Abstract: A wireless local area network receiver having separate automatic gain control (AGC) loops for providing a radio frequency AGC and a baseband frequency AGC, as well as a DC offset cancellation circuit. The AGC loops control a low noise amplifier amplifying the received RF signal, and the baseband signal or signals from a mixer of I and Q mixers. The DC offset compensation loop is also responsive to the baseband AGC signal to maintain a substantially fixed gain in the DC offset compensation feedback. Details of various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) that provide the AGC operation and the DC offset cancellation to the desired levels within the relatively short period of a preamble that precedes the data transmission.

Abstract: The “pulling” of a local oscillator in zero intermediate frequency (IF) transmitters with “on” frequency voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), is well known in the art to drastically degrade system performance of wireless transmitters. While complex solutions to the problem do exist the disclosed invention provides a less complex but rigid method for the reduction of the phenomena. In accordance with the disclosed teachings and techniques magnetic coupling is reduced by placing spiral inductors in a manner canceling the effects of their respective magnetic fields. Furthermore the VCO and transmitter are placed in sufficient distance from each other to further reduce magnetic interference. It is further shown that placing the VCO and the transmitter each in the confines of grounded guard rings further reduces the interference. In yet further teachings of the invention different power supplies are used to feed the VCO and the transmitter, further reducing electromagnetic coupling.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for eliminating DC offset in a wireless communication device operable on a continuous basis or on a sampled basis. In a receive channel, the output of a forward variable gain amplifier is fed back to an RC circuit to charge the capacitor (C) to a voltage dependent on the DC offset in the variable gain amplifier output. The voltage on the capacitor is amplified and summed with the input to the variable gain amplifier. The RC circuit is configured to provide a high gain feedback at DC and very low frequencies, but very low gain at signal frequencies. Preferably the output of the forward variable gain amplifier is fed back to the RC circuit with a gain that is inversely proportional to the forward gain. Disconnection of the capacitor and feedback of the capacitor voltage provides sampled operation. Various embellishments and sample applications are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for eliminating DC offset in a wireless communication device operable on a continuous basis or on a sampled basis. In a receive channel, the output of a forward variable gain amplifier is fed back to an RC circuit to charge the capacitor (C) to a voltage dependent on the DC offset in the variable gain amplifier output. The voltage on the capacitor is amplified and summed with the input to the variable gain amplifier. The RC circuit is configured to provide a high gain feedback at DC and very low frequencies, but very low gain at signal frequencies. Preferably the output of the forward variable gain amplifier is fed back to the RC circuit with a gain that is inversely proportional to the forward gain. Disconnection of the capacitor and feedback of the capacitor voltage provides sampled operation. Various embellishments and sample applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless local area network receiver having separate automatic gain control (AGC) loops for providing a radio frequency AGC and a baseband frequency AGC, as well as a DC offset cancellation circuit. The AGC loops control a low noise amplifier amplifying the received RF signal, and the baseband signal or signals from a mixer of I and Q mixers. The DC offset compensation loop is also responsive to the baseband AGC signal to maintain a substantially fixed gain in the DC offset compensation feedback. Details of various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) that provide the AGC operation and the DC offset cancellation to the desired levels within the relatively short period of a preamble that precedes the data transmission.