JP2015195590A - Signal processing apparatus and signal processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform fast data transmission.SOLUTION: A transmitter 51 performs frequency conversion on a signal of a predetermined frequency band and outputs a converted signal of a higher frequency band, and a receiver 61 performs frequency conversion on the converted signal and outputs a signal of a predetermined frequency band. A plurality of transmitters 51 and a plurality of receivers 61 are formed on one semiconductor chip, and the plurality of transmitters 51 perform frequency conversion into converted signals of frequency bands different from each other, respectively. The converted signals outputted from the plurality of transmitters 51, respectively, are combined into a synthetic signal and outputted. The plurality of receivers 61 perform frequency conversion on the converted signals of the frequency bands different from each other, respectively. To each of the plurality of receivers 61, at least a converted signal of a frequency band subjected to frequency conversion performed by that receiver 61 is distributed among synthetic signals. The present invention may be applicable to e.g., SERDES or the like.

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal processing apparatus and a signal processing method, and more particularly to a signal processing apparatus and a signal processing method that enable high-speed data transmission to be easily performed, for example, in a semiconductor chip.

  For example, as a method of exchanging data between semiconductor chips, there are a method of performing data transmission in parallel and a method of performing data serially.

  When data transmission is performed in parallel, data transmission can be performed at a higher speed than when serial transmission is performed.

  When data transmission is performed in parallel, data transmission can be performed at a higher speed by widening the bus width.

  However, when data transmission is performed in parallel, the wiring in the semiconductor chip and the number of pins of the semiconductor chip are increased as compared with the case where data transmission is performed serially.

  In addition, when the data transmission is performed in parallel, if the bus width is widened, it is difficult to adjust the timing of transmission and reception of each bit of data transmitted in parallel (parallel data).

  As described above, when data transmission is performed in parallel, the number of wirings in the semiconductor chip and the number of pins of the semiconductor chip increase, and thus the number of wirings in the semiconductor chip and the number of pins of the semiconductor chip are limited. A method of serially performing data transmission is employed.

  By the way, when transmitting parallel data serially, the transmitting side needs to perform P / S (Parallel / Serial) conversion that converts parallel data into serial data, and the receiving side transmits serially. The incoming data (serial data) must be converted to parallel data by S / P (Serial / Parallel).

  As a semiconductor chip that performs P / S conversion and S / P conversion, there is a semiconductor chip called SERDES (Serializer / De-serializer) (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional SERDES.

  In FIG. 1, the SERDES has a serializer 10 and a deserializer 20.

  The serializer 10 includes a bit conversion unit 11, a P / S conversion unit 12, a driver 13, and a pad.

  For example, parallel data such as 8 bits is supplied to the bit conversion unit 11 from, for example, an upper application (not shown).

  Bit converter 11 converts 8-bit (width) parallel data from a higher-level application into 10-bit parallel data to prevent 0 or 1 (low or high) from continuing for a long time in serial data And supplied to the P / S converter 12.

  The P / S converter 12 converts the 10-bit parallel data from the bit converter 11 into serial data and supplies the serial data to the driver 13.

  The driver 13 is driven according to the serial data from the P / S converter 12 and outputs a signal according to the serial data.

  The output of the driver 13 is connected to the (electrode) pad 14, and the signal output from the driver 13 is output to the outside of the SERDES via the pad 14 and the wiring applied to the pad 14.

  The deserializer 20 includes a pad 21, a receiver 22, an equalizer 23, a CDR (Clock and Data Recovery) 24, an S / P converter 25, a word alignment 26, and a bit converter 27.

  For example, a serial data signal output from another SERDES is supplied to the receiver 22 via the pad 21.

  The receiver 22 receives a signal supplied via the pad 21 and supplies the signal to the equalizer 23.

  The equalizer 23 equalizes the signal from the receiver 22 and supplies it to the CDR 24.

  The CDR 24 generates a clock from the signal from the equalizer 23, and further outputs serial data to the S / P converter 25 according to the clock.

  The S / P converter 25 converts the serial data from the CDR 24 into parallel data and supplies the parallel data to the word alignment unit 26.

  The word alignment unit 26 takes the word alignment of the parallel data from the S / P conversion unit 25 and supplies the parallel data such as 10 bits obtained as a result to the bit conversion unit 27.

  The bit conversion unit 27 converts the 10-bit parallel data from the word alignment unit 26 into 8-bit parallel data by performing a conversion opposite to the conversion of the bit conversion unit 11, and supplies the converted data to a higher-level application. .

  By the way, in recent years, data handled by higher-order applications has increased in capacity, that is, increased in rate.

  In order to transmit high-rate data, it is necessary to increase the operating speed of SERDES.

  However, when the operation speed of the SERDES is increased, the signal attenuation increases in the wiring extending from the pads 14 and 21 to the outside of the SERDES, and the frequency band of the signal becomes wider. It becomes difficult to take reflection, and reflection and radiation are likely to occur.

  In order to compensate for signal attenuation and the like, it is essential to provide the equalizer 23 in the SERDES.

  Here, in the SERDES, if the signal attenuation or the like is not so large, it is not necessary to provide the equalizer 23. However, when the operation speed of the SERDES is increased, the signal attenuation or the like increases. It is essential to provide the equalizer 23.

  Further, in order to increase the operating speed of the SERDES, it is necessary to increase the speed of the P / S conversion unit 12, the driver 13, the receiver 22, the CDR 24, and the S / P conversion unit 25, which are blocks that process serial data in the SERDES. In this case, the power consumption of the block that processes serial data becomes large.

  Therefore, the increase in the operating speed of the SERDES is limited by the power that can be given to the SERDES, and it is difficult to increase the operating speed beyond that.

R. Palmer, J. Poulton, WJ Dally, J. Eyles1, AM Fuller1, T. Greer, M. Horowitz, M. Kellam, F. Quan, F. Zarkeshvari, "A 14mW 6.25Gb / s Transceiver in 90nm CMOS for Serial Chip-to-Chip Communications ", 2007 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, DIGEST OF TECHNICAL PAPERS, ISSCC 2007 / SESSION 24 / MULTI-GB / s TRANSCEIVERS / 24.3

  As described above, in SERDES, it may be difficult to perform high-rate data transmission (high-speed data transmission) due to power consumption. Similarly, in semiconductor chips other than SERDES, power consumption Due to electric power, it may be difficult to perform high-speed data transmission.

  The present technology has been made in view of such a situation, and facilitates high-speed data transmission.

  A signal processing device according to a first aspect of the present technology is a one-chip semiconductor chip in which a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of an input signal and output converted signals are formed, and the plurality of frequency conversion units Each is a signal processing device that performs frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands, synthesizes the converted signals output from each of the plurality of frequency conversion units, and outputs a combined signal.

  In the signal processing method according to the first aspect of the present technology, the plurality of signal processing apparatuses that are one-chip semiconductor chips formed with a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of an input signal and output a converted signal are provided. Each of the frequency conversion units is a signal processing method of performing frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands, combining the converted signals output from the plurality of frequency conversion units, and outputting a combined signal. .

  In the first aspect as described above, the plurality of frequency conversions of the signal processing device which is a one-chip semiconductor chip formed with a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of an input signal and output the converted signal. In each of the units, frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands is performed. Then, the converted signals output from the plurality of frequency conversion units are combined to output a combined signal.

