Dual connectivity power amplifier system

Abstract

Aspects of the application relate to dual connectivity power amplifier systems. A power amplifier system can include first and second power amplifiers that are concurrently enabled in a dual connectivity mode. The first power amplifier is enabled in another mode. In the dual connectivity mode and the other mode, a switch can electrically connect the first power amplifier to different radio frequency signal paths. Related methods, power amplifier modules, and wireless communication devices are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references of priority applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 045,586, entitled “Dual-Connection Power Amplifier System,” filed June 29, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of this application relate to a power amplifier system arranged to transmit radio frequency signals. Background Technology

[0004] Radio frequency (RF) communication systems can be used to transmit and / or receive signals at various frequencies. For example, RF communication systems can be used to wirelessly transmit RF signals in the frequency range of approximately 30 kHz to 300 GHz, such as the range of approximately 410 MHz to approximately 7.125 GHz in the frequency range 1 (FR1) of fifth-generation (5G) cellular communication.

[0005] Examples of RF communication systems include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, base stations, network access points, customer premises equipment (CPE), laptops, and wearable electronic devices.

[0006] In some applications, RF communication systems can transmit multiple RF signals simultaneously. RF power amplifiers can be used to amplify these RF signals for transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Each innovation described in the claims has several aspects, and no single aspect can solely be responsible for its intended contribution. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the key features of this application will now be briefly described.

[0008] One aspect of this application is an arrangement for a dual-connection power amplifier system. The power amplifier system includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, radio frequency (RF) processing circuitry, and a switch. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide an RF signal. The first power amplifier is configured to be active in a dual-connection mode and active in another mode. The second power amplifier is configured to be active in the dual-connection mode, such that both the first and second power amplifiers are active simultaneously in the dual-connection mode. The RF front-end processing circuitry includes a first RF signal path and a second RF signal path. The switch is configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the first RF signal path in the dual-connection mode and to the second RF signal path in another mode.

[0009] The other mode can be a cellular communication mode. The radio frequency signal has lower power in dual-connectivity mode than in the other mode. The other mode can be a 2G mode. The second power amplifier can be inactive in the other mode.

[0010] Dual connectivity mode can be a non-standalone 5G mode. In dual connectivity mode, the radio frequency signal can be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) signal, and the second power amplifier can provide a New Radio (NR) signal. The radio frequency signal can be a NR signal in dual connectivity mode, and the second power amplifier can provide an LTE signal.

[0011] A first signal path is operatively coupled between the switch and the first antenna, and a second signal path is operatively coupled between the switch and the second antenna. The first antenna is configured to transmit a first radio frequency signal in a dual-connection mode, and the second antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal in the dual-connection mode.

[0012] The power amplifier system may further include an input switch configured to electrically connect a first transmitter to the input of the first power amplifier in a dual-connection mode, and to electrically connect a second transmitter to the input of the first power amplifier in another mode.

[0013] The power amplifier system may also include a load line coupled to the output of the power amplifier, wherein the load line may provide a first impedance in a dual-connection mode and a second impedance in another mode.

[0014] The first power amplifier can have a larger bandwidth in dual-connection mode than in the other mode.

[0015] Another aspect of this application is a method for transmitting radio frequency signals. The method includes generating a first radio frequency signal in a dual-connection mode using a first power amplifier; generating a second radio frequency signal in the dual-connection mode using a second power amplifier; wirelessly transmitting the first and second radio frequency signals in the dual-connection mode; changing the operating mode from the dual-connection mode to another mode, in which the first power amplifier mode is enabled; and electrically connecting the output of the first power amplifier to another radio frequency signal path for the other mode, which is not the dual-connection mode.

[0016] The first and second radio frequency signals can be uplink signals. Wireless transmission can include transmitting the first radio frequency signal from a first antenna and wirelessly transmitting the second radio frequency signal from a second antenna in a dual-connectivity mode. The method can include deactivating the second power amplifier for the other mode.

[0017] Another aspect of this application is a wireless communication device arranged for dual connectivity. The wireless communication device includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and a plurality of antennas. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a first radio frequency signal. The first power amplifier is configured to be enabled in a dual connectivity mode and in another mode. The second power amplifier is configured to be enabled in the dual connectivity mode such that the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are simultaneously enabled in the dual connectivity mode. The plurality of antennas includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is used to transmit the first radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode. The second antenna is used to transmit a second radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode.

[0018] Wireless communication may include a radio frequency front-end processing circuit, which includes a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path; and a switch configured to electrically connect the output of a first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in a dual-connection mode and electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in another mode.

[0019] The first radio frequency (RF) signal can be the Long Term Evolution (LTE) signal in dual connectivity mode, and the second RF signal can be the New Radio (NR) signal in dual connectivity mode.

[0020] The other mode can be associated with a different radio access technology than the radio access technology associated with the dual connectivity mode.

[0021] The second power amplifier can be disabled in another mode. This other mode could be 2G mode.

[0022] The second antenna can communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in another mode. Alternatively, a third antenna among multiple antennas can communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in another mode.

[0023] Wireless communication devices can be mobile phones.

[0024] Another aspect of this application is a power amplifier system including a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and a switch. The first power amplifier is configured to be enabled in both the first and second modes. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a radio frequency (RF) signal associated with a radio access technology in the first mode but not in the second mode. The second power amplifier is configured to be enabled in the first mode such that both the first and second power amplifiers are enabled simultaneously in the first mode. The switch is configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a first RF signal path in the first mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a second RF signal path in the second mode.

[0025] The first mode can be a dual-connectivity mode. The first mode can be a carrier aggregation mode. The first mode can be a multiple-input multiple-output mode.

[0026] Radio frequency signals can be associated with 4G technology in the first mode and with 2G technology in the second mode. Radio frequency signals can also be associated with 5G technology in the first mode and with 2G technology in the second mode.

[0027] The second power amplifier can be disabled in the second mode. The second mode can be 2G mode.

[0028] The power amplifier system may include a radio frequency front-end processing circuit, which includes a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path.

[0029] Another aspect of this application is an arrangement of a wireless communication device for multiple modes. The wireless communication device includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and a plurality of antennas. The first power amplifier is configured to be enabled in a first mode and in a second mode. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a first radio frequency signal associated with a radio access technology in the first mode but not in the second mode. The second power amplifier is configured to be enabled in the second mode. The plurality of antennas includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is configured to transmit a first radio frequency signal from the first power amplifier in the first mode. The second antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal from the second power amplifier in the first mode.

[0030] The wireless communication device may include a radio frequency front-end processing circuit, which includes a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path; and a switch configured to electrically connect the output of a first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in a first mode and electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in a second mode.

[0031] The first mode can be a dual-connection mode. The first mode can be a multiple-input multiple-output mode.

[0032] A first radio frequency (RF) signal can be associated with a first cellular radio access technology in a first mode, and a second RF signal can be associated with a second radio access technology in the first mode, wherein the second radio access technology is different from the first radio access technology. The first RF signal can be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) signal in the first mode, and a 2G technology signal in the second mode. The first RF signal can be a New Radio (NR) signal in the first mode, and a 2G technology signal in the second mode.

[0033] The first antenna can communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in the second mode. The second antenna can communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in the second mode. A third antenna among multiple antennas can communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in the second mode.

[0034] Another aspect of this application is a method for generating a radio frequency (RF) signal. The method includes generating the RF signal in a first mode using a simultaneously activated first power amplifier and a second power amplifier; and in a second mode, activating the first power amplifier for radio signal amplification, the power amplifier providing RF signal amplification associated with a radio access technology in the second mode rather than the first mode.

[0035] The first mode can be a dual-connection mode, and the second mode can be a second-generation (2G) mode.

[0036] The method may include electrically connecting the output of a first power amplifier to a first signal path of a first mode, and electrically connecting the output of the first power amplifier to a second signal path of a second mode.

[0037] The method may include disabling the second power amplifier for the other mode.

[0038] For the purpose of summarizing this application, some aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It should be understood that not all of these advantages can necessarily be achieved according to any particular embodiment. Therefore, the innovation may be embodied or implemented in a way that achieves or optimizes one or more advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in a non-limiting exemplary manner.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an example dual-connection network topology.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication network.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of a dual-connected power amplifier system according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a power amplifier module according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a power amplifier module according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of a dual-connected power amplifier system according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a dual-connected power amplifier system according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system with an input switch according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system with an adjustable load line according to an embodiment.

[0052] Figure 13A This is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication link using carrier aggregation.

