Modulator and process for minimizing power consumption and communication system employing same

摘要

A modulator is configured with a first multiplexer having a first data signal input coupled to receive the first digital baseband signal and a second data signal input coupled to receive the second digital baseband signal. The first multiplexer provides a multiplexed output signal including components of the first and second digital baseband signals. The modulator also includes a source of alternating samples of first and second carrier signals and a multiplier having a first input coupled to the output of the first multiplexer and a second input coupled to the source of carrier signal samples. The multiplier is thereby coupled to provide a digital modulated output signal. The source of alternating samples of first and second baseband signals may include a second multiplexer having a first signal input coupled to receive a first carrier signal and a second signal input coupled to receive a second carrier signal. Alternatively, the source of alternating samples of first and second baseband signals may include a memory device for storing values associated with such samples and for providing access to such values in consecutive order of occurrence of the associated samples in the baseband signals.