  A signal processing device according to a second aspect of the present technology is a single chip on which a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of a converted signal obtained by performing frequency conversion of an input signal and output the input signal are formed Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion of converted signals in different frequency bands, and a plurality of converted signals in different frequency bands are synthesized in each of the plurality of frequency conversion units. Among the synthesized signals, at least the frequency conversion unit distributes a post-conversion signal in a frequency band to be subjected to frequency conversion.

  The signal processing method according to the second aspect of the present technology is a single chip in which a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of a converted signal obtained by performing frequency conversion of an input signal and output the input signal are formed. Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units of the signal processing device that is a semiconductor chip performs frequency conversion of converted signals in different frequency bands, and each of the plurality of frequency conversion units has a plurality of converted frequency bands after conversion. In this signal processing method, at least a post-conversion signal of a frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit is distributed among the combined signals obtained by combining the signals.

  In the second aspect as described above, a one-chip semiconductor in which a plurality of frequency conversion units for performing frequency conversion of a converted signal obtained by performing frequency conversion of an input signal and outputting the input signal are formed. In each of the plurality of frequency conversion units of the signal processing apparatus that is a chip, frequency conversion of signals after conversion in different frequency bands is performed. In this case, each of the plurality of frequency conversion units includes, at least, a conversion of a frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit, out of a combined signal obtained by combining a plurality of converted signals in different frequency bands. The rear signal is distributed.

  A signal processing device according to a third aspect of the present technology performs frequency conversion of an input signal, outputs a converted signal, a plurality of first frequency conversion units, performs frequency conversion of the converted signal, and inputs the input signal. And a plurality of second frequency conversion units, each of the plurality of first frequency conversion units performing frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands. And performing synthesis of the post-conversion signals output by the plurality of first frequency conversion units, and outputting a composite signal, while the plurality of second frequency conversion units are subjected to conversion of frequency bands different from each other. The frequency conversion of the signal is performed, and at least one of the synthesized signals from the other semiconductor chips is converted into a signal after the conversion of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit. A signal processing device for dispensing a.

  In the third aspect as described above, frequency conversion of an input signal is performed, a plurality of first frequency conversion units that output the converted signal, and frequency conversion of the converted signal is performed, and the input signal is output Frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands in each of the plurality of first frequency conversion units of the signal processing device which is a one-chip semiconductor chip formed with a plurality of second frequency conversion units Is done. Then, the converted signals output from the plurality of first frequency conversion units are combined to output a combined signal. On the other hand, each of the plurality of second frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion of the converted signals in different frequency bands. Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units is distributed with at least a post-conversion signal of a frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit, out of synthesized signals from other semiconductor chips.

  According to the first to third aspects of the present technology, high-speed data transmission can be easily performed.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an example of the conventional SERDES. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the signal processing apparatus to which this technique is applied. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transmission unit 51 and a reception unit 61. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of an RF amplifier that can be employed as amplifiers 73 and 81. FIG. Amplitude characteristics of 60G amplifier (60GHz Gain), magnitude of reflection coefficient S11 on input terminal T1 side (60GHz S11), Amplitude characteristics of 80G amplifier (80GHz Gain), and reflection coefficient S11 on input terminal T1 side It is a figure which shows the magnitude | size (80GHz S11). The phase of the reflection coefficient S11 on the input terminal T1 side of the 60G amplifier (60GHz S11), the phase of the reflection coefficient S22 on the output terminal T2 side (60GHz S22), and the phase of the reflection coefficient S11 on the input terminal T1 side of the 80G amplifier It is a figure which shows the phase (80GHz S22) of (80GHz S11) and reflection coefficient S22 by the side of the output terminal T2. 60G amplifier reflection coefficient S11 (60GHz Amp S11) and reflection coefficient S22 (60GHz Amp S22) and 80G amplifier reflection coefficient S11 (80GHz Amp S11) and reflection coefficient S22 (80GHz Amp S22) It is the Smith chart which showed. 60G amplifier reflection coefficient S11 (60GHz Amp S11) and reflection coefficient S22 (60GHz Amp S22) and 80G amplifier reflection coefficient S11 (80GHz Amp S11) and reflection coefficient S22 (80GHz Amp S22) It is the Smith chart which showed. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of the combiner 41 comprised only by the connection point which connects the connection line of each output of 60G transmission amplifier and 80G transmission amplifier. The circuit used for the simulation which measured the parameter of 60G transmission amplifier and 80G transmission amplifier performed about the combiner 41 comprised only by the connection point which connects the connection line of each output of 60G transmission amplifier and 80G transmission amplifier. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating amplitude characteristics of a 60G transmission amplifier, an 80G transmission amplifier, and a combiner 41. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating phase characteristics of a 60G transmission amplifier, an 80G transmission amplifier, and a combiner 41. FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of the splitter 42 comprised only by the connection point which connects the connection line of each input of 60G receiving amplifier and 80G receiving amplifier. The circuit used for the simulation for measuring the parameters of the 60G reception amplifier and the 80G reception amplifier performed for the splitter 42 constituted only by the connection point connecting the input connection lines of the 60G reception amplifier and the 80G reception amplifier. FIG. It is a figure which shows the amplitude characteristic about 60G receiving amplifier, 80G receiving amplifier, and the splitter 42. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating phase characteristics of a 60G reception amplifier, an 80G reception amplifier, and a splitter 42. FIG.

  [One embodiment of signal processing apparatus to which the present technology is applied]

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a signal processing device to which the present technology is applied.

  In FIG. 2, the signal processing device is, for example, a one-chip semiconductor chip that functions as SERDES.

  In the figure, portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  2 has a plurality of, for example, three SERDES units 311, 312, and 313, a combiner 41, and a splitter 42. These SERDES units 311 to 313, combiner 41, The splitter 42 is formed on, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) which is a one-chip semiconductor chip.

  The SERDES unit 311 includes a serializer 50 and a deserializer 60.

  The serializer 50 includes a bit conversion unit 11, a P / S conversion unit 12, and a transmission unit 51.

  Accordingly, the serializer 50 is common to the serializer 10 of FIG. 1 in that it includes the bit conversion unit 11 and the P / S conversion unit 12, but includes a transmission unit 51 instead of the driver 13 and the pad 14. This is different from the serializer 10 of FIG.

  Serial data is supplied from the P / S converter 12 to the transmitter 51.

  The transmission unit 51 performs frequency conversion of serial data that is a baseband signal (a signal in a predetermined frequency band) from the P / S conversion unit 12, and a converted signal (a predetermined frequency) that is a signal in a high frequency band A post-conversion signal in a frequency band higher than the band).

  Accordingly, the transmission unit 51 functions as a frequency conversion unit that converts the frequency of the baseband signal into a converted signal that is a signal in a high frequency band.

  The converted signal output from the transmission unit 51 is supplied to a combiner 41 via a wired connection line (wiring).

  The deserializer 60 includes a reception unit 61, a CDR 24, an S / P conversion unit 25, a word alignment unit 26, and a bit conversion unit 27.

  Therefore, the deserializer 60 is common to the deserializer 20 of FIG. 1 in that it includes the CDR 24, the S / P conversion unit 25, the word alignment unit 26, and the bit conversion unit 27. However, the deserializer 60 is replaced with the receiver 22 and the equalizer 23. Thus, it is different from the deserializer 20 of FIG.

  The receiving unit 61 is supplied with at least the converted signal from the splitter 42.