[0053] Figure 13B The diagram illustrates the use of Figure 13A Various examples of uplink carrier aggregation in communication links.

[0054] Figure 14A This is a schematic diagram of an example of an uplink channel using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication.

[0055] Figure 14B This is a schematic diagram of another example of an uplink channel using MIMO communication.

[0056] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a mobile device. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following description of some embodiments presents various descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations described herein can be embodied in many different ways, for example, as defined and covered by the claims. In this specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals may denote the same or functionally similar elements. It should be understood that the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, it should be understood that some embodiments may include more elements than shown in the drawings and / or include a subset of the elements shown in the drawings. Additionally, some embodiments may combine any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings. The headings provided herein are for convenience only and are not intended to affect the meaning or scope of the claims.

[0058] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for global issues related to information and communication technologies, including the global sharing of radio spectrum.

[0059] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration among various telecommunications standards bodies worldwide, such as the Radio Industry and Commerce Association (ARIB), the Telecommunications Technology Committee (TTC), the China Communications Standards Association (CCSA), the Telecommunications Industry Solutions Alliance (ATIS), the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and the Telecommunications Standards Development Institute of India (TSDSI).

[0060] By operating within the ITU, 3GPP develops and maintains technical specifications for a variety of mobile communication technologies, including, for example, second-generation (2G) technologies (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE)), third-generation (3G) technologies (e.g., Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA)), and fourth-generation (4G) technologies (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced).

[0061] Technical specifications controlled by 3GPP can be extended and modified through specification versions, which can span multiple years and specify new features and the breadth of evolution.

[0062] In one example, 3GPP introduced carrier aggregation (CA) for LTE in Release 10. While the initial introduction included two downlink carriers, 3GPP expanded carrier aggregation in Release 14 to include up to five downlink carriers and up to three uplink carriers. Other examples of new features and evolutions provided by 3GPP releases include, but are not limited to, Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), Enhanced LAA (eLAA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), and High Power User Equipment (HPUE).

[0063] 3GPP introduced Phase 1 of fifth-generation (5G) technology in Release 15 and plans to introduce Phase 2 of 5G technology in Release 16. Subsequent 3GPP releases will further evolve and expand 5G technology. 5G technology is also referred to as 5G New Radio (NR) in this document.

[0064] 5G NR supports or plans to support various features such as millimeter-wave spectrum communication, beamforming capabilities, high spectral efficiency waveforms, low-latency communication, multiple radio digitization, and / or non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). While such RF capabilities provide network flexibility and enhance user data rates, supporting these features presents numerous technical challenges.

[0065] The teachings in this article are applicable to a wide variety of communication systems, including but not limited to those using advanced cellular technologies such as Advanced LTE, Advanced LTE Pro, and / or 5G NR.

[0066] Dual connection

[0067] With the introduction of the 5G NR air interface standard, 3GPP allows 5G and 4G standards to operate simultaneously to facilitate the transition. This mode can be called Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G operation or EUTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) and involves the simultaneous transmission of 4G and 5G carriers from user equipment (UE).

[0068] In some EN-DC applications, dual-connectivity NSA involves enabling a 5G system to overlay an existing 4G core network. For dual connectivity in such applications, control and synchronization between the base station and the UE can be performed by the 4G network, while the 5G network is a complementary radio access network connected to a 4G anchor point. The 4G anchor point can be connected to the existing 4G network via 5G data / control overlay.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example dual-connectivity network topology. This architecture can manage legacy LTE coverage to ensure service continuity and the phased rollout of 5G cellular. UE 10 can transmit dual uplink LTE and NR carriers simultaneously. UE 10 can transmit uplink LTE carrier Tx1 to eNB 11 and uplink NR carrier Tx2 to gNB 12 to achieve dual connectivity. Any suitable combination of uplink carriers Tx1, Tx2 and / or downlink carriers Rx1, Rx2 can... Figure 1 In the example network topology, data is transmitted simultaneously via a wireless link. eNB 11 can provide connectivity to a core network, such as Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 14. gNB 12 can communicate with the core network via eNB 11. Control plane data can be wirelessly transmitted between UE 10 and eNB 11. eNB 11 can also communicate control plane data with gNB 12. Control plane data can be transmitted along... Figure 1 The path propagation is indicated by the dashed line. Figure 1 The solid lines in the diagram represent data plane paths.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In an example dual-connectivity topology, any suitable combination of standardized frequency bands and radio access technologies (e.g., FDD, TDD, SUL, SDL) can be wirelessly transmitted and received. This presents technical challenges related to operating multiple separate radios and frequency bands in UE 10. With a TDD LTE anchor, network operation can be synchronous (in which case the operating mode can be limited to Tx1 / Tx2 and Rx1 / Rx2) or asynchronous (which can involve Tx1 / Tx2, Tx1 / Rx2, Rx1 / Tx2, Rx1 / Rx2). When the LTE anchor is a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) carrier, TDD / FDD inter-band operation can involve simultaneous Tx1 / Rx1 / Tx2 and Tx1 / Rx1 / Rx2.

[0071] As mentioned above, EN-DC can involve the simultaneous transmission of 4G and 5G carriers from the UE. Transmitting 4G and 5G carriers from the UE (e.g., for phone calls) typically involves the simultaneous activation of two power amplifiers (PAs). Traditionally, enabling two power amplifiers simultaneously would involve placing one or more additional power amplifiers specifically designed for EN-DC operation. This incurs additional board space and cost when designing to support such EN-DC / NSA operations.

[0072] This application provides systems and methods for supporting EN-DC / NSA operation without adding additional PAs, without consuming more printed circuit board (PCB) space or physical area, and without incurring significant additional costs for supporting EN-DC / NSA operation.

[0073] Early solutions employed additional, stand-alone network power amplifiers to support 4G bands during NSA / EN-DC operations. These additional power amplifiers consumed extra PCB space and incurred increased system costs. For example, LTE band 20 (B20) and NR band 28 (n28) NSA EN-DC scenarios were typically supported by an LB power amplifier module (PAMiD) including a duplexer module, plus an additional external low-band (LB) EN-DC power amplifier. This solution involved additional PCB space and cost to support EN-DC scenarios with additional power amplifiers. Another example is LTE band 3 (B3) and NR band 1 (n1) NSA EN-DC scenarios, supported by an additional external intermediate band (MB) EN-DC power amplifier located within an intermediate band / high band (MB / HB) PAMiD module. This solution also involved additional PCB space and cost to support EN-DC scenarios with additional power amplifiers.

[0074] Various aspects of this application relate to implementing dual connectivity using existing power amplifiers. Existing power amplifiers can be enabled in both a dual connectivity mode and another mode. For example, one or more existing 2G PAs can be used for both 2G and 4G / 5G EN-DC applications. 2G PAs are typically included in system implementations either as standalone network modules for LB and MB power amplifiers, or as PAs integrated into one or more 4G / 5G modules. Because 2G PAs cover an existing frequency band that overlaps significantly with the desired EN-DC band, and because 2G PAs currently have load lines sufficient to support dedicated power levels for 4G / 5G EN-DC operation, these PAs can be used for dual applications. These dual applications can be supported by adding post-PA switching to route amplifier signals to either the 2G or 4G / 5G EN-DC signal path.

[0075] In some cases, input switching can be implemented to select between a 2G signal or a 4G / 5G EN-DC signal from the transmitter. Broadbanding of existing 2G PAs may be necessary to allow for dual-connectivity band combinations covering a wider frequency range. In some cases, considering that 2G PAs are typically directly powered by batteries and PA efficiency may not be improved by reducing the PA collector voltage, a load line switch for the 2G PA may be included to achieve higher efficiency in dual-connectivity applications at lower power levels. An integrated coupler may be included to support power measurements during dual-connectivity operation.

[0076] Examples of dual connectivity modes include (1) concurrent transmission of LTE band 20 and NR band n1 and (2) concurrent transmission of band 3 and band n1. Concurrent transmission of any suitable combination of LTE band transmission and NR band transmission is possible. Any other suitable combination of concurrent transmission associated with two different radio access technologies can be achieved based on any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein.

[0077] By using the LB and MB 2G power amplifiers for dual-connection operation, the placement and cost of two additional PAs in the power amplifier system can be eliminated. By saving the additional cost and board space of one or more additional power amplifiers, the EN-DC solution disclosed herein offers advantages over traditional solutions.

[0078] The embodiments disclosed herein can eliminate the need for placing one or more additional PAs to support the 4G EN-DC band. 5G NSA operation can be supported by existing 2G PAs when the 2G PAs would otherwise be idle. This expands the use of 2G PAs, facilitating the transition to 5G at a lower cost.

