Abstract: A radio circuit that includes a radio front-end for receiving a radio signal and converting the radio signal to a first intermediate frequency signal and a second intermediate frequency signal. The radio circuit also includes an analog back-end having a plurality of inputs for receiving the first intermediate frequency signal and for processing the first intermediate frequency signal in response to digital signals. Also included is a digital back-end having a plurality of inputs for receiving the second intermediate frequency signal and for processing the second intermediate frequency signal in response to the digital signals.

Abstract: A radio back-end integrated circuit that includes a blanking switch having a signal input which receives an IF signal, a control input, and a signal output. Also included is a demodulator having an input coupled to the output of the blanking switch, and an output. The radio back-end also has a sample and hold switch having a signal input coupled to the output of the demodulator, a control input, and an output. Combined with the switch is a noise impulse detector having an input coupled to the IF signal and an output coupled to the control inputs of the blanking switch and the sample and hold switch. A sample and hold/de-emphasis circuit has an input coupled to the output of the sample and hold switch, and an output. The sample and hold/de-emphasis circuit has a high input impedance amplifier, a resistor, and only one capacitor.

Abstract: A common intermediate frequency broadcast radio front end. The invention employs a common front end that employs a common mixer and intermediate frequency for both AM and FM radio signals. Borrowing on the inherent advantages of employing a substantially reduced intermediate frequency, when compared to the elevated intermediate frequency that is employed in many conventional systems, the invention provides for the ability to employ components whose precision is significantly relaxed and whose cost is substantially reduced. The low frequency affords the ability to use relatively cheap ceramic filters and integrated filters within the IC instead of relatively expensive crystal filters commonly employed at higher intermediate frequencies. In addition, the implementation of a common mixer for both AM and FM signals results in a savings of real estate on the silicon die used to operate certain embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A radio back-end circuit that includes an integrator and a first variable voltage translator having a signal input coupled to the output of the integrator circuit. Also included is a first variable low pass filter, a second variable voltage translator, and a variable attenuator. These components of the radio back-end circuit are communicatively coupled such that noise is reduced in radio communications and signal and reception range control is improved in certain situations.

Abstract: A radio back-end circuit that includes a signal processing unit which receives an intermediate frequency signal containing modulated information. The radio back-end circuit processes the intermediate signal and provides an output representative of the modulated information. The radio back-end circuit includes a plurality of control registers for receiving digital information provided external to the back-end circuit. Also included is a signal optimization circuit, coupled to the plurality of registers, having an output coupled to the signal processing unit for modifying how the radio-back-end processes the intermediate frequency signal. In addition, an analog interface, coupled to the signal processing unit, is included which converts analog information from the signal processing unit to digital processing unit information.