  The receiving unit 61 performs frequency conversion of the converted signal from the splitter 42 and outputs serial data that is a baseband signal.

  Therefore, the reception unit 61 functions as a frequency conversion unit that converts the frequency of the converted signal, which is a high frequency band signal, into a baseband signal.

  The serial data output from the receiving unit 61 is supplied to the CDR 24 and processed in the same manner as in the case of the deserializer 20 in FIG.

  The SERDES units 312 and 313 are configured in the same manner as the SERDES unit 311.

  However, in the SERDES unit 312, the transmission unit corresponding to the transmission unit 51 performs frequency conversion into converted signals in frequency bands different from those of the other SERDES units 311 and 313.

  Further, in the SERDES unit 312, the receiving unit corresponding to the receiving unit 61 performs frequency conversion of the converted signals in frequency bands different from those of the other SERDES units 311 and 313.

  The same applies to the SERDES unit 313.

  Here, hereinafter, the bit conversion unit 11, the P / S conversion unit 12, the CDR 24, the S / P conversion unit 25, the word alignment unit 26, the bit conversion unit 27, the serializer 50, the transmission unit 51, and the deserializer of the SERDES unit 31i will be described as appropriate. 60 and the receiving unit 61 (the corresponding block) are converted into a bit conversion unit 11i, a P / S conversion unit 12i, a CDR 24i, an S / P conversion 25i, a word alignment unit 26i, a bit using a subscript index i. The conversion unit 27i, the serializer 50i, the transmission unit 51i, the deserializer 60i, and the reception unit 61i are respectively represented.

  In addition, the center frequency of the converted signal output from the transmission unit 51i of the SERDES unit 31i is represented as fsi, and the reception unit 61i of the SERDES unit 31i represents the center frequency of the converted signal to be subjected to frequency conversion as fri. And

  The frequencies fs1, fs2, and fs3 are different from each other, and the frequencies fr1, fr2, and fr3 are also different from each other.

  Note that the frequency fsi (here, i = 1, 2, 3) and the frequency fri ′ (here, i ′ = 1, 2, 3) may be different or may be the same.

  When the composite signal to be corrected is transmitted / received via a common (same) transmission line, if the frequencies fsi and fri ′ are different for all combinations of i and i ′, the signal processing apparatus of FIG. The data transmission and reception can be performed at the same time. However, when the frequencies fsi and fri ′ coincide with each other in one of the combinations of i and i ′, the signal processing apparatus of FIG. Transmission and reception need to be performed in time division (half duplex communication).

  In another signal processing device configured to transmit data to and from the signal processing device in FIG. 2 and configured in the same manner as the signal processing device in FIG. 2, the frequencies corresponding to the frequencies fsi and fri are set to the frequency fsi, respectively. When expressed as “and fri”, the frequencies fsi and fri ′ coincide, and the frequencies fri and fsi ′ coincide.

  The combiner 41 combines the converted signals output from the transmission units 511 to 513 of the SERDES units 311 to 313, and outputs a combined signal.

  Here, the combiner 41 is, for example, a BPF (Band Pass Filter) for limiting the frequency band of the converted signal having the center frequency fsi output from the transmission unit 51i of the SERDES unit 31i to a predetermined bandwidth. The three BPFs) and the connection points connecting the connection lines of the three BPF outputs that limit the frequency bands of the converted signals output from the transmission units 511 to 513 can be formed.

  Now, of the three BPFs constituting the combiner 41, the BPF for limiting the frequency band of the converted signal whose center frequency output by the transmitter 51i is the frequency fsi is represented by BPF # i. In the combiner 41 composed of the two BPF # 1, # 2, # 3 and the connection point connecting the output lines of the three BPF # 1 to # 3, the transmitter 51i in the BPF # i After the conversion, the frequency band of the converted signal is limited, and then the converted signal output from each of the three BPF # 1 to # 3 connects the output connection line of each of the three BPF # 1 to # 3 Is synthesized at the connection point.

  In addition, the combiner 41 can be configured with, for example, no BPF, that is, only a connection point for connecting the output connection lines of the transmission units 511 to 513, details of which will be described later.

  A combined signal output from the combiner 41, that is, a signal obtained by frequency-multiplexing the converted signals output from the transmitters 511 to 513, is transmitted to another signal processing device via a pad (not shown) in a wired or wireless manner. Sent to.

  The splitter 42 is supplied with a composite signal transmitted from another signal processing device by wire or wirelessly via a pad (not shown).

  The splitter 42 includes, for each of the receiving units 611 to 613 of the SERDES units 311 to 313, at least a post-conversion signal of a frequency band to be subjected to frequency conversion by the receiving unit 61 i, which is included in the combined signal supplied thereto. That is, the converted signal whose center frequency is frequency fri is distributed.

  Here, the splitter 42 is, for example, a BPF (Band Pass Filter) (here, for extracting a converted signal having a center frequency of the frequency fri, which is subjected to frequency conversion by the receiving unit 61i of the SERDES unit 31i, from the synthesized signal. Then, it can be composed of three BPFs) and connection points connecting the connection lines of the three BPF inputs.

  Now, of the three BPFs constituting the splitter 42, if the BPF for extracting the converted signal having the frequency fri is represented as BPF '# i, the three BPF' # 1, # 2, In the splitter 42 composed of # 3 and the connection points connecting the input lines of the three BPF '# 1 to # 3, the synthesized signal is sent to each of the three BPF' # 1 to # 3. It is supplied to each of the three BPF '# 1 to # 3 from the connection point connecting the input connection lines. Then, in BPF ′ # i, a converted signal having a frequency fri is extracted and supplied (distributed) to the receiving unit 61i.

  In addition, the splitter 42 can be configured with, for example, no BPF, that is, only a connection point for connecting the input connection lines of the receiving units 611 to 613, details of which will be described later.

  In the signal processing apparatus configured as described above, parallel data such as, for example, 8 bits is supplied to each of the bit conversion units 111 to 113 from, for example, an upper application.

  In the bit conversion unit 11i, 8-bit parallel data from a higher-order application is converted into 10-bit parallel data and supplied to the P / S conversion unit 12i.

  In the P / S conversion unit 12i, the 10-bit parallel data from the bit conversion unit 11 is converted into serial data and supplied to the transmission unit 51i.

  In the transmission unit 51i, serial data that is a baseband signal from the P / S conversion unit 12i is frequency-converted into a converted signal having a center frequency of the frequency fsi and is supplied to the combiner 41 via a wired connection line. Is done.

  In the combiner 41, the converted signals output from the transmission units 511 to 513 are combined and a combined signal is output.

  The composite signal output from the combiner 41 is transmitted to another signal processing device by wire or wirelessly.

  On the other hand, a combined signal transmitted from another signal processing device by wire or wirelessly is supplied to the splitter 42.

  The splitter 42 distributes at least the converted signal having the center frequency of the frequency fri, included in the combined signal supplied thereto, to the receiving unit 61i.

  In the reception unit 61i, the converted signal having the center frequency of the frequency fri, which is included in the signal from the splitter 42, is frequency-converted into serial data that is a baseband signal, and is sent to the S / P conversion unit 25i via the CDR 24i. Supplied.

  In the S / P converter 25i, the serial data supplied via the CDR 24i is converted into 10-bit parallel data and supplied to the bit converter 27 via the word alignment unit 26i.