[0079] While some of the embodiments disclosed herein relate to dual-connectivity operation, any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein can be implemented in other applications that simultaneously generate multiple radio frequency signals for transmission. For example, any suitable combination of the features described with reference to dual-connectivity can be implemented in conjunction with carrier aggregation. Carrier aggregation can be uplink carrier aggregation. As another example, any suitable combination of the features described with reference to dual-connectivity can be implemented in conjunction with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication. MIMO communication can be uplink MIMO communication. In these examples, existing 2G PAs can be used to generate signals for a single carrier for carrier aggregation or a separate data stream for MIMO communication.

[0080] Communication Network

[0081] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication network 20. The communication network 20 includes a macro cell base station 1, a mobile device 2, a small cell base station 3, and a fixed wireless device 4.

[0082] Figure 2 The communication network 20 shown supports communication using a variety of technologies, including, for example, 4G LTE, 5G NR, and wireless local area networks (WLANs) such as Wi-Fi. In communication network 20, dual connectivity can be achieved using two mobile devices simultaneously communicating in 4G LTE and 5G NR modes. While various examples of supported communication technologies have been shown, communication network 20 can be adapted to support a wide range of communication technologies.

[0083] Figure 2 Various communication links of the communication network 20 are depicted. These communication links can be duplexed in a wide variety of ways, including, for example, using Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and / or Time Division Duplex (TDD). FDD is a type of radio frequency communication that uses different frequencies to transmit and receive signals. FDD offers many advantages, such as high data rates and low latency. Conversely, TDD is a type of radio frequency communication that uses approximately the same frequency to transmit and receive signals, and in which transmit and receive communications are switched in time. TDD offers many advantages, such as efficient use of the spectrum and variable allocation of the amount of transmission between the transmit and receive directions.

[0084] like Figure 2As shown, mobile device 2 communicates with macrocell base station 1 using a communication link combining 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies. Mobile device 2 also communicates with small cell base station 3. In the example shown, mobile device 2 and small cell base station 3 communicate using a communication link combining 5G NR, 4G LTE, and Wi-Fi technologies. In some implementations, enhanced licensed assisted access (eLAA) aggregates one or more licensed frequency carriers (e.g., licensed 4G LTE and / or 5G NR frequencies) with one or more unlicensed carriers (e.g., unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies).

[0085] In some implementations, the mobile device 2 communicates with the macrocell base station 2 and the small cell base station 3 using 5G NR technology on one or more frequency bands less than 7.5 GHz and / or one or more frequency bands greater than 7.5 GHz. For example, wireless communication may use frequency range 1 (FR1), frequency range 2 (FR2), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the mobile device 2 supports the HPUE power class specification.

[0086] The small cell base station 3 shown also communicates with the fixed wireless device 4. The small cell base station 3 can be used, for example, to provide broadband services using 5G NR technology. In some embodiments, the small cell base station 3 communicates with the fixed wireless device 4 in one or more millimeter-wave bands falling within the 30 GHz to 300 GHz frequency range and / or in the upper centimeter-wave band falling within the 24 GHz to 30 GHz frequency range.

[0087] In some implementations, the small cell base station 3 uses beamforming to communicate with the fixed wireless device 4. For example, beamforming can be used to focus signal strength to overcome path loss, such as the high loss associated with communication at millimeter-wave frequencies.

[0088] Figure 2 The communication network 20 includes macrocell base stations 1 and small cell base stations 3. In some embodiments, small cell base stations 3 may operate with relatively lower power, shorter range, and / or fewer concurrent users compared to macrocell base stations 1. Small cell base stations 3 may also be referred to as femtocells, picocells, or microcells.

[0089] Although the communication network 20 is shown as including two base stations, the communication network 20 can be implemented to include more or fewer base stations and / or other types of base stations. For example... Figure 2 As shown, each base station can communicate with each other wirelessly to provide wireless backhaul. Alternatively, each base station can communicate with each other using wired and / or optical links.

[0090] Figure 2 The communication network 20 is shown as including a mobile device and a fixed wireless device. The mobile device 2 and the fixed wireless device 4 illustrate two examples of user equipment (UE). Although the communication network 20 is shown as including two user equipments, it can communicate with more or fewer user equipments and / or other types of user equipment. For example, user equipment may include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearable electronic devices, and / or a wide variety of other communication devices.

[0091] User equipment in communication network 20 can share available network resources (e.g., available spectrum) in a wide variety of ways.

[0092] In one example, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) is used to divide a frequency band into multiple frequency carriers. Furthermore, one or more carriers are assigned to specific users. Examples of FDMA include, but are not limited to, Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) and Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA). OFDMA is a multi-carrier technique that subdivides the available bandwidth into multiple mutually orthogonal narrowband subcarriers, which can be assigned to different users.

[0093] Other examples of shared access include, but are not limited to, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), where specific time periods are allocated to users for the use of frequency resources; Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), where frequency resources are shared among different users by assigning a unique code to each user equipment; Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), where shared access is provided through spatial separation using beamforming; and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA), where multiple access is performed using the power domain. For example, NOMA can be used to serve multiple user equipments at the same frequency, time, and / or code, but with different power levels.

[0094] Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) refers to technologies used to increase the capacity of LTE network systems. For example, eMBB can refer to communication with a peak data rate of at least 10 Gbps and a minimum of 100 Mbps per user device. Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (uRLLC) refers to communication technologies with extremely low latency (e.g., less than 2 milliseconds). uRLLC can be used for mission-critical communications, such as autonomous driving and / or remote surgery applications. Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC) refers to low-cost, low-data-rate communication associated with wireless connectivity to everyday objects, such as objects associated with IoT applications.

[0095] Figure 2 The communication network 20 can be used to support a wide range of advanced communication features, including but not limited to eMBB, uRLLC and / or mMTC.

[0096] The peak data rate of a communication link (e.g., between a base station and a user equipment) depends on a variety of factors. For example, the peak data rate can be affected by channel bandwidth, modulation order, the number of component carriers, and / or the number of antennas used for communication.

[0097] For example, in some implementations, the data rate of the communication link can be approximately equal to M*B*log2(1+S / N), where M is the number of communication channels, B is the channel bandwidth, and S / N is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0098] Therefore, the data rate of a communication link can be increased by increasing the number of communication channels (e.g., using multiple antennas to transmit and receive), using a wider bandwidth (e.g., by carrier aggregation), and / or improving the SNR (e.g., by increasing transmit power and / or improving receiver sensitivity).

[0099] 5G NR communication systems can employ a wide range of technologies to improve data rates and / or communication performance.

[0100] Power amplifier systems and modules

[0101] Dual-connection mode and other operating modes with two different power amplifiers enabled simultaneously can be implemented in a wide variety of power amplifier systems. Example power amplifier systems and modules will be provided for reference. Figures 3-12 Let's discuss this. Any suitable combination of features from these example systems and / or modules can be implemented together.

[0102] Power amplifier systems can be used to generate signals over a wide range of frequencies. For example, some power amplifier systems can operate using one or more low-frequency bands (e.g., RF signal bands with frequency content of 1 GHz or lower, also referred to herein as LB), one or more mid-frequency bands (e.g., RF signal bands with frequency content of 1 GHz to 2.3 GHz, also referred to herein as MB), and one or more high-frequency bands (e.g., RF signal bands with frequency content of 2.3 GHz to 3 GHz (e.g., 2.3 GHz to 2.7 GHz), also referred to herein as HB).

[0103] Second-generation (2G) power amplifiers (PAs) are present in many power amplifier system implementations. 2G power amplifiers are used to amplify 2G radio frequency (RF) signals. One or more 2G PAs can be implemented as stand-alone network modules of one or more low-band (LB) and / or one or more mid-band (MB) PAs. Alternatively, one or more 2G PAs can be integrated into one or more 4G and / or 5G modules.

[0104] Since a 2G PA can cover a large portion of the existing frequency band that overlaps with the desired EN-DC band, and a 2G PA can include a load line with sufficient power levels to support dedicated 4G / 5G EN-DC operation, such a 2G PA can be used in EN-DC applications. Accordingly, embodiments of this application relate to using existing 2G PAs for both 2G and 4G / 5G EN-DC applications.

