Abstract: Various embodiments implement apparatuses and methods for conversion of radio frequency (RF) signals to intermediate frequency (IF) signals. More particularly, some embodiments are directed toward down conversion of RF signals to IF signals in a multi-band radio receiver, such as a satellite receiver, using a single oscillator for different frequency bands. For example, some of the apparatuses and methods presented are suitable for integration into monolithic RF integrated circuits in low-cost satellite receivers for home entertainment use.

Abstract: Various embodiments implement apparatuses and methods for conversion of radio frequency (RF) signals to intermediate frequency (IF) signals. More particularly, some embodiments are directed toward down conversion of RF signals to IF signals in a multi-band radio receiver, such as a satellite receiver, using a single oscillator for different frequency bands. For example, some of the apparatuses and methods presented are suitable for integration into monolithic RF integrated circuits in low-cost satellite receivers for home entertainment use.

Abstract: Various embodiments implement apparatuses and methods for conversion of radio frequency (RF) signals to intermediate frequency (IF) signals. More particularly, some embodiments are directed toward down conversion of RF signals to IF signals in a multi-band radio receiver, such as a satellite receiver, using a single oscillator for different frequency bands. For example, some of the apparatuses and methods presented are suitable for integration into monolithic RF integrated circuits in low-cost satellite receivers for home entertainment use.

Abstract: An apparatus with an inductor having a conductive loop perpendicular to a metalization plane of a substrate. The conductive loop has an upper element and lower element both parallel to the metalization plane that are connected with a via.

Abstract: Various embodiments implement apparatuses and methods for conversion of radio frequency (RF) signals to intermediate frequency (IF) signals. More particularly, some embodiments are directed toward down conversion of RF signals to IF signals in a multi-band radio receiver, such as a satellite receiver, using a single oscillator for different frequency bands. For example, some of the apparatuses and methods presented are suitable for integration into monolithic RF integrated circuits in low-cost satellite receivers for home entertainment use.

Abstract: A tunable multiple frequency source system employing offset signal phasing includes a first frequency source, a phase delay element, and a second frequency source configured to operate concurrently with the first frequency source. The first frequency source includes an input coupled to receive a reference input signal and an output for providing a first frequency source signal. The phase delay includes an input coupled to receive the input reference signal, and an output, the phase delay element operable to apply a predefined phase delay to the input reference signal to produce a phase-delayed input signal. The second frequency source includes an input coupled to receive the phase-delayed input signal and an output for providing a second frequency source signal.

Abstract: A multiple frequency source system includes at least one frequency source tunable to a predefined target frequency, and at least one additional frequency source operable to generate a second signal at a frequency which is either higher or lower than the target frequency. A method for tuning the tunable frequency source to the target frequency during concurrent generation of the second signal includes (i) controlling the tunable frequency source to tune to at least one frequency point frequency lower than the target frequency, and thereafter controlling the oscillator to tune to the target frequency, when the second signal is higher in frequency than the target frequency, or (ii) controlling the tunable frequency source to tune to at least one frequency point higher than the target frequency, and thereafter controlling the tunable frequency source to tune to the target frequency, when the second signal is lower in frequency than the target frequency.

Abstract: A method for mitigating phase pulling in multiple frequency source system includes generating a first signal, the first signal referred to as an existing signal operating at an existing frequency point, the existing signal having a predefined pulling bandwidth around the existing frequency point. A request is received to generate a prospective signal at a prospective frequency point which is within the predefined pulling bandwidth of the existing signal. The prospective frequency is removed from within the predefined pulling bandwidth, and the prospective and existing signals are generated at the corresponding frequency points.

Abstract: A method for mitigating phase pulling in multiple frequency source system includes generating a first signal, the first signal referred to as an existing signal operating at an existing frequency point, the existing signal having a predefined pulling bandwidth around the existing frequency point. A request is received to generate a prospective signal at a prospective frequency point which is within the predefined pulling bandwidth of the existing signal. The prospective frequency is removed from within the predefined pulling bandwidth, and the prospective and existing signals are generated at the corresponding frequency points.