  In the bit conversion unit 27, the 10-bit parallel data supplied via the word alignment unit 26 is converted into 8-bit parallel data and supplied to the upper application.

  As described above, in the signal processing apparatus, serial data that is baseband signals is frequency-converted into converted signals in different frequency bands in each of the plurality of three transmission units 511 to 513, and the transmission unit 511 The converted signals output from 513 to 513 are combined to output a combined signal.

  In addition, at least a post-conversion signal in a frequency band to be subjected to frequency conversion by the reception unit 61i included in the composite signal transmitted from another signal processing device is distributed to the reception unit 61i, and the reception units 611 to 613 are provided. , The converted signal of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the receiving unit 61i is frequency-converted into serial data that is a baseband signal.

  Therefore, high-speed data transmission can be easily performed.

  2 is compared with the SERDES in FIG. 1, the signal processing apparatus in FIG. 2 includes a plurality of blocks that perform P / S conversion and S / P conversion similar to the SERDES in FIG. 1. The P / S conversion unit 12, which is a block for processing serial data, the CDR 24, and the S / P conversion unit 25 are not increased in speed (therefore, serial data). 1), it is possible to process three times as much data as the SERDES in FIG. 1 in the same time.

  In the SERDES of FIG. 1, for example, by simply providing three serializers 10 and deserializers 20, high-speed data transmission can be performed as in the signal processing device of FIG. 2.

  However, in the SERDES of FIG. 1, for example, when three serializers 10 and deserializers 20 are provided, the number of pads 14 and 21 increases. Depending on the number of pins, etc., it may be difficult to provide three serializers 10 and three deserializers 20 each.

  On the other hand, in the signal processing apparatus of FIG. 2, the serial data which is a baseband signal is frequency-converted into converted signals in different frequency bands in each of the three transmission units 511 to 513, and the combiner 41 The converted signals output from the transmission units 511 to 513 are combined to output a combined signal.

  Therefore, the number of pads for outputting a composite signal is only one, regardless of how many SERDES portions are provided, and the number of pads does not increase.

  Further, in the signal processing device of FIG. 2, at least the receiving unit 61 i included in the synthesized signal obtained by synthesizing the converted signals of different frequency bands transmitted from the other signal processing devices in the splitter 42. The converted signal of the frequency band to be subjected to frequency conversion is distributed to the receiving unit 61i. In the receiving units 611 to 613, the converted signal of the frequency band to be subjected to frequency conversion by the receiving unit 61i is the baseband signal. The frequency is converted into serial data as a signal.

  Accordingly, the number of pads for inputting (supplying) the composite signal transmitted from another signal processing device to the splitter 42 is one, regardless of the number of SERDES units, and the number of pads does not increase.

  From the above, the number of pins of the semiconductor chip which is the signal processing device of FIG.

  In the signal processing apparatus of FIG. 2, each of a plurality of three transmission units 511 to 513 performs frequency conversion of serial data, which is a baseband signal, into converted signals in different frequency bands and transmits them. Therefore, in the SERDES of FIG. 1, the operation speed is increased and the frequency band of the post-conversion signal obtained by frequency conversion is adjusted as compared with the case where serial data is transmitted. There is an advantage that it is easy to cope with (for example, the presence of a frequency with a large attenuation or a small frequency in the transmission path).

  Here, in FIG. 2, the signal processing device is provided with the three SERDES units 311 to 313. However, the signal processing device can be provided with two other SERDES units or four or more SERDES units. .

  In addition, transmission and reception of the composite signal between the signal processing device in FIG. 2 and another signal processing device can be performed by either wired or wireless, but in the case of wireless Separate antennas (transmitting antenna and receiving antenna) can be used for transmission and reception of the combined signal, or a common antenna can be used.

  Furthermore, in the case where transmission and reception of a composite signal between the signal processing device of FIG. 2 and another signal processing device are performed by radio, the radio transmission path includes dielectrics as well as air. Various waveguides such as a body waveguide can be employed. The dielectric waveguide is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-103982.

  In FIG. 2, both the serializer 50i and the deserializer 60i are provided in the SERDES unit 31i. However, only the serializer 50i or the deserializer 60i can be provided in the SERDES unit 31i as necessary.

  When only the serializer 50i is provided in the SERDES unit 31i, the signal processing device can be configured without the splitter 42, and when only the deserializer 60i is provided in the SERDES unit 31i, the signal processing device is the combiner 41. Can be configured without.

  [Configuration Example of Transmitter 51 and Receiver 61]

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the transmission unit 51 and the reception unit 61 in FIG.

  For example, the transmission unit 51 and the reception unit 61 perform frequency conversion between a baseband signal and a millimeter waveband signal.

  The millimeter wave band signal is a signal having a frequency of about 30 to 300 GHz, that is, a wavelength of about 1 to 10 mm. The millimeter-wave band signal has a high frequency, so data transmission at a high rate is possible, and when transmitting and receiving wirelessly, for example, a bonding wire of about 1 mm should be used as an antenna. Can do.

  The transmission unit 51 includes an oscillator 71, a mixer 72, and an amplifier 73.

  Here, hereinafter, the oscillator 71, the mixer 72, and the amplifier 73 included in the transmission unit 51i are referred to as an oscillator 71i, a mixer 72i, and an amplifier 73i, respectively, as appropriate.

  The oscillator 71 generates, for example, a millimeter wave band carrier by oscillation and supplies the carrier to the mixer 72.

  The center frequencies fs1 to fs3 of the converted signals output from the transmission units 511 to 513 correspond to the frequencies of carriers generated by the oscillators 711 to 713 included in the transmission units 511 to 513, respectively.

  Therefore, the frequencies of the carriers generated by the oscillators 711 to 713 are different from each other.

  In addition to the carrier supplied from the oscillator 71, the mixer 72 is supplied with serial data that is a baseband signal from the P / S converter 12 (FIG. 2).

  Here, assuming that the data rate of the serial data supplied to the mixer 72 is, for example, about 2.5 to 5.0 Gbps, such serial data after conversion obtained by frequency conversion in the transmission units 511 to 513 respectively. In order to reduce the interference between the signals and to be able to separate each converted signal from the combined signal obtained by combining the converted signals, the frequency of the carrier generated by the oscillator 71 is, for example, , 30 GHz or more is desirable.

  The mixer 72 mixes (multiplies) the serial data and the carrier from the oscillator 71 to modulate the carrier from the oscillator 71 according to the serial data, and uses the resulting modulated signal, that is, a baseband signal. A converted signal obtained by frequency-converting certain serial data into an RF (Radio Frequency) signal in a frequency band corresponding to the carrier from the oscillator 71 is supplied to the amplifier 73.

  The amplifier 73 amplifies the RF signal as the converted signal from the mixer 72, and outputs the RF signal as the converted signal after the amplification.

  The converted signal output from the amplifier 73 is supplied to the combiner 41. In the combiner 41, an RF signal as a post-conversion signal output from the amplifiers 731 to 733 is synthesized.

  On the other hand, the receiving unit 61 includes an amplifier 81, an oscillator 82, and a mixer 83.

  Here, hereinafter, the amplifier 81, the oscillator 82, and the mixer 83 included in the receiving unit 61i will be referred to as an amplifier 81i, an oscillator 82i, and a mixer 83i, respectively.