[0105] Power amplifier systems can be configured to support both 2G and EN-DC operation of one or more power amplifiers (PAs). Post-PA switching can route the PA output signal to a 2G signal path in 2G mode and a 4G / 5G EN-DC signal path in EN-DC mode. In some cases, input switching can selectively provide either a 2G signal or a 4G / 5G EN-DC signal from the transmitter to the PA. Widebanding of existing 2G PAs may be desirable to allow for dual-band combinations covering a wider frequency range. This widebanding may involve increasing the PA's bandwidth. In some cases, one or more 2G PAs may include a load line switch to achieve higher efficiency for EN-DC applications at lower power levels. This can be important because 2G PAs can operate directly on battery voltage but cannot improve PA efficiency by reducing the PA collector voltage. Any suitable combination of these features supporting dual-mode operation of a PA can be associated with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein.

[0106] Using a single power amplifier for two different operating modes, instead of using two separate power amplifiers, can achieve a power amplifier system with one less power amplifier. For example, by using LB and MB 2G power amplifiers for EN-DC operation, two additional power amplifiers are eliminated compared to some prior EN-DC systems that used separate power amplifiers for 2G mode and separate power amplifiers for EN-DC mode.

[0107] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 300 arranged for dual connectivity according to an embodiment. In the power amplifier system 300, the 2G PA is used for 4G / 5G EN-DC applications. In contrast, in some existing 4G / 5G EN-DC applications, the 2G PA is typically disabled in EN DC mode.

[0108] As shown in the figure, the power amplifier system 300 includes an MB / HB module 310, an LB module 320, and a diversity reception (DRX) module 330. The power amplifier system 300 also includes multiplexers for circuitry electrically connected to these modules. The multiplexers include duplexers 332 and 334 and a tripplexer 336 arranged to filter radio frequency signals. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be implemented externally to the illustrated modules. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be included as part of a module (e.g., one or more MB / HB modules 310, LB module 320, and DRX module 330).

[0109] The LB module 320 shown includes a first 2G PA 322, a second 2G PA 324, an LB PA 326, an RF front-end processing circuit 327, and an RFFE (radio frequency front-end) control circuit 328. The first 2G PA 322 and the second 2G PA 324 can be arranged to amplify the 2G signal and the RF signal, respectively, in dual-connection mode. The LB PA 326 can be arranged to amplify the LB 5G signal.

[0110] The first 2G PA 322 can be configured to be enabled in dual-connectivity mode. The first 2G PA 322 can provide a 4G LTE LB signal during dual-connectivity mode, while the 5G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also enabled. Alternatively or additionally, the first 2G PA 322 can provide a 5G signal during dual-connectivity mode, and if the first 2G PA 322 is capable of supporting the bandwidth of the 5G signal, the 4G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also enabled. The first 2G PA 322 can amplify the LB 2G signal in 2G mode. The output of the first 2G PA 322 can be electrically connected to different signal paths in dual-connectivity mode and 2G mode.

[0111] The second 2G PA 324 can be configured to be enabled in dual-connectivity mode. The second 2G PA 324 can provide a 4G LTE HB signal during dual-connectivity mode, while the 5G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also enabled. Alternatively or additionally, the second 2G PA 324 can provide a 5G signal during dual-connectivity mode, and the 4G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also enabled if the second 2G PA 324 can support the bandwidth of the 5G signal. The second 2G PA 324 can provide a 4G LTE MB signal during dual-connectivity mode, while the 5G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also enabled. The second 2G PA 324 can amplify the HB 2G signal in 2G mode. The output of the second 2G PA 324 can be electrically connected to different signal paths in dual-connectivity mode and 2G mode.

[0112] The RF front-end processing circuit 327 may include an RF signal path arranged to process RF signals. This signal path may include one or more switches, one or more filters and / or duplexers, one or more matching networks, one or more RF couplers, or any suitable combination thereof. 2G PAs 322 and 324 may be electrically connected to different corresponding signal paths in different modes, thereby processing 2G signals and signals for dual connectivity differently. The signal path between the first 2G PA 322 and the antenna may include circuitry of the RF processing circuit 327 and other processing circuitry external to the LB module 320. The signal path between the second 2G PA 324 and the antenna may include circuitry of the RF processing circuit 327 and other processing circuitry external to the LB module 320.

[0113] The illustrated MB / HB module 310 includes an MB PA 312 and associated capacitor 313, an HB PA 314 and associated capacitor 315, RF front-end processing circuitry 317, and MIPI control circuitry 318 arranged to provide control functions. MB PA 312 can amplify MB signals. MB PA 312 can be arranged to amplify 5G NR signals. HB PA 314 can amplify HB signals. HB PA 314 can be arranged to amplify 5G NR signals. The RF front-end processing circuitry 317 may include an RF signal path arranged to process RF signals. Such a signal path may include one or more switches, one or more filters and / or duplexers, one or more matching networks, one or more RF couplers, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0114] Diversity receiver module 330 can perform signal processing on the signals received by diversity antenna 362. Diversity receiver module 330 may include one or more low-noise amplifiers, one or more filters and / or duplexers, one or more matching networks, one or more switches, one or more RF couplers, one or more power detectors, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0115] MB / HB module 310, LB module 320, and DRX module 330 communicate with various antennas via various filters. For example, MB / HB module 310 communicates with high-frequency band antenna 342 via filter 340. MB / HB module 310 communicates with main antenna 352 via the first filter of tripper 350. LB module communicates with main antenna via the second filter of tripper 350. DRX module 330 communicates with diversity receiving antenna 362 via multiple filters of tripper 360.

[0116] Figure 4This is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a power amplifier module 400 according to an embodiment. As shown, the power amplifier module 400 includes a first 2GPA 322, a second 2GPA 324, a first filter 422, a second filter 432, a first switch 424, and a second switch 434. This portion of the power amplifier module 400 may, for example, include... Figure 3 In the LB module 320. In some applications, the first filter 422, the second filter 432, the first switch 424, and the second switch 434 may be included in Figure 3 In the RF front-end processing circuit 327.

[0117] Switches 424 and 434 support signal routing for 2G and EN DC operations. Switches 424 and 434 function as band selection / mode selection switches coupled to the outputs of the respective 2G PA322 and 324.

[0118] The output signal provided by the first 2G PA 322 can be filtered by the first filter 422 and provided to the first switch 424. The first filter 422 can be a low-pass filter. The first switch 424 can electrically connect the output of the first 2G PA 322 to the 2GLB signal path in 2G mode. The first switch 424 can electrically connect the output of the first 2G PA 322 to the LB EN-DC signal path in EN-DC mode. Therefore, the first switch 424 can route the output signal of the first 2G PA 322 for 2G or 4G / 5G EN-DC operation. The 2G PA 322 can provide radio frequency output signals associated with radio access technologies in EN-DC mode rather than 2G mode.

[0119] The output signal provided by the second 2G PA 324 can be filtered by the second filter 432 and provided to the second switch 434. The second switch 434 can electrically connect the output of the second 2G PA 324 to the 2G signal path in 2G mode. The second switch 434 can also electrically connect the output of the second 2G PA 324 to the HB EN DC signal path in EN-DC mode. Therefore, the second switch 434 can route the output signal of the second 2G PA 324 for 2G or 4G / 5G EN-DC operation. The 2G PA 324 can provide radio frequency output signals associated with radio access technologies in EN-DC mode rather than 2G mode.

[0120] In some embodiments (not shown), the supply voltage of the first 2G PA 322 and / or the second 2G PA 324 can be adjusted to differ for 2G mode and EN-DC mode.

[0121] The load lines coupled to the output of the first 2G PA 322 and / or coupled to the output of the second 2G PA 324 can be adjusted to provide different impedances for 2G mode and EN-DC mode. This can reduce the power consumption in EN-DC mode relative to 2G mode. Adjusting the load line impedance can improve the efficiency of 2G mode and / or EN-DC mode.

[0122] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a power amplifier module 500 according to an embodiment. Power amplifier module 500 is a standalone 2G EN-DC power amplifier module. Similar to power amplifier module 400, the first switch 424 and the second switch 434 can route the corresponding outputs of 2G PAs 322 and 324 for 2G operation and 4G / 5G EN-DC operation in power amplifier module 500.

[0123] The power amplifier module 500 also includes radio frequency couplers 522 and 532. Radio frequency couplers 522 and 532 can provide an RF sample of the EN-DC signal output from the power amplifier module 500. This RF sample can be provided to the output of the power amplifier module 500 via a switch 540. The integrated radio frequency couplers 522 and 532 can advantageously provide an indication of the output power of the EN-DC signal provided by the power amplifier module 500 at the output of the power amplifier module 500. This can support power measurement during EN-DC operation. The power amplifier module 500 also includes an RFFE control circuit 500 providing control functions.

