Patent ID: 7777535
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: H03B

Abstract:
1. A frequency down-converting apparatus comprising: a first array of N nonlinear, over-damped, bi-stable elements unidirectionally-coupled from element to element, wherein N is an odd integer greater than 1, and wherein each element of the first array is disposed to receive a first signal and to output a second signal having a lower frequency than the first signal; a second array of N over-damped, bi-stable elements unidirectionally-coupled from element to element, wherein each element of the second array is further unidirectionally-coupled to a corresponding element in the first array such that each element of the second array is disposed to convert the second signal into a third signal having a frequency lower than the second signal; and wherein the second array of N over-damped, bi-stable elements is unidirectionally-coupled in an opposite path than for the first array.