  The amplifier 81i is supplied with at least an RF signal including a post-conversion signal in a frequency band that is to be subjected to frequency conversion by the receiving unit 61i, out of synthesized signals transmitted from other signal processing devices.

  The amplifier 81 amplifies the RF signal supplied thereto, and an RF signal as a post-conversion signal of the frequency band to be received by the receiving unit 61i obtained by the amplification is supplied to the oscillator 82 and the mixer 83. To supply.

  The oscillator 82 operates the converted signal (RF signal) from the amplifier 81 as an injection signal and performs frequency conversion to a reproduction carrier synchronized with the converted signal (carrier) as an injection signal, that is, frequency conversion into a converted signal. A reproduction carrier corresponding to the used carrier is generated by oscillation and supplied to the mixer 83.

  The mixer 83 demodulates the converted signal (modulated signal) by mixing (multiplying) the converted signal from the amplifier 81 and the reproduction carrier from the oscillator 82, and the demodulated signal obtained as a result, that is, the converted signal Serial data obtained by frequency-converting the rear signal into a baseband signal is supplied to the CDR 24 (FIG. 2).

  [Configuration Example of Amplifiers 73 and 81]

  FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of an RF amplifier that can be employed as the amplifiers 73 and 81 in FIG.

  Since each of the amplifiers 73 and 81 is an RF amplifier that amplifies an RF signal, the amplifiers 73 and 81 can be similarly configured.

  In FIG. 4, one end of a capacitor C1 is connected to the input terminal T1 of the RF amplifier, and the other end of the capacitor C1 is connected to one end of a coil L1. The other end of the coil L1 is connected to the plus terminal of the DC power source Vcc1 whose minus terminal is grounded.

  The connection point between the capacitor C1 and the coil L1 is connected to the gate of FET (MOS FET) # 1 whose source is grounded.

  The drain of FET # 1 is connected to the source of FET (MOS FET) # 2, and the gate and drain of FET # 2 are connected to one end and the other end of coil L2, respectively.

  The substrates of FETs # 1 and # 2 are grounded.

  The connection point between the gate of FET # 2 and coil L2 is connected to the positive terminal of DC power supply Vcc2 whose negative terminal is grounded.

  The connection point between the drain of FET # 2 and the coil L2 is connected to one end of the capacitor C2, and the other end of the capacitor C2 is connected to the output terminal T2 of the RF amplifier.

  The RF amplifier of FIG. 4 can be used by being connected in cascade, and each of the amplifiers 73 and 81 has only one RF amplifier of FIG. 4 or a plurality of RF amplifiers of FIG. Only connected in cascade can be configured.

  When the amplifier 73 or 81 is configured with only one RF amplifier in FIG. 4, the other ends of the resistors R1 and R2 having one end grounded are connected to the input terminal T1 and the output terminal T2, respectively. .

  Further, when a plurality of RF amplifiers in FIG. 4 are connected in cascade to form the amplifier 73 or 81, one end is respectively connected to the input terminal T1 of the first RF amplifier and the output terminal T2 of the last RF amplifier. The other ends of the grounded resistors R1 and R2 are connected.

  Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, each of the amplifiers 73 and 81 is configured by only one of the RF amplifiers in FIG.

  The amplifiers 73 and 81 amplify millimeter-wave band RF signals, which are high-frequency signals, and therefore, inductance loads are employed as loads on the input side and output side of the RF amplifiers as such amplifiers 73 and 81. be able to.

  For the millimeter wave band, a coil with a small inductance can be adopted as the inductance load, and such a coil can be easily configured on the CMOS.

  In the RF amplifier of FIG. 4, the coil L1 is an input-side inductance load, and the coil L2 is an output-side inductance load.

  When an inductance load is used as the load on the input side of the RF amplifier, the frequency characteristic on the input side of the RF amplifier is a band-pass type characteristic such as BPF, and from the RF signal input (supplied) to the RF amplifier. , It is possible to separate and amplify signals in some frequency bands.

  In addition, when an inductance load is used as the load on the output side of the RF amplifier, the frequency characteristic on the output side of the RF amplifier is a band-pass type characteristic such as BPF, and the frequency of the RF signal output from the RF amplifier Bandwidth can be limited.

  As described above, the frequency characteristics on the input side and the output side become band-pass characteristics by adopting the RF amplifier whose load on the input side and output side is an inductance load as the amplifier 73 and 81 in FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the combiner 41 and the splitter 42 can be configured with only connection points for connecting connection lines without BPF.

  As for the RF amplifier as the amplifier 73 of the transmission unit 51 connected to the combiner 41, if the frequency characteristics of at least the output side of the input side and the output side are bandpass characteristics, the combiner 41 can be configured without BPF.

  Therefore, for the RF amplifier as the amplifier 73 of the transmission unit 51 connected to the combiner 41, a load that is not an inductance load is adopted as the load on the input side, that is, a resistor is used instead of the coil L1. Can do.

  In addition, regarding the RF amplifier as the amplifier 81 of the receiving unit 61 connected to the splitter 42, if the frequency characteristics of at least the input side of the input side and the output side are bandpass characteristics, the splitter 42 can be configured without BPF.

  Therefore, for the RF amplifier as the amplifier 81 of the receiving unit 61 connected to the splitter 42, a load that is not an inductance load is used as the output load, that is, a resistor is used instead of the coil L2. Can do.

  However, regarding the RF amplifier as the amplifier 81 of the receiving unit 61, when a gain of a certain level or more is required, it is desirable to employ an inductance load instead of a resistance as the load on the output side.

  In the RF amplifier of FIG. 4, the transmission coefficient S12 from the output terminal T2 to the input terminal T1 in the S parameter (scattering parameter) is a small value.

  [Combiner 41 and splitter 42]

  Next, by adopting the RF amplifier of FIG. 4 as the amplifiers 73 and 81 of FIG. 3, the combiner 41 and the splitter 42 are configured with only connection points for connecting connection lines without BPF. Explain what can be done.

  Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, attention is paid to two transmission units 511 and 512 among the three transmission units 511 to 513.

  In the transmission unit 511, the baseband signal is frequency-converted into an RF signal (hereinafter also referred to as a 60G band signal) as a post-conversion signal having a center frequency fs1 of 60 GHz. In the transmission unit 512, the baseband signal is converted. Is converted into an RF signal (hereinafter also referred to as an 80G band signal) as a post-conversion signal in an 80 GHz frequency band having a center frequency fs1 different from 60 GHz.

  Similarly, with regard to the three receiving units 611 to 613, paying attention to the two receiving units 611 and 612, the receiving unit 611 converts the 60G band signal into a baseband signal, and the receiving unit 612 uses the 80G band. The signal is frequency converted to a baseband signal.

  In this case, the amplifier 731 of the transmission unit 511 amplifies the 60G band signal, and the amplifier 732 of the transmission unit 512 amplifies the 80G band signal, but the RF amplifier as the amplifier 731 that amplifies the 60G band signal, and the 80G band Only the inductance of the coils L1 and L2 is different from the RF amplifier as the amplifier 732 that amplifies the signal.

  That is, as the coils L1 and L2 of the RF amplifier as the amplifier 731 for amplifying the 60G band signal, coils having an appropriate inductance for amplifying the 60G band signal are employed, and the RF as the amplifier 732 for amplifying the 80G band signal. As the amplifier coils L1 and L2, coils having an inductance suitable for amplifying an 80G band signal are employed.