[0124] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 600 arranged for dual connectivity according to an embodiment. A 2GPA is used for 4G / 5G EN-DC applications in the power amplifier system 600. As shown, the power amplifier system 600 includes an LB module 620 and a DRX module 630. The power amplifier system 600 also includes multiplexers for circuitry electrically connected to these modules. The multiplexers include a duplexer 634 and a tripplexer 636. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be implemented externally to the illustrated modules. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be included as part of a module (e.g., LB module 620 and / or DRX module 630). One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may include a filter as part of the module and another filter located externally to the module.

[0125] For example, the power amplifier system 600 can support LB EN-DC mode for 4G LTE band 20 and 5G NR band n28. In this example, the first 2G PA 322 can provide the 4G band 20 signal, while the LB PA 326 provides the 5G band n28 signal. The duplexer 634 can be a band n28 duplexer, and the tripplexer can include a band 20 transmit filter. In EN-DC mode, the first 2G PA 322 can provide an amplified RF signal to the band 20 transmit filter of the tripplexer 636 via a first switch 424. The LB PA 326 can simultaneously provide another amplified RF signal to the transmit filter of the duplexer 624 via the circuitry of switch 622 and RF frequency processing circuitry 627.

[0126] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 700 arranged for dual connectivity according to an embodiment. A 2GPA is used for 4G / 5G EN-DC applications in the power amplifier system 700. As shown, the power amplifier system 700 includes an MB / HB module 710 and an LB module 620. The power amplifier system 700 also includes circuitry with multiplexers electrically connected to these modules. The multiplexers include duplexers 634 and 732. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be implemented externally to the illustrated modules. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be included as part of a module (e.g., LB module 620 and / or MB / HB module 710). One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may include a filter as part of the module and another filter located externally to the module.

[0127] For example, the power amplifier system 700 can support MB EN-DC mode for 4G LTE band 3 and 5G NR band n1. In this example, the second 2G PA 324 can provide the 4G band 3 signal, while the MB PA 312 provides the 5G band n1 signal. The duplexer 732 can be a band 3 duplexer. In EN-DC mode, the second 2G PA 324 can provide an amplified RF signal to the band 3 transmit filter of the duplexer 723 via the second switch 434. The MB PA 312 can simultaneously provide another amplified RF signal to the band n1 transmit filter of the RF frequency processing circuit 717.

[0128] In one embodiment, the power amplifier system may include Figure 6 and 7 LB module 620, Figure 6 DRX module 630, and Figure 7 The HB / MB module 710. Such an embodiment can achieve... Figure 6 and 7 The described dual-connectivity feature.

[0129] EN-DC Example Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 This will be discussed further. Any suitable example of dual connectivity can be implemented based on any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein. In some cases, one or more 2G PAs can be arranged with wider bandwidth to support any suitable dual connectivity scenario.

[0130] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 800 according to an embodiment. As shown, the power amplifier system 800 includes a first PA 802, a second PA 804, a switch 810, a first signal path 822, a second signal path 824, a third signal path 826, a second switch 830, a first antenna 842, and a second antenna 844.

[0131] The first power amplifier 802 is configured to be enabled in both a first and a second mode. The second power amplifier 804 is configured to be enabled in the first mode, such that both the first and second power amplifiers 802 are enabled simultaneously in the first mode. The second power amplifier 804 may be disabled in the second mode.

[0132] The first mode can be a dual-connectivity mode, a carrier aggregation mode, a MIMO mode, or another mode that enables both the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804. For example, the first mode can be a dual-connectivity mode. For example, the second mode can be a 2G mode.

[0133] In the first mode, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can be in a common frequency band (e.g., LB, MB, or HB) or in different frequency bands (e.g., the first power amplifier 802 is in an LB, MB, or HB different from the second power amplifier 804). In the first mode, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can generate radio frequency signals of any combination of frequency bands in Table 1.

[0134] First PA LB MB HB HB MB HB LB MB LB Second PA LB MB HB MB HB LB HB LB MB

[0135] Table 1

[0136] The first power amplifier 802 has an output terminal configured to provide radio frequency (RF) signals associated with a radio access technology in a second mode different from the first mode. For example, the first power amplifier 802 may provide a 4G signal in the first mode and a 2G signal in the second mode. As another example, the first power amplifier 802 may provide a 5G signal in the first mode and a 2G signal in the second mode. Accordingly, the first power amplifier 802 may provide RF signals associated with different radio access technologies in different modes.

[0137] In some cases, the first power amplifier 802 is arranged to have a wider bandwidth in both the first and second modes compared to a similar power amplifier that is arranged to operate only in one of the first and second modes.

[0138] Switch 810 is arranged to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier 802 to the first radio frequency signal path 822 in a first mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier 802 to the second radio frequency signal path 824 in a second mode. The first and second radio frequency signal paths 822 and 824 can process the output signal provided by the first power amplifier 802 in different ways to meet the specifications of the first mode and the second mode, respectively.

[0139] The first radio frequency signal path 822 may be arranged to process the output signal provided by the first power amplifier 802 in a first mode. The first radio frequency signal path 822 may include one or more filters (e.g., one or more filters having a passband associated with the first mode), one or more matching networks, one or more switches, one or more radio frequency couplers, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. Figure 3-7 The RF processing circuitry of any one of the power amplifier modules and / or the external circuitry of the mode amplifier module.

[0140] The second RF signal path 824 can be arranged to process the output signal provided by the first power amplifier 802 in the second mode. The second RF signal path 824 may include one or more filters (e.g., one or more filters having a passband associated with the second mode), one or more matching networks, one or more switches, one or more RF couplers, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. Figure 3-7 The RF processing circuitry of any one of the power amplifier modules and / or the external circuitry of the mode amplifier module.

[0141] In some applications, the power supply voltage of the first power amplifier 802 can be adjusted to switch between a first mode and a second mode. The first power amplifier 802 can operate at a lower power in the first mode than in the second mode. The first power amplifier 802 can output radio frequency signals associated with a radio access technology in the second mode that differs from the first mode. Both different radio access technologies in the two modes can be cellular radio access technologies.

[0142] In some applications, the second power amplifier 804 can provide an output signal associated with a different radio access technology than the first power amplifier 802 in the first mode. For example, in the first mode, the second power amplifier 804 can provide a 5G signal, while the first power amplifier 802 can provide a 4G signal. As another example, in the first mode, the second power amplifier 804 can provide a 4G signal, while the first power amplifier 802 can provide a 5G signal. These different radio access technologies can all be cellular radio access technologies.

[0143] In some other applications, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can provide output signals associated with the same radio access technology in the first mode. For example, in the first mode, both the second power amplifier 804 and the first power amplifier 802 can provide 4G signals. As another example, in the first mode, both the second power amplifier 804 and the first power amplifier 802 can provide 5G signals. In these examples, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can provide signals for carrier aggregation and / or MIMO communication in the first mode.

[0144] The third RF signal path 826 can be arranged to process the output signal provided by the second power amplifier 804 in the first mode. The third RF signal path 826 may include one or more filters, one or more matching networks, one or more switches, one or more RF couplers, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0145] The second switch 830 can electrically connect the third signal path 826 to the second antenna 844 in a first mode and the second signal path 824 to the second antenna 844 in a second mode. In the first mode, the output signal from the first power amplifier 802 can be transmitted from the first antenna 842, and the output signal from the second power amplifier 804 can be transmitted from the second antenna 844. In the second mode, the signal from the first power amplifier 802 can be transmitted from the second antenna 844. In some applications, the second antenna 844 can be the main antenna of a mobile device.

[0146] Figure 9This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 900 according to an embodiment. As shown, the power amplifier system 900 includes a first PA 802, a second PA 804, a switch 810, a first signal path 822, a second signal path 824, a third signal path 826, a second switch 930, a first antenna 942, and a second antenna 944. In the power amplifier system 900, the signals of the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 are transmitted from different antennas. The second switch 930 is arranged to electrically connect the first signal path 822 to the first antenna 942 in a first mode and to electrically connect the second signal path 824 to the second antenna 944 in a second mode. Therefore, the output signal of the first power amplifier 802 can be transmitted from the first antenna 942 in both the first and second modes. Switches 810 and 930 together couple the first power amplifier 802 to the first antenna 942 through different signal paths in different modes.

