Integrated multi-channel RF circuit with phase sensing

US11158944B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Infineon Technologies AG · DE

Inventors

• Jochen Schrattenecker · Eisenlohrsweg, AT
• Niels Christoffers · Cambridge, GB
• Vincenzo Fiore · Linz, AT
• Bernhard Gstoettenbauer · Felberleiten, AT
• Helmut Kollmann · Linz, AT
• Alexander Melzer · Neutillmitsch, AT
• Alexander Onic · Linz, AT
• Rainer Stuhlberger · Puchenau, AT
• Mathias Zinnoecker · Linz, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 10, 2019
• Grant date: Oct 26, 2021
• Expiry date: Nov 9, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04B1/1638
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A circuit is described herein. In accordance with one embodiment the circuit includes two or more RF channels, wherein each channel includes an input node, a phase shifter and an output node. Each channel is configured to receive an RF oscillator signal at the input node and to provide an RF output signal at the output node. The circuit further includes an RF combiner circuit that is coupled with the outputs of the RF channels and configured to generate a combined signal representing a combination of the RF output signals, and a monitor circuit that includes a mixer and is configured to receive and down-convert the combined signal using an RF reference signal. Thus a mixer output signal is generated that depends on the phases of the RF output signals.