  The same applies to the amplifier 811 of the reception unit 611 and the amplifier 812 of the reception unit 612.

  Hereafter, the RF amplifier as the amplifier 731 that amplifies the 60G band signal is also referred to as a 60G transmission amplifier, and the RF amplifier as the amplifier 732 that amplifies the 80G band signal is also referred to as an 80G transmission amplifier.

  Similarly, an RF amplifier as an amplifier 811 that amplifies a 60G band signal is also referred to as a 60G reception amplifier, and an RF amplifier as an amplifier 812 that amplifies an 80G band signal is also referred to as an 80G reception amplifier.

  Hereinafter, the 60G transmission amplifier and the 60G reception amplifier are collectively referred to as a 60G amplifier, and the 80G transmission amplifier and the 80G reception amplifier are collectively referred to as an 80G amplifier as appropriate.

  5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 are diagrams showing simulation results of simulations for measuring various parameters of the 60G amplifier and the 80G amplifier.

  In the simulation, as shown in FIG. 4, a series circuit of a resistor R1 and an AC power supply P1 is connected to the input terminal T1, and a resistor R2 and an AC power supply are connected to the output terminal T2, as shown in FIG. A series circuit with P2 was connected, and various parameters of 60G amplifier and 80G amplifier were measured while changing the frequency of AC power supplies P1 and P2.

  FIG. 5 shows the amplitude characteristic (60 GHz gain) of the 60G amplifier, the magnitude (absolute value) of the reflection coefficient S11 on the input terminal T1 side (60 GHz S11), the amplitude characteristic of the 80G amplifier (80 GHz gain), and The size (80 GHz S11) of the reflection coefficient S11 on the input terminal T1 side is shown.

  The isolation between the amplitude characteristics of the 60G amplifier and the 80G amplifier is achieved by frequency multiplexing the 60G band signal amplified by the 60G amplifier and the 80G band signal amplified by the 80G amplifier via a transmission line. It is only necessary that the receiving side can receive both the 60G band signal and the 80G band signal.

  FIG. 6 shows the phase of the reflection coefficient S11 on the input terminal T1 side of the 60G amplifier (60 GHz S11), the phase of the reflection coefficient S22 on the output terminal T2 side (60 GHz S22), and the reflection on the input terminal T1 side of the 80G amplifier. The phase of the coefficient S11 (80 GHz S11) and the phase of the reflection coefficient S22 on the output terminal T2 side (80 GHz S22) are shown.

  FIG. 7 shows the reflection coefficient S11 (60 GHz Amp S11), reflection coefficient S22 (60 GHz Amp S22), and reflection coefficient S22 of the 60 G amplifier measured while changing the frequency of the AC power supplies P1 and P2 from 59 GHz to 61 GHz. 4 is a Smith chart showing the trajectories of reflection coefficient S11 (80 GHz Amp S11) and reflection coefficient S22 (80 GHz Amp S22).

  According to FIG. 7, the magnitudes (absolute values) of the reflection coefficients S11 and S12 of the 80G amplifier are close to 1.0 for signals from 59 GHz to 61 GHz. Therefore, a signal from 59 GHz to 61 GHz, that is, a 60G band signal is substantially reflected on the input side and output side of the 80G amplifier.

  FIG. 8 shows a reflection coefficient S11 (60 GHz Amp S11), a reflection coefficient S22 (60 GHz Amp S22) of the 60G amplifier, and an 80G amplifier measured while changing the frequency of the AC power supplies P1 and P2 from 79 GHz to 81 GHz. 4 is a Smith chart showing the trajectories of reflection coefficient S11 (80 GHz Amp S11) and reflection coefficient S22 (80 GHz Amp S22).

  According to FIG. 8, the magnitudes (absolute values) of the reflection coefficients S11 and S12 of the 60G amplifier are not as large as the reflection coefficients S11 and S12 of the 80G amplifier of FIG. large. Therefore, the 79 GHz to 81 GHz signal, that is, the 80G band signal is sufficiently reflected on the input side and the output side of the 60G amplifier.

  As described above, the 60G amplifier and the 80G amplifier have band-pass characteristics in the frequency characteristics on the input side and output side. In the 60G amplifier, the 80G band signal is reflected on the input side and the output side. Then, the 60G band signal is reflected on the input side and the output side.

  Therefore, when the connection lines of the outputs of the 60G transmission amplifier and 80G transmission amplifier are simply connected, the 60G band signal output by the 60G transmission amplifier is reflected on the output side of the 80G transmission amplifier, and the 80G transmission amplifier 80G band signal output from the 60G transmission amplifier is reflected on the output side of the 60G transmission amplifier, the 60G band signal output from the 60G transmission amplifier and the 80G band signal output from the 80G transmission amplifier are combined with the 60G transmission amplifier, This can be done by simply connecting the output connection lines of each 80G transmission amplifier.

  In addition, when a combined signal obtained by combining the 60G band signal and the 80G transmission amplifier is given to the connection point where the input connection lines of the 60G reception amplifier and 80G reception amplifier are simply connected, the combined signal 80G band signal is reflected on the input side of the 60G reception amplifier, and the 60G band signal included in the composite signal is reflected on the input side of the 80G reception amplifier, so 60G of the 60G band signal included in the composite signal Distribution to the reception amplifier and distribution of the 80G signal to the 80G reception amplifier can be performed by simply connecting the input connection lines of the 60G reception amplifier and the 80G reception amplifier.

  That is, the combiner 41 that synthesizes the 60G band signal output from the 60G transmission amplifier and the 80G band signal output from the 80G transmission amplifier has no connection path between the outputs of the 60G transmission amplifier and the 80G transmission amplifier. It can consist only of connecting points to be connected.

  In addition, the splitter 42 that distributes the 60G band signal and the 80G band signal included in the combined signal is configured by only connection points that connect input lines of the 60G reception amplifier and the 80G reception amplifier without using BPF. be able to.

  From the above, by using the RF amplifier of FIG. 4 as the amplifier 73 of the transmission unit 51 and 81 of the reception unit 61 of FIG. 3, the combiner 41 can output the output of each of the transmission units 511 to 513 without BPF. The splitter 42 can be configured with only connection points for connecting the input connection lines of the receiving units 611 to 613 without BPF.

  As described above, the combiner 41 and the splitter 42 are configured only by the connection points that connect the connection lines, so that the SERDES units 311 to 313, the combiner 41, and the splitter 42 that constitute the signal processing device of FIG. Can be made compact on a one-chip semiconductor chip such as CMOS.

  FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of the combiner 41 including only connection points that connect output lines of the 60G transmission amplifier and the 80G transmission amplifier.

  In FIG. 9, the components of the 60G transmission amplifier, which correspond to the components of the RF amplifier of FIG. 4, are added with a single dash (′) in addition to the symbols attached to the components of the RF amplifier of FIG. The components of the 80G transmission amplifier corresponding to the components of the RF amplifier in FIG. 4 have two dashes (") added to the reference numerals attached to the components of the RF amplifier in FIG. The code | symbol is attached | subjected.

  In FIG. 9, the combiner 41 is composed of only connection points for connecting output connection lines of the 60G transmission amplifier and the 80G transmission amplifier.

  FIG. 10 shows various types of 60G transmission amplifiers and 80G transmission amplifiers, which were performed on a combiner 41 (FIG. 9) configured only by connection points connecting the connection lines of the outputs of the 60G transmission amplifier and the 80G transmission amplifier. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit used for the simulation which measures a parameter.