[0147] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 1000 according to an embodiment. As shown, the power amplifier system includes a first PA 802, a second PA 804, a switch 810, a first signal path 822, a second signal path 824, a third signal path 826, a first antenna 1042, a second antenna 1043, and a third antenna 1044. In the power amplifier system 1000, the output signal of the first power amplifier 802 is transmitted from different antennas in different modes, and is also transmitted from different antennas than the output signal of the second power amplifier 804. In a first mode, the output signal of the first power amplifier 802 can be transmitted from the first antenna 1042, while the output signal of the second power amplifier 804 can be transmitted from the third antenna 1044. In a second mode, the output signal of the first power amplifier 802 can be transmitted from the second antenna 1043.

[0148] In some other applications, both the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can provide their respective radio frequency (RF) signals to the same antenna in a mode where both are simultaneously activated. In such applications, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can generate RF signals with different frequency contents, which are then frequency-multiplexed and provided to the same antenna. For example, power amplifiers 802 and 804 can generate RF signals with different frequency contents for carrier aggregation, and these RF signals can be combined using a multiplexer for transmission from the same antenna.

[0149] In some applications, input switching can select which transmitter is electrically connected to the input of a power amplifier in different modes. For example, the input switch of a 2G PA can provide a 2G signal to the input of the 2G PA in 2G mode and a 4G / 5G EN-DC signal to the input of the 2G PA in EN-DC mode.

[0150] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 1100 with an input switch 1102 according to an embodiment. The input switch 1102 can electrically connect different transmitters to the input of the power amplifier 802 in different modes. The input switch 1102 can be implemented with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein. For example, the input switch 1102 can be added to any other embodiment of the power amplifier system and / or module disclosed herein. The input switch 1102 may include... Figure 4 The power amplifier module 400 can be packaged in any suitable combination of its features. Input switch 1102 may be included in a package that also includes... Figure 5 The power amplifier module 500 can be packaged in any suitable combination of its features.

[0151] In some applications, the load line at the output of a power amplifier that can operate in multiple modes can be adjusted for different modes. For example, by adjusting the load line when switching between 2G and EN-DC modes, an adjustable load line at the output of a 2G PA can provide higher efficiency at the required operating power level. If the target output power levels for 2G and EN-DC are significantly different, load line switching can adjust the load line and improve operating efficiency.

[0152] Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 1200 with an adjustable load line 1202 according to an embodiment. The adjustable load line 1202 can adjust the impedance of the load line to operate in different modes. For example, the adjustable load line 1202 can provide a different impedance for 2G mode than for EN DC mode in order to improve and / or optimize the efficiency of each mode at a target operating power level. The adjustable load line 1202 can implement load line switching to adjust the impedance.

[0153] The adjustable load line 1202 can be implemented in conjunction with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein. For example, the adjustable load line 1202 can be added to any other embodiment of the power amplifier system and / or module disclosed herein. The adjustable load line 1202 can be included in... Figure 4 The power amplifier module 400 can be packaged in any suitable combination of its features. The adjustable load line 1202 can be included in a package module that also includes... Figure 5The power amplifier module 500 can be packaged in any suitable combination of its features. The adjustable load line 1202 can be included in a package module that also includes... Figure 4 Any suitable combination of the features of the power amplifier module 400 and Figure 11 The input switch 1102 is housed within a packaged module. The adjustable load line 1202 may be included within a packaged module that also includes... Figure 5 Any suitable combination of the features of the power amplifier module 500 and Figure 11 In the encapsulation module of input switch 1102.

[0154] Carrier aggregation

[0155] Figure 13A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a communication link using carrier aggregation. Carrier aggregation can be used to widen the bandwidth of a communication link by supporting communication on multiple frequency carriers, thereby increasing user data rates and network capacity by leveraging fragmented spectrum allocation. The power amplifier disclosed herein can be implemented in carrier aggregation applications.

[0156] In the example shown, a communication link is provided between base station 1321 and mobile device 1322. Figure 13A As shown, the communication link includes a downlink channel for RF communication from base station 1321 to mobile device 1322, and an uplink channel for RF communication from mobile device 1322 to base station 1321.

[0157] Although Figure 13A The illustration shows carrier aggregation in FDD communication, but carrier aggregation can also be used in TDD communication.

[0158] In some implementations, the communication link can provide asymmetric data rates for downlink and uplink channels. For example, the communication link can be used to support relatively high downlink data rates to enable high-speed streaming of multimedia content to mobile devices, while providing relatively slow data rates to upload data from mobile devices to the cloud.

[0159] In the example shown, base station 1321 and mobile device 1322 communicate via carrier aggregation, which can be used to selectively increase the bandwidth of the communication link. Carrier aggregation includes contiguous aggregation, that is, aggregating consecutive carriers within the same operating frequency band. Carrier aggregation can also be non-contiguous and can include carriers separated by frequency within a common frequency band or different frequency bands.

[0160] exist Figure 13A In the example shown, the uplink channel includes three aggregated component carriers f ULl f UL2 and f UL3 In addition, the downlink channel includes five aggregated component carriers fDL1 f DL2 f DL3 f DL4 and f DL5 Although only one example of component carrier aggregation is shown, more or fewer carriers can be aggregated for the uplink and / or downlink. Furthermore, the number of aggregated carriers can vary over time to achieve the desired uplink and downlink data rates.

[0161] For example, the number of aggregated carriers used for uplink and / or downlink communication in a specific mobile device can change over time. For instance, the number of aggregated carriers changes as the device moves within the communication network and / or as network usage changes over time.

[0162] Figure 13B The diagram illustrates the use of Figure 13A Various examples of uplink carrier aggregation in communication links. Figure 13B The three types of carrier aggregation are schematically depicted, including a first carrier aggregation scenario 1331, a second carrier aggregation scenario 1332, and a third carrier aggregation scenario 1333.

[0163] Carrier aggregation scenario 1331-33 illustrates the first component carrier f ULl Second component carrier f UL2 and the third component carrier f UL3 Different spectral allocations. Although Figure 13B This explanation pertains to the aggregation of three component carriers, but carrier aggregation can be used to aggregate more or fewer carriers. Furthermore, while the explanation focuses on the uplink scenario, the aggregation approach also applies to the downlink.

[0164] First carrier aggregation scenario 1331 illustrates intra-band contiguous carrier aggregation, in which frequency-adjacent component carriers located within a common frequency band are aggregated. For example, first carrier aggregation scenario 1331 describes adjacent component carriers f located within a first frequency band BAND1. UL1 f UL2 and f UL3 The aggregation of.

[0165] Continue to refer to Figure 13B The second carrier aggregation scenario 1332 illustrates in-band discontinuous carrier aggregation, in which two or more component carriers that are not frequency-adjacent and are located within a common frequency band are aggregated. For example, the second carrier aggregation scenario 1332 depicts discontinuous component carriers f located within the first frequency band BAND1. UL1 f UL2 and f UL3 The aggregation of.

[0166] Third carrier aggregation scenario 1333 illustrates inter-band discontinuous carrier aggregation, in which component carriers that are not adjacent in frequency and are located in multiple frequency bands are aggregated. For example, third carrier aggregation scenario 1333 describes component carrier f of the first frequency band BAND1. UL1 and f UL2 The component carrier f of the second frequency band BAND2 UL3 The aggregation of.

[0167] refer to Figures 13A-13B In carrier aggregation, the component carriers used can have multiple frequencies, including, for example, frequency carriers located in the same frequency band or in multiple frequency bands. Furthermore, carrier aggregation is applicable to implementations where the component carriers have approximately the same bandwidth as well as implementations where the component carriers have different bandwidths.

[0168] Some communication networks allocate primary component carriers (PCCs) or anchor carriers for uplink and PCCs for downlink to specific user equipment (UEs). Additionally, UEs use PCCs for communication when mobile devices use a single frequency carrier for uplink or downlink. To enhance uplink communication bandwidth, uplink PCCs can be aggregated with one or more uplink secondary component carriers (SCCs). Furthermore, to enhance downlink communication bandwidth, downlink PCCs can be aggregated with one or more downlink SCCs.

[0169] In some implementations, the communication network provides a network cell for each component carrier. Furthermore, the primary cell may operate using a PCC (Precision PCC), while the secondary cell may operate using a SCC (Sub-Cellular PCC). For example, due to differences in carrier frequency and / or network environment, the primary and secondary cells may have different coverage areas.

[0170] Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) refers to downlink carrier aggregation, where licensed frequency carriers associated with a mobile operator are aggregated with frequency carriers in unlicensed spectrum (such as WiFi). LAA uses downlink PCC (Controlled Control and Signaling Code) in the licensed spectrum to carry control and signaling information associated with the communication link, while unlicensed spectrum is aggregated when available to obtain wider downlink bandwidth. LAA can operate with dynamic adjustment of secondary carriers to avoid coexistence with WiFi users. Enhanced Licensed Assisted Access (eLAA) is an evolution of LAA that aggregates licensed and unlicensed spectrum for both downlink and uplink.

