Power amplifier and radio frequency front-end module

Abstract

The application discloses a power amplifier and a radio frequency front end module. The power amplifier has a signal input end and a signal output end, and comprises a first phase shift module, a power amplification module, a second phase shift module and a balun module. The first phase shift module is connected to the signal input end and is used for outputting a pair of first radio frequency signals. The absolute value of the phase difference of the pair of first radio frequency signals is less than or equal to a first specified difference. The power amplification module is connected to the output end of the first phase shift module. The second phase shift module is connected to the output end of the power amplification module and is used for outputting a pair of second radio frequency signals. The balun module is connected between the second phase shift module and the signal output end. The balun module is used for sending the pair of second radio frequency signals to the signal output end after current combination. Since the balun module is used for combination at the rear end of the power amplifier, the frequency band of the power amplifier is wider.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of radio frequency technology, and more specifically, to a power amplifier and a radio frequency front-end module. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of modern communication technology, increasingly higher demands are being placed on the communication functions of mobile terminals such as mobile phones. For example, the industry currently requires support for High Performance User Equipment (HPUE) functionality in the Band 41 (2496MHz~2690MHz) frequency band. To meet these requirements, the antenna transmit linear power of the mobile terminal needs to be increased to 26dBm. However, due to the reduced design area of ​​the communication terminal's RF antenna, the RF antenna gain decreases, and the RF antenna load impedance standing wave ratio (VSWR) increases. This necessitates that the RF power amplifier output greater linear power to meet the RF specifications of the mobile terminal.

[0003] A balanced power amplifier (PA) is a special type of power amplifier that combines power signals to achieve good VSWR over a wide range of input and output signals. Currently, existing balanced power amplifiers employ a structure combining orthogonal coupling networks with impedance matching circuits (e.g., LC resonant circuits) to achieve their function. However, balanced power amplifiers using this structure suffer from a narrow bandwidth. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a power amplifier and a radio frequency front-end module.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a power amplifier having a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal. The power amplifier includes a first phase-shifting module, a power amplification module, a second phase-shifting module, and a balun module. The first phase-shifting module is connected to the signal input terminal and outputs a pair of first radio frequency (RF) signals, wherein the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of RF signals and 90 degrees is less than or equal to a first specified difference. The power amplification module is connected to the output terminal of the first phase-shifting module. The second phase-shifting module is connected to the output terminal of the power amplification module and outputs a pair of second RF signals, wherein the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of second RF signals is less than or equal to a second specified difference. The balun module is connected between the second phase-shifting module and the signal output terminal, and is used to current-combine the pair of second RF signals before transmitting them to the signal output terminal.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this application, embodiments of this application also provide a radio frequency front-end module, which includes the power amplifier described above.

[0007] This application provides a power amplifier and a radio frequency (RF) front-end module. The power amplifier has a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal. The power amplifier includes a first phase-shifting module, a power amplification module, a second phase-shifting module, and a balun module. The first phase-shifting module is connected to the signal input terminal, the balun module is connected to the signal output terminal, and the power amplification module and the second phase-shifting module are sequentially connected between the first phase-shifting module and the balun module. Specifically, the first phase-shifting module outputs a pair of first RF signals with a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees or approximately -90 degrees. The second phase-shifting module converts the amplified pair of first RF signals into a pair of second RF signals with a phase difference of approximately 0 degrees. Therefore, the first phase-shifting module, the power amplification module, and the second phase-shifting module constitute the basic framework of the power amplifier.

[0008] The balun module is used to convert a pair of second RF signals into a single RF signal before transmitting it to the signal output terminal. Because this application uses a balun module for combining at the back end of the power amplifier, the power amplifier's bandwidth can be widened. Therefore, with a wider bandwidth, the output power of the RF signal is greater and the output efficiency is higher, thereby improving the output performance of the RF signal. Furthermore, the balun module in this application uses current combining to combine the second RF signals, resulting in better signal balance performance of the power amplifier. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the power amplifier provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a second structural design of the power amplifier.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the third type of power amplifier structure.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one structure of the first phase-shifting unit.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Another structural schematic diagram of the first phase-shifting unit.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the fourth structure of the power amplifier.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the simulation results provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the fifth possible structure of the power amplifier.

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the sixth structural design of the power amplifier.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radio frequency front-end module provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a power amplifier 100, which has a signal input terminal 12 and a signal output terminal 14. It may include a first phase-shifting module 10, a power amplification module 20, a second phase-shifting module 30, and a balun module 40. The first phase-shifting module 10 is connected to the signal input terminal 12 and is used to output a pair of first radio frequency (RF) signals. The absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of RF signals and 90 degrees is less than or equal to a first specified difference. For example, the first specified difference may be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. Therefore, the first phase-shifting module 10 is used to output a pair of first RF signals with a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees or a phase difference of approximately -90 degrees.