Abstract: A multiple frequency source system includes at least one frequency source tunable to a predefined target frequency, and at least one additional frequency source operable to generate a second signal at a frequency which is either higher or lower than the target frequency. A method for tuning the tunable frequency source to the target frequency during concurrent generation of the second signal includes (i) controlling the tunable frequency source to tune to at least one frequency point frequency lower than the target frequency, and thereafter controlling the oscillator to tune to the target frequency, when the second signal is higher in frequency than the target frequency, or (ii) controlling the tunable frequency source to tune to at least one frequency point higher than the target frequency, and thereafter controlling the tunable frequency source to tune to the target frequency, when the second signal is lower in frequency than the target frequency.

Abstract: A tunable multiple frequency source system employing offset signal phasing includes a first frequency source, a phase delay element, and a second frequency source configured to operate concurrently with the first frequency source. The first frequency source includes an input coupled to receive a reference input signal and an output for providing a first frequency source signal. The phase delay includes an input coupled to receive the input reference signal, and an output, the phase delay element operable to apply a predefined phase delay to the input reference signal to produce a phase-delayed input signal. The second frequency source includes an input coupled to receive the phase-delayed input signal and an output for providing a second frequency source signal.

Abstract: A tuner uses a bank of tracking filters to preselect a channel to be received. Each tracking filter covers a range of frequencies. The tracking filters are tunable in frequency using switched capacitors and are tunable in gain by using switched resistors. The switched resistors can be controlled by an automatic gain control circuit that monitors the selected signal and adjust the tracking filter gain to achieve a desired signal level. A switch directs the received signal or signal from a test tone generator into the tracking filters. The test tone, generated by a frequency agile circuit, can be used to calibrate the filters, both in frequency and gain.

Abstract: A control interface scheme provides for communicating control information between integrated circuits (ICs) in a wireless communication chipset. A serial 3-wire bus is configured to communicate a series of control words assembled on a digital IC to an analog IC prior to a data portion of a frame used by the wireless communication chipset in communicating data. The control words include control settings for use by the analog IC during the data portion of the frame. The control settings, which are stored in registers on the analog IC, include gain settings for two receivers and a transmitter, as well as phase lock loop (PLL) control information and power management information. Several timing signals generated on the digital IC are used by the analog IC during the data portion of the frame to select among the registers to obtain the appropriate control settings at the appropriate times.

Abstract: A system for extracting and compensating for reference frequency error adapted for use with a communication system. The system includes a frequency generator for outputting a reference signal of a first frequency. The frequency generator has acontrol input for adjusting the first frequency in response to a control signal. A receive circuit receives an input signal and provides an output signal having a first and second component in response thereto. An error extraction circuit provides an error value based on a phase difference between the first component and the second component, and provides the control signal in response thereto. The error extraction circuit preferably includes a positive error counting circuit for generating a positive count when the first component lags the second component and a negative error counting circuit for generating a negative count when the first component leads the second component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing DC—DC converter synchronization in a mobile DC-powered device in which the variable clock output of a serial communications circuit is utilized to synchronize the clock which provides the switching function in the DC—DC converter.

Abstract: A shunt feedback circuit path for use in high frequency amplifiers fabricated as a transmission line coupled to ground at one end and coupled to the shunt feedback transmission line of the amplifier at the other end. The shunt feedback transmission line has a first and second resistive element and a first and second capacitive element. A quarter-wavelength transmission line is used to transform the impedance coupled to one end with respect to the other end. The impedance as seen from one end of the line is a function of the characteristic impedance of the line. Therefore, by selecting the characteristic impedance the transmission line can be used to affect the impedance of the feedback path so the transmission line appears as an inductor of reactance equal to the characteristic impedance of the quarter-wavelength transmission line and reduces the overall effective length of the feedback path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously calibrating the modulation sensitivity of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) within a modulator of a transmitter. In accordance with the present invention, the transmitter is coupled to the receiver in order to loop back the transmit signal. The present invention includes a baseband signal generator which generates a reference baseband signal of known amplitude during periods when no other baseband information is being applied to the transmitter by the user. A Signal and Reference Comparison Circuit (SRCC) receives the output from the demodulator and determines whether the VCO within the transmitter has the proper modulation sensitivity. If the modulation sensitivity of the VCO is not within a desired range, then a signal generated by the SRCC is applied to a baseband level control circuit to adjust the level of the baseband signal that is applied to the VCO.