[0171] MIMO communication

[0172] Figure 14A This is a schematic diagram of an example uplink channel using Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication. The power amplifier disclosed herein can be implemented in MIMO communication applications.

[0173] MIMO communication uses multiple antennas to simultaneously transmit multiple data streams on a common spectrum. In some implementations, the data streams operate with different reference signals to enhance data reception at the receiver. MIMO communication benefits from higher SNR, improved coding, and / or reduced signal interference due to spatial multiplexing differences in the radio environment.

[0174] MIMO order refers to the number of individual data streams transmitted or received. For example, the MIMO order of uplink communication can be described by the number of transmit antennas of the UE (e.g., mobile device) and the number of receive antennas of the base station. For example, 2x2 UL MIMO refers to MIMO uplink communication using two UE antennas and two base station antennas. Furthermore, 4x4 UL MIMO refers to MIMO uplink communication using four UE antennas and four base station antennas.

[0175] exist Figure 14A In the example shown, uplink MIMO communication is provided by transmitting using N antennas 1444a, 1444b, 1444c, ... 1444n of mobile device 1442 and receiving using M antennas 1443a, 1443b, 1443c, ... 1443m of base station 1441. Therefore, Figure 14A An example of nxm UL MIMO is illustrated.

[0176] By increasing the level or order of MIMO, the bandwidth of the uplink channel and / or downlink channel can be increased.

[0177] MIMO communication is suitable for various types of communication links, such as FDD and TDD communication links.

[0178] Figure 14B This is a schematic diagram of another example of an uplink channel using MIMO communication. Figure 14B In the example shown, uplink MIMO communication is provided by transmitting using N antennas 1444a, 1444b, 1444c, ... 1444n of the mobile device 1442. Furthermore, the first portion of the uplink transmission is received using M antennas 1443a1, 1443b1, 1443c1, ... 1443m1 of the first base station 1441a, while the second portion of the uplink transmission is received using M antennas 1443a2, 1443b2, 1443c2, ... 1443m2 of the second base station 1441b. Additionally, the first base station 1441a and the second base station 1441b communicate with each other via wired, optical, and / or wireless links.

[0179] Figure 14BThe MIMO scenario illustrates an example where multiple base stations cooperate to facilitate MIMO communication.

[0180] mobile device

[0181] The power amplifier system disclosed herein may be included in wireless communication devices, such as mobile devices. Any power amplifier system based on any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein can be implemented in any suitable wireless communication device. An example of such a wireless communication device will be referenced. Figure 15 Let's discuss this.

[0182] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a mobile device 1500. The mobile device 1500 includes a baseband system 1501, a transceiver 1502, a front-end system 1503, an antenna 1504, a power management system 1505, a memory 1506, a user interface 1507, and a battery 1508.

[0183] The mobile device 1500 can communicate using a variety of communication technologies, including but not limited to 2G, 3G, 4G (including LTE, LTE Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro), 5G NR, WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi), WPAN (e.g., Bluetooth and ZigBee), WMAN (e.g., WiMax), and / or GPS technology.

[0184] Transceiver 1502 generates RF signals for transmission and processes incoming RF signals received from antenna 1504. It should be understood that various functions associated with the transmission and reception of RF signals can be implemented through... Figure 15 The overall implementation is represented by one or more components of transceiver 1502. In one example, individual components (e.g., individual circuits or dies) may be provided to handle some type of RF signal.

[0185] The front-end system 1503 helps to modulate signals transmitted to and / or received from the antenna 1504. In the illustrated embodiment, the front-end system 1503 includes an antenna tuning circuit 1510, a power amplifier (PA) 1511, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 1512, a filter 1513, a switch 1514, and a signal separation / combination circuit 1515. However, other implementations are also possible.

[0186] For example, the front-end system 1503 may provide a variety of functions, including but not limited to, amplifying the signal for transmission, amplifying the signal for reception, filtering the signal, switching between different frequency bands, switching between different power modes, switching between different transmission and reception modes, signal duplexing, signal multiplexing (e.g., duplex or triplex), or some combination thereof.

[0187] In some implementations, the mobile device 1500 supports carrier aggregation, thereby providing flexibility to increase peak data rates. Carrier aggregation can be used for both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) and can be used to aggregate multiple carriers or channels. Carrier aggregation includes contiguous aggregation, i.e., aggregating consecutive carriers within the same operating frequency band. Carrier aggregation can also be non-contiguous and can include frequency-separated carriers within a common frequency band or in different frequency bands.

[0188] Antenna 1504 may include antennas for a wide variety of types of communication. For example, antenna 1504 may include antennas for transmitting and / or receiving signals associated with a wide variety of frequencies and communication standards.

[0189] In some implementations, antenna 1504 supports MIMO communication and / or handshake diversity communication. For example, MIMO communication uses multiple antennas to transmit multiple data streams over a single radio frequency channel. MIMO communication benefits from higher SNR, improved coding, and / or reduced signal interference due to spatial multiplexing differences in the radio environment. Handshake diversity refers to communication that selects a specific antenna to operate at a specified time. For example, a switch can be used to select a specific antenna from a set of antennas based on multiple factors, such as observed bit error rate and / or signal strength indicators.

[0190] In some embodiments, the mobile device 1500 may operate using beamforming. For example, the front-end system 1503 may include an amplifier with controllable gain and a phase shifter with controllable phase to provide beamforming and directivity for transmitting and / or receiving signals using antenna 1504. For example, in the case of signal transmission, the amplitude and phase of the transmitted signal supplied to antenna 1504 are controlled such that the signal radiated from antenna 1504 is combined using constructive and destructive interference to generate a converged transmitted signal that exhibits beamforming quality, propagating more signal strength in a given direction. In the case of signal reception, the amplitude and phase are controlled such that more signal energy is received when the signal arrives at antenna 1504 from a particular direction. In some embodiments, antenna 1504 includes one or more arrays of antenna elements to enhance beamforming.

[0191] Baseband system 1501 is coupled to user interface 1507 to handle various user inputs and outputs (I / O), such as voice and data. Baseband system 1501 provides a digital representation of the transmitted signal to transceiver 1502, which processes the digital representation to generate an RF signal for transmission. Baseband system 1501 also processes a digital representation of the received signal provided by transceiver 1502. Figure 15 As shown, the baseband system 1501 is coupled to the memory 1506 to facilitate the operation of the mobile device 1500.

[0192] The memory 1506 can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as storing data and / or instructions to facilitate the operation of the mobile device 1500 and / or providing storage for user information.

[0193] The power management system 1505 provides multiple power management functions for the mobile device 1500. In some embodiments, the power management system 1505 includes PA power supply control circuitry that controls the supply voltage of the power amplifier 1511. For example, the power management system 1505 may be configured to change the supply voltage supplied to one or more power amplifiers 1511 to improve efficiency, such as power-added efficiency (PAE).

[0194] like Figure 15 As shown, the power management system 1505 receives battery voltage from the battery 1508. The battery 1508 can be any suitable battery for the mobile device 1500, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0195] Applications, terminology, and conclusions

[0196] Any of the above embodiments can be implemented in conjunction with mobile devices such as cellular phones. The principles and advantages of these embodiments can be used in any system or apparatus that can benefit from any of the embodiments described herein, such as any uplink wireless communication device. The teachings herein are applicable to a wide variety of systems. Although this application includes exemplary embodiments, the teachings described herein can be applied to a variety of architectures. Any principles and advantages described herein can be implemented in conjunction with RF circuitry configured to amplify and process signals in a frequency range of approximately 30 kHz to 300 GHz, for example, approximately 450 MHz to 8.5 GHz. The power amplifier system disclosed herein can generate RF signals at various frequencies within FR1 of the 5G NR specification.

[0197] Various aspects of this application can be implemented in a variety of electronic devices. Examples of such electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, consumer electronics products, parts of consumer electronics products (such as packaged radio frequency modules), uplink wireless communication devices, wireless communication infrastructure, electronic test equipment, etc. Examples of such electronic devices may also include, but are not limited to, mobile phones (such as smartphones), wearable computing devices (such as smartwatches or headphones), telephones, televisions, computer monitors, computers, modems, handheld computers, laptops, tablets, microwave ovens, refrigerators, in-vehicle electronic systems (such as automotive electronic systems), robots (such as industrial robots), Internet of Things devices, stereo systems, digital music players, cameras (such as digital cameras), portable storage chips, household appliances (such as washing machines and dryers), peripheral devices, wristwatches, clocks, etc. Furthermore, such electronic devices may include unfinished products.