  In FIG. 10, AC power supplies P1 ′, P1 ″, and P2 for parameter measurement are connected to the circuit of FIG.

  11 and 12 show a 60G transmission amplifier and a combiner 41 (FIG. 9) configured only by connection points connecting the output connection lines of the 80G transmission amplifier, using the circuit of FIG. It is a figure which shows the simulation result of the simulation which measures the various parameters of a transmission amplifier and 80G transmission amplifier.

  That is, FIG. 11 shows the amplitude characteristic (60 GHz thru) of the signal transmitted (passed) through the 60G transmission amplifier, the amplitude characteristic (80 GHz thru) of the signal transmitted through the 80G transmission amplifier, and the signal reflected on the input side of the 60G transmission amplifier. Amplitude characteristics (60 GHz in return), amplitude characteristics of signals reflected at the input side of the 80G transmission amplifier (80 GHz in return), and from the output side of the combiner 41 (to the 60G transmission amplifier and 80G transmission amplifier side) The amplitude characteristic (output return) of the reflected signal is shown.

  FIG. 12 shows a phase characteristic (60 GHz in return phase) of a signal reflected on the input side of the 60G transmission amplifier, a phase characteristic (80 GHz in return phase) of a signal reflected on the input side of the 80G transmission amplifier, and a combiner 41. The phase characteristic (output return phase) of the signal reflected from the output side is shown.

  FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of the splitter 42 including only connection points connecting input connection lines of the 60G reception amplifier and the 80G reception amplifier.

  In FIG. 13, the components of the 60G reception amplifier that correspond to the components of the RF amplifier of FIG. 4 have the reference numerals added to the components of the RF amplifier of FIG. 4 plus one dash (′). The components of the 80G receiving amplifier corresponding to the components of the RF amplifier in FIG. 4 are appended with two dashes (″) in the reference numerals attached to the components of the RF amplifier in FIG. The code | symbol is attached | subjected.

  In FIG. 13, the splitter 42 is composed of only connection points for connecting input connection lines of the 60G reception amplifier and the 80G reception amplifier.

  FIG. 14 shows various types of 60G reception amplifier and 80G reception amplifier performed on the splitter 42 (FIG. 13) composed only of connection points connecting the input connection lines of the 60G reception amplifier and 80G reception amplifier. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit used for the simulation which measures a parameter.

  In FIG. 14, AC power supplies P1, P2 ′, and P2 ″ for measuring parameters are connected to the circuit of FIG.

  FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the 60G receiver amplifier and the splitter 42 (FIG. 13) configured by only the connection point connecting the input connection lines of the 80G receiver amplifier, using the circuit of FIG. It is a figure which shows the simulation result of the simulation which measures the various parameters of a receiving amplifier and 80G receiving amplifier.

  That is, FIG. 15 shows the amplitude characteristic (60 GHz thru) of the signal transmitted (passed) through the 60G reception amplifier, the amplitude characteristic (80 GHz thru) of the signal transmitted through the 80G reception amplifier, and the signal reflected on the output side of the 60G reception amplifier. Amplitude characteristics (60 GHz out return), Amplitude characteristics of signals reflected on the output side of the 80G receiver amplifier (80 GHz out return), and Amplitude characteristics of signals reflected on the input side of the splitter 42 (input return) ing.

  FIG. 16 shows the phase characteristic of the signal reflected at the output side of the 60G reception amplifier (60 GHz out return phase), the phase characteristic of the signal reflected at the output side of the 80G reception amplifier (80 GHz out return phase), and the splitter 42. The amplitude of the signal reflected on the input side (input return phase) is shown.

  The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the case where the present technology is applied to a signal processing device that is a one-chip semiconductor chip that functions as SERDES has been described. However, the present technology may be applied to semiconductor chips other than SERDES. it can.

  10 serializer, 11 bit conversion unit, 12 P / S conversion unit, 13 driver, 14 pad, 20 deserializer, 21 pad, 22 receiver, 23 equalizer, 24 CDR, 25 S / P conversion unit, 26 word alignment unit, 27 bit Conversion unit, 311, 312, 313 SERDES unit, 41 combiner, 42 splitter, 50 serializer, 51 transmission unit, 60 deserializer, 61 reception unit, 71 oscillator, 72 mixer, 73, 81 amplifier, 82 oscillator, 83 mixer

The signal processing device according to the first aspect of the present technology is a one-chip semiconductor chip in which a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of an input signal and output a converted signal are formed . A synthesizer that synthesizes the converted signals and outputs the synthesized signal is further formed, and the synthesizer has only one connection point for connecting the output connection lines of the plurality of frequency converters. a, wherein the plurality of respective frequency conversion section performs frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands, the plurality of synthesizing the converted signals, respectively frequency converter outputs, outputs the combined signal It is a signal processing device.

The signal processing method according to the first aspect of the present technology is a one-chip semiconductor chip in which a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of an input signal and output a converted signal are formed . A synthesizer that synthesizes the converted signals and outputs the synthesized signal is further formed, and the synthesizer has only one connection point for connecting the output connection lines of the plurality of frequency converters. Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units of the signal processing device having the frequency conversion into the converted signals in different frequency bands, and synthesizing the converted signals output from the plurality of frequency conversion units, Is a signal processing method for outputting.

In the first aspect as described above , there is provided a one-chip semiconductor chip in which a plurality of frequency conversion units for performing frequency conversion of an input signal and outputting a signal after conversion are formed. A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the post-signal and outputs the synthesized signal is further formed, and the synthesizing unit has a single connection point that connects the output connection lines of the plurality of frequency conversion units. In each of the plurality of frequency conversion units of the processing device, frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands is performed. Then, the converted signals output from the plurality of frequency conversion units are combined to output a combined signal.

A signal processing device according to a second aspect of the present technology is a single chip on which a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of a converted signal obtained by performing frequency conversion of an input signal and output the input signal are formed The semiconductor chip further includes a distribution unit that distributes at least the converted signal of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit to each of the plurality of frequency conversion units. And the distribution unit has only one connection point for connecting the input connection lines of each of the plurality of frequency conversion units, and each of the plurality of frequency conversion units has converted signals in different frequency bands. Frequency conversion of at least one of the combined signals obtained by combining a plurality of converted signals in different frequency bands with each of the plurality of frequency conversion units. Parts is a signal processing apparatus for distributing the converted signals in the frequency band of interest for frequency conversion.

The signal processing method according to the second aspect of the present technology is a single chip in which a plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of a converted signal obtained by performing frequency conversion of an input signal and output the input signal are formed. The semiconductor chip further includes a distribution unit that distributes at least the converted signal of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit to each of the plurality of frequency conversion units. Each of the plurality of frequency converters of the signal processing device having only one connection point connecting the input connection lines of each of the plurality of frequency converters. The frequency conversion of the post-signal is performed, and at least one of the combined signals in which the plurality of post-conversion signals in different frequency bands are combined in each of the plurality of frequency conversion units Its frequency converter is a signal processing method of distributing the converted signals in the frequency band of interest for frequency conversion.