[0022] A power amplifier module 20 is connected to the output terminal 110 of the first phase shift module 10 and is used to amplify the power of a pair of first radio frequency (RF) signals output by the first phase shift module 10. A second phase shift module 30 is connected to the output terminal 210 of the power amplifier module 20 and is used to output a pair of second RF signals, wherein the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of second RF signals is less than or equal to a second specified difference. For example, the second specified difference can be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. Therefore, the second phase shift module 30 is used to convert the pair of first RF signals after power amplification into a pair of second RF signals with a phase difference of approximately 0 degrees. The first phase shift module 10, the power amplifier module 20, and the second phase shift module 30 constitute the basic framework of the power amplifier 100.

[0023] A balun module 40 is connected between the output terminal 310 of the second phase-shifting module 30 and the signal output terminal 14. The balun module 40 is used to current-combine a pair of second radio frequency signals and then send them to the signal output terminal 14. Since this application uses the balun module 40 to combine the signals at the rear end of the power amplifier 100, the bandwidth of the power amplifier 100 can be widened. Therefore, with a wider bandwidth, the output power of the radio frequency signal is greater and the output efficiency is higher, thereby improving the output performance of the radio frequency signal. Furthermore, the balun module 40 in this application uses current-combining to combine the second radio frequency signals, giving the power amplifier 100 better signal balance performance.

[0024] The following is a detailed description of each module in the power amplifier 100.

[0025] The power amplifier 100 has a signal input terminal 12 and a signal output terminal 14. The signal input terminal 12 is used to input radio frequency (RF) signals sent from the outside to the power amplifier 100. The frequency of the RF signal is determined by the communication device in which the RF front-end module 200 is specifically applied. For example, if the communication device operates in the N77 band, the frequency of the RF signal can be 3.3 GHz to 4.2 GHz; if the communication device operates in the N78 band, the frequency of the RF signal can be 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz; if the communication device operates in the N79 band, the frequency of the RF signal can be 4.5 GHz to 5 GHz. This embodiment does not specifically limit the input signal of the signal input terminal 12. The signal output terminal 14 is used to transmit the RF signal processed by the power amplifier 100 to the outside.

[0026] The power amplifier module 20 is connected to the output terminal 110 of the first phase shift module 10 and is used to amplify the power of a pair of first radio frequency signals output by the first phase shift module 10. (See also...) Figure 2The power amplification module 20 includes a first power amplification unit 250 and a second power amplification unit 260, which are respectively connected between the first phase shifting module 10 and the second phase shifting module 30. The first power amplification unit 250 amplifies one of a pair of first radio frequency signals, and the second power amplification unit 260 amplifies the other of the pair. In some possible embodiments, the first power amplification unit 250 and the second power amplification unit 260 can be implemented using transistors. For example, the first power amplification unit 250 can be a first transistor, and the second power amplification unit 260 can be a second transistor. The first and second transistors can be transistors with identical hardware parameters to improve the balance of the signal output. Specifically, the first and second transistors can be bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) or metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). This embodiment does not limit the specific implementation of the power amplification module 20.

[0027] The first phase-shifting module 10 is connected to the signal input terminal 12 and is used to output a pair of first radio frequency (RF) signals. The absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of RF signals and 90 degrees is less than or equal to a first specified difference. The first specified difference can be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. For example, the first specified difference can be 0 degrees, 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, 10 degrees, etc. Ideally, the first specified difference is 0 degrees, in which case the first phase-shifting module 10 outputs a pair of RF signals with a phase difference of 90 degrees or a phase difference of -90 degrees. Therefore, the power amplifier 100 in this embodiment is a balanced power amplifier.

[0028] In some possible embodiments, the first phase-shifting module 10 may include a first phase-shifting unit 150, which shifts the phase of the radio frequency (RF) signal by a first specified value. The absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the first specified value and 90 degrees is less than or equal to a third specified difference. The third specified difference can be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. Exemplarily, the third specified difference can be 0 degrees, 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, 10 degrees, etc. It is understood that, ideally, the third specified difference is 0 degrees, in which case the first specified value is 90 degrees or -90 degrees. When the first specified value is 90 degrees, the phase of the RF signal output by the first phase-shifting unit 150 will lead the phase of the RF signal input by the first phase-shifting unit 150 by 90 degrees; when the first specified value is -90 degrees, the phase of the RF signal output by the first phase-shifting unit 150 will lag the phase of the RF signal input by the first phase-shifting unit 150 by 90 degrees.