[0198] Unless the context otherwise indicates, throughout the specification and claims, the words “comprising,” “including,” etc., shall be interpreted generally as inclusive rather than exclusive or exhaustive; that is, meaning “including but not limited to.” Conditional language used herein, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” “for example,” “such as,” etc., unless specifically stated or otherwise understood according to the context, is generally intended to indicate that some embodiments include, while others do not, certain features, elements, and / or states. The word “coupled,” as commonly used herein, means that two or more elements can be directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the word “connected,” as commonly used herein, means that two or more elements can be directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Furthermore, the words “this,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar importance, when used in this application, should refer to the entire application, not any particular part of it. Where the context permits, the use of singular or plural forms in the preceding detailed description section may also include the plural or singular, respectively.

[0199] While some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In fact, the novel power amplifier system, RF front-end, wireless communication device, and method described herein can be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the form of the power amplifier system, RF front-end, wireless communication device, and method described herein without departing from the spirit of this application. For example, although blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform similar functions with different compositions and / or circuit topologies, and some blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. Each of these blocks can be implemented in various different ways. Any suitable combination of these components and / or implementation of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications falling within the scope and spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A power amplifier system for dual connection, the power amplifier system comprising: A first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a radio frequency signal, the first power amplifier being configured to amplify a 2G signal in a 2G mode or amplify a 4G or 5G signal in a dual-connection mode, and the power supply voltage of the first power amplifier being adjusted to switch between the 2G mode and the dual-connection mode. The second power amplifier is configured to amplify 5G or 4G signals in a dual-connectivity mode, wherein the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are both enabled in the dual-connectivity mode, and the second power amplifier is not enabled in the 2G mode. The radio frequency front-end processing circuit includes a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path; and A switch is configured to electrically connect the output of a first power amplifier to a first radio frequency signal path in a dual-connection mode, and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a second radio frequency signal path in a 2G mode, wherein the first and second radio frequency signal paths include radio frequency couplers to provide an indication of output power.

2. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency front-end processing circuit further includes a third radio frequency signal path, wherein the first power amplifier is electrically connected to the first antenna via the first radio frequency signal path in dual-connection mode, or electrically connected to the second antenna via the second radio frequency signal path in 2G mode, and the second power amplifier is electrically connected to the second antenna via the third radio frequency signal path in dual-connection mode.

3. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the power of the radio frequency signal in dual-connection mode is lower than that in 2G mode.

4. The power amplifier system as described in claim 1, wherein the dual-connection mode is a non-standalone 5G mode.

5. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency signal is a 4G signal in dual-connectivity mode, and the second power amplifier is configured to provide a 5G signal in dual-connectivity mode.

6. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency signal is a 5G signal in dual-connectivity mode, and the second power amplifier is configured to provide a 4G signal in dual-connectivity mode.

7. The power amplifier system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The first antenna is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal in a dual-connection mode, and the second antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal from a second power amplifier in a dual-connection mode.

8. The power amplifier system of claim 1 further includes an input switch configured to electrically connect a first transmitter to the input of the first power amplifier in a dual-connection mode and to electrically connect a second transmitter to the input of the first power amplifier in a 2G mode.

9. The power amplifier system of claim 1, further comprising a load line coupled to the output of the first power amplifier, the load line being configured to provide a first impedance in a dual-connection mode and a second impedance in a 2G mode, the first impedance being different from the second impedance.

10. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the first power amplifier is configured to have a greater bandwidth in dual-connection mode than in 2G mode.

11. A method for transmitting a radio frequency signal, the method comprising: In dual-connectivity mode, a first power amplifier is used to generate a first 4G or 5G signal; In dual-connectivity mode, a second power amplifier is used to generate a second 5G or 4G signal; In dual-connection mode, wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal; The operating mode is changed from dual-connection mode to 2G mode. The first power amplifier is enabled in 2G mode, the second power amplifier is disabled in 2G mode, and the power supply voltage of the first power amplifier is adjusted to switch between the 2G mode and the dual-connection mode. and The output of the first power amplifier is electrically connected to a second radio frequency signal path for 2G mode, which is different from the first radio frequency signal path for dual-connection mode. The first and second radio frequency signal paths include radio frequency couplers to provide an indication of output power.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first power amplifier is electrically connected to the first antenna via the first radio frequency signal path in dual-connection mode, or electrically connected to the second antenna via the second radio frequency signal path in 2G mode, and the second power amplifier is electrically connected to the second antenna via the third radio frequency signal path in dual-connection mode.

13. A wireless communication device for dual connectivity, the wireless communication device comprising: A first power amplifier includes a first output configured to provide a first radio frequency (RF) signal. The first power amplifier is configured to amplify a 2G signal in a 2G mode or amplify a 4G or 5G signal in a dual-connectivity mode. The power supply voltage of the first power amplifier is adjusted to switch between the 2G mode and the dual-connectivity mode. The first output of the first power amplifier is connected to a first RF signal path in the dual-connectivity mode or to a second RF signal path in the 2G mode. The first RF signal path and the second RF signal path include RF couplers to provide an indication of output power. The second power amplifier includes a second output terminal configured to provide a second radio frequency signal, the second power amplifier being configured to amplify a 5G or 4G signal in a dual-connectivity mode, wherein the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are simultaneously enabled in the dual-connectivity mode, and the second power amplifier is not enabled in the 2G mode. and Multiple antennas, including a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein the first antenna is configured to transmit a first radio frequency signal in a dual-connectivity mode, and the second antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal in a dual-connectivity mode, or to transmit a first radio frequency signal in a 2G mode.

14. The wireless communication device of claim 13, further comprising a radio frequency front-end processing circuit including the first radio frequency signal path and the second radio frequency signal path, and a switch configured to electrically connect the first output terminal of the first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in a dual-connection mode and to electrically connect the first output terminal of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in a 2G mode.

15. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The first radio frequency signal is a 4G signal in dual connectivity mode, and the second radio frequency signal is a 5G signal in dual connectivity mode.

16. The wireless communication device of claim 13, wherein the first radio frequency signal is a 5G signal in dual connectivity mode, and the second radio frequency signal is a 4G signal in dual connectivity mode.

17. A power amplifier system, comprising: A first power amplifier is configured to amplify a 2G signal in 2G mode or a 4G or 5G signal in dual-connectivity mode. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein the RF signal in 2G mode includes a 2G signal and the RF signal in dual-connectivity mode includes a 4G or 5G signal. The power supply voltage of the first power amplifier is adjusted to switch between the 2G mode and the dual-connectivity mode. The second power amplifier is configured to amplify 5G or 4G signals in a dual-connectivity mode, wherein the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are both enabled in the dual-connectivity mode, and the second power amplifier is not enabled in the 2G mode. and A switch is configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a first radio frequency signal path in a dual-connection mode and to a second radio frequency signal path in a 2G mode, wherein the first and second radio frequency signal paths include radio frequency couplers to provide an indication of output power.

18. The power amplifier system of claim 17, wherein the output of the second power amplifier is electrically connected to the third radio frequency signal path.

19. A wireless communication device for multiple modes, the wireless communication device comprising: A first power amplifier is configured to amplify a 2G signal in 2G mode or a 4G or 5G signal in dual-connectivity mode. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a first radio frequency (RF) signal, which includes a 2G signal in 2G mode or a 4G or 5G signal in dual-connectivity mode. The power supply voltage of the first power amplifier is adjusted to switch between the 2G mode and the dual-connectivity mode. The output of the first power amplifier is connected to a first RF signal path in the dual-connectivity mode or to a second RF signal path in the 2G mode. The first RF signal path and the second RF signal path include RF couplers to provide an indication of output power. The second power amplifier is configured to amplify 5G or 4G signals in dual-connection mode, and the second power amplifier is not enabled in 2G mode. and Multiple antennas, including a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein the first antenna is configured to transmit a first radio frequency signal from the first power amplifier in a dual-connectivity mode, and the second antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal from the second power amplifier in a dual-connectivity mode, or to transmit a first radio frequency signal from the first power amplifier in a 2G mode.

20. The wireless communication device of claim 19, further comprising: The radio frequency front-end processing circuit includes a first radio frequency signal path, a second radio frequency signal path, and a third radio frequency signal path; and The switch is configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a first radio frequency signal path in a dual-connection mode, and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a second radio frequency signal path in a 2G mode. The output of the second power amplifier is electrically connected to the third radio frequency signal path.

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