA/PA module, a receiver, a transmitter, a control signal generator, a demodulation/modulation facilitation module, and a MAC interface. The WLAN receiver includes at least one universal frequency translation module that frequency down-converts a received EM signal. In embodiments, the UFT based receiver is configured in a multi-phase embodiment to reduce or eliminate re-radiation that is caused by DC offset. The WLAN transmitter includes at least one universal frequency translation module that frequency up-converts a baseband signal in preparation for transmission over the wireless LAN. In embodiments, the UFT based transmitter is configured in a differential and multi-phase embodiment to reduce carrier insertion and spectral growth.

Abstract: Frequency translation and spread spectrum applications of same are described herein. Such applications include, but are not limited to, unified down-conversion and de-spreading, unified up-conversion and spreading, RAKE receivers utilizing unified down-conversion and de-spreading, and Early/Late receivers utilizing unified down-conversion and de-spreading, and combinations and applications of same. Additionally, applications are included for limiting spectral growth during unified up-conversion and spreading of a baseband signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting and up-converting an electromagnetic signal. In embodiments, the invention operates by receiving an electromagnetic signal and recursively operating on approximate half cycles of a carrier signal. The recursive operations can be performed at a sub-harmonic rate of the carrier signal. The invention accumulates the results of the recursive operations and uses the accumulated results to form a down-converted signal. In embodiments, up-conversion is accomplished by controlling a switch with an oscillating signal, the frequency of the oscillating signal being selected as a sub-harmonic of the desired output frequency. When the invention is being used in the frequency modulation or phase modulation implementations, the oscillating signal is modulated by an information signal before it causes the switch to gate a bias signal. The output of the switch is filtered, and the desired harmonic is output.

Abstract: A universal frequency translation module (UFT) frequency translates an electromagnetic (EM) input signal by sampling the EM input signal according to a periodic control signal (also called an aliasing signal). By controlling the relative sampling time, the UFT module implements a relative phase shift during frequency translation. In other words, a relative phase shift can be introduced in the output signal by sampling the input signal at one point in time relative to another point in time. As such, the UFT module can be configured as an integrated frequency translator and phase-shifter. This includes the UFT module as an integrated down-converter and phase shifter, and the UFT module as an integrated up-converter and phase shifter. Applications of universal frequency translation and phase shifting include phased array antennas that utilize integrated frequency translation and phase shifting technology to steer the one or more main beams of the phased array antenna.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for frequency selectivity and frequency translation, and applications for such methods and apparatuses, are described herein. The method includes steps of filtering an input signal, and down-converting the filtered input signal. The filtering and the down-conversion operations are performed in an integrated, unified manner. The apparatus described herein can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC).

Abstract: Frequency translation and applications of the same are described herein, including RF modem and wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. In embodiments, the WLAN invention includes an antenna, an LNA/PA module, a receiver, a transmitter, a control signal generator, a demodulation/modulation facilitation module, and a MAC interface. The WLAN receiver includes at least one universal frequency translation module that frequency down-converts a received EM signal. In embodiments, the UFT based receiver is configured in a multi-phase embodiment to reduce or eliminate re-radiation that is caused by DC offset. The WLAN transmitter includes at least one universal frequency translation module that frequency up-converts a baseband signal in preparation for transmission over the wireless LAN. In embodiments, the UFT based transmitter is configured in a differential and multi-phase embodiment to reduce carrier insertion and spectral growth.