In the second aspect as described above, a one-chip semiconductor in which a plurality of frequency conversion units for performing frequency conversion of a converted signal obtained by performing frequency conversion of an input signal and outputting the input signal are formed. A distribution unit that distributes at least the converted signal of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit to each of the plurality of frequency conversion units. The distribution unit is configured to convert post-conversion signals of different frequency bands in each of the plurality of frequency conversion units of the signal processing apparatus having only one connection point connecting input connection lines of the plurality of frequency conversion units. Frequency conversion is performed. In this case, each of the plurality of frequency conversion units includes, at least, a conversion of a frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit, out of a combined signal obtained by combining a plurality of converted signals in different frequency bands. The rear signal is distributed.

A signal processing device according to a third aspect of the present technology performs frequency conversion of an input signal, outputs a converted signal, a plurality of first frequency conversion units, performs frequency conversion of the converted signal, and inputs the input signal. And a plurality of second frequency conversion units that output the signal, and a combination unit that synthesizes the post-conversion signal and outputs the combined signal to the semiconductor chip, and the plurality of the frequency conversion units. Each of the second frequency converters is further provided with a distribution unit that distributes at least the converted signal of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency converter, and the combiner There is only one connection point for connecting the output connection lines of each of the first frequency conversion units, and the distribution unit has only one connection line for the input of each of the plurality of second frequency conversion units. Has connection point , Wherein the plurality of respective first frequency conversion section performs frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands, combining the converted signal, each of the plurality of first frequency conversion section outputs, While outputting a composite signal, each of the plurality of second frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion of post-conversion signals in different frequency bands, and each of the plurality of frequency conversion units is combined with another semiconductor chip. It is a signal processing device that distributes at least a post-conversion signal of a frequency band to be subjected to frequency conversion by the frequency conversion unit.

In the third aspect as described above, frequency conversion of an input signal is performed, a plurality of first frequency conversion units that output the converted signal, and frequency conversion of the converted signal is performed, and the input signal is output And a plurality of second frequency conversion units formed on the one-chip semiconductor chip , wherein the semiconductor chip synthesizes the converted signal and outputs the combined signal, and the plurality of second frequency conversion units Each of the two frequency conversion units is further formed with a distribution unit that distributes at least the converted signal of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit, and the combining unit includes the plurality of first conversion units. The frequency conversion unit has only one connection point for connecting the output connection lines, and the distribution unit has only one connection point for connecting the input connection lines of the plurality of second frequency conversion units. Have In each of the plurality of first frequency conversion section of the signal processing apparatus, a frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands is carried out. Then, the converted signals output from the plurality of first frequency conversion units are combined to output a combined signal. On the other hand, each of the plurality of second frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion of the converted signals in different frequency bands. Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units is distributed with at least a post-conversion signal of a frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit, out of synthesized signals from other semiconductor chips.

Claims (21)

A plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of the input signal and output the converted signal;
An output unit that synthesizes the converted signals output from each of the plurality of frequency conversion units and outputs a combined signal;
The plurality of frequency converters are formed on a single chip semiconductor chip,
Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion into converted signals in different frequency bands. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frequency conversion unit performs frequency conversion using a signal in a predetermined frequency band as the input signal and outputs a converted signal in a frequency band higher than the predetermined frequency band. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the semiconductor chip further includes a combining unit that combines the converted signals and outputs the combined signal. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the synthesis unit is a connection point that connects connection lines of outputs of the plurality of frequency conversion units. The frequency converter has an amplifier that amplifies the converted signal,
The signal processing device according to claim 4, wherein the amplifier has an inductance load on at least the output side of the input side and the output side. The semiconductor chip is further formed with a plurality of P / S conversion units for converting parallel data into serial data,
The signal processing device according to claim 2, wherein one frequency conversion unit performs frequency conversion of the serial data that is a baseband signal output from one P / S conversion unit. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the combined signal is transmitted wirelessly. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the combined signal is transmitted via a dielectric waveguide. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frequency conversion unit performs frequency conversion for converting a baseband signal into the converted signal in a frequency band of 30 GHz or more. A plurality of frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of the input signal and output the converted signal;
An output unit that synthesizes the converted signals output from each of the plurality of frequency conversion units and outputs a combined signal;
The plurality of frequency converters are formed on a single chip semiconductor chip,
Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion to a signal after conversion in separate frequency bands.The frequency conversion unit of the signal processing device performs frequency conversion of an input signal and outputs a converted signal.
A signal processing method of combining the converted signals output from each of the plurality of frequency conversion units and outputting a combined signal. Performing frequency conversion of the converted signal obtained by performing frequency conversion of the input signal, comprising a plurality of frequency conversion units for outputting the input signal,
The plurality of frequency converters are formed on a single chip semiconductor chip,
Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion of signals after conversion in separate frequency bands,
At least among the combined signals obtained by combining a plurality of converted signals in different frequency bands to each of the plurality of frequency converting units, the converted signals in the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency converting unit are distributed. Signal processing device. The frequency conversion unit performs frequency conversion of a post-conversion signal that is a signal in a frequency band higher than a predetermined frequency band, and outputs the signal in the predetermined frequency band. The semiconductor chip further includes a distribution unit that distributes at least the converted signal of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit to each of the plurality of frequency conversion units. The signal processing apparatus as described. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the distribution unit is a connection point that connects input connection lines of each of the plurality of frequency conversion units. The frequency converter has an amplifier that amplifies a signal input to the frequency converter,
The signal processing device according to claim 14, wherein the amplifier has an inductance load on at least the input side of the input side and the output side. The semiconductor chip is further formed with a plurality of S / P converters for converting serial data into parallel data,
One of the frequency conversion units converts the frequency-converted signal of the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit into the serial data that is a baseband signal, and converts the converted signal into one S / P conversion unit. The signal processing device according to claim 12. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the combined signal is transmitted wirelessly. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the combined signal is transmitted via a dielectric waveguide. The signal processing device according to claim 12, wherein the frequency conversion unit performs frequency conversion for converting a converted signal in a frequency band of 30 GHz or more into a baseband signal. Performing frequency conversion of the converted signal obtained by performing frequency conversion of the input signal, comprising a plurality of frequency conversion units for outputting the input signal,
The plurality of frequency converters are formed on a single chip semiconductor chip,
Each of the plurality of frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion of signals after conversion in separate frequency bands,
At least among the combined signals obtained by combining a plurality of converted signals in different frequency bands to each of the plurality of frequency converting units, the converted signals in the frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency converting unit are distributed. The signal processing device converts at least a frequency band of a frequency signal to which the frequency conversion unit performs frequency conversion, among the combined signals obtained by combining a plurality of post-conversion signals of different frequency bands to each of the plurality of frequency conversion units. Distribute the rear signal,
The signal processing method in which the frequency conversion unit performs frequency conversion of the converted signal and outputs the input signal. A plurality of first frequency converters for performing frequency conversion of the input signal and outputting the converted signal;
A plurality of second frequency conversion units that perform frequency conversion of the converted signal and output the input signal;
The plurality of first frequency conversion units and the plurality of second frequency conversion units are formed in a one-chip semiconductor chip,
Each of the plurality of first frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion to a converted signal in separate frequency bands,
On the other hand, combining the converted signals output from each of the plurality of first frequency converters and outputting a combined signal,
Each of the plurality of second frequency conversion units performs frequency conversion of post-conversion signals in separate frequency bands,
A signal processing device that distributes, to each of the plurality of frequency conversion units, at least a post-conversion signal of a frequency band to be frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit from among synthesized signals from other semiconductor chips.

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