BACKGROUND:  Frequency mixers are used extensively in radio transceivers to convert radio frequency (RF) signals into baseband signals, and vice versa. Typically, mixers are implemented using active electronic devices like diodes, field effect transistors, or bipolar transistors. However, these active devices consume precious battery power and, due to their noise contributions, degrade receiver sensitivity. Furthermore, the RF frequency at which these devices may be used is limited by the internal delays of the device itself. For those reasons, a mixing device that consumes no power, adds minimal noise, and operates at extremely high frequencies would be of great benefit. The passive, nanometer-thick, ferromagnetic film mixer disclosed here provides those benefits.

INNOVATION:  The invention discloses a new high frequency mixer structure for use in radio transceivers. The structure uses the non-linear magnetic properties associated with ferromagnetic materials for frequency conversion. The ferromagnetic structure allows for improved mixer performance and lower power consumption. Because the structure merely requires one simple additional processing step, it is straightforward to implement the device in standard silicon CMOS or BiCMOS fabrication technologies.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Radio transceivers for wireless applications including cellular telephony, wireless LAN, RFID, etc.
• Secure data encryption

ADVANTAGES

• Reduced power consumption
• Improved noise performance
• Higher operating frequencies
• Improved digital security

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  The invention has been experimentally demonstrated with a physical prototype.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2007-221