[0029] Specifically, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first phase-shifting unit 150 is connected between the input terminal of the first power amplifier unit 250 and the signal input terminal 12, and the input terminal of the second power amplifier unit 260 is directly connected to the signal input terminal 12. Therefore, when the first specified value is 90 degrees, the phase of the RF signal input to the first power amplifier unit 250 will lead the phase of the RF signal input to the second power amplifier unit 260 by 90 degrees. When the first specified value is -90 degrees, the phase of the RF signal input to the first power amplifier unit 250 will lag the phase of the RF signal input to the second power amplifier unit 260 by 90 degrees. For other possible embodiments, please refer to... Figure 3 The first phase-shifting unit 150 is connected between the input terminal of the second power amplifier unit 260 and the signal input terminal 12, and the input terminal of the first power amplifier unit 250 is directly connected to the signal input terminal 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first phase-shifting module 10 can output a pair of first radio frequency signals with a phase difference of 90 degrees or a phase difference of -90 degrees through a single phase-shifting unit, which simplifies the circuit structure of the power amplifier 100 and reduces the hardware cost of the power amplifier 100.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first phase shifting unit 150 can be a T-type phase shifter. Please refer again. Figure 2 and Figure 4The first phase-shifting unit 150 may include a first inductor L1, a second inductor L2, and a first capacitor C1. The first inductor L1 and the second inductor L2 are connected in series between the input terminal and the signal input terminal 12 of the first power amplifier unit 250. One end of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the common terminal between the first inductor L1 and the second inductor L2, and the other end is grounded. Specifically, the first inductor L1, the second inductor L2, and the first capacitor C1 can be determined according to a first specified value corresponding to the first phase-shifting unit 150; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

[0031] In some other possible embodiments, the first phase shifting unit 150 may be a Π-type phase shifter. Please refer again. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The first phase-shifting unit 150 may include a third inductor L3, a second capacitor C2, and a third capacitor C3. The third inductor L3 is connected between the input terminal of the first power amplifier unit 250 and the signal input terminal 12. One end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the input terminal of the first power amplifier unit 250, and the other end is grounded. One end of the third capacitor C3 is connected to the signal input terminal 12, and the other end is grounded. Specifically, the third inductor L3, the second capacitor C2, and the third capacitor C3 can be determined according to a first specified value corresponding to the first phase-shifting unit 150; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

[0032] In some possible embodiments, the first phase-shifting module 10 may include a second phase-shifting unit 160 and a third phase-shifting unit 170. The second phase-shifting unit 160 is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a second specified value, and the third phase-shifting unit 170 is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a third specified value. The absolute value of the difference between the second and third specified values ​​is a first difference, and the absolute value of the difference between the first difference and 90 degrees is less than or equal to a fourth specified difference. The fourth specified difference can be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. For example, the fourth specified difference can be 0 degrees, 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, 10 degrees, etc. It is understood that, ideally, the fourth specified difference is 0 degrees, in which case the first difference is 90 degrees. In some possible embodiments, the second specified value can be 30 degrees, and the third specified value can be -60 degrees. The phase of the radio frequency signal output by the second phase shifting unit 160 will lead the phase of the radio frequency signal input by the second phase shifting unit 160 by 30 degrees, and the phase of the radio frequency signal output by the third phase shifting unit 170 will lag the phase of the radio frequency signal input by the third phase shifting unit 170 by 60 degrees. In other possible embodiments, the second specified value can be -45 degrees, and the third specified value can be 45 degrees. This embodiment does not specifically limit the second and third specified values.

[0033] Please see Figure 6The second phase-shifting unit 160 is connected between the input terminal of the first power amplifier unit 250 and the signal input terminal 12, and the third phase-shifting unit 170 is connected between the input terminal of the second power amplifier unit 260 and the signal input terminal 12. For example, when the second specified value is 30 degrees and the third specified value is -60 degrees, the phase of the RF signal input to the first power amplifier unit 250 leads the phase of the RF signal input to the second power amplifier unit 260 by 90 degrees. When the second specified value is -45 degrees and the third specified value is 45 degrees, the phase of the RF signal input to the first power amplifier unit 250 lags the phase of the RF signal input to the second power amplifier unit 260 by 90 degrees.

[0034] Specifically, the second phase shifting unit 160 can be a T-type phase shifter or a Π-type phase shifter, and the third phase shifting unit 170 can be a T-type phase shifter or a Π-type phase shifter. The specific structures of the second phase shifting unit 160 and the third phase shifting unit 170 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The relevant description of the structure of the first phase-shifting unit 150 will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, the first phase-shifting module 10, by setting the second phase-shifting unit 160 and the third phase-shifting unit 170, makes the circuit structure of the power amplifier 100 more symmetrical and improves the balance of the signal output. In addition, setting two phase-shifting units makes it more convenient for researchers to adjust hardware parameters and improves the accuracy of phase adjustment.

[0035] The second phase-shifting module 30 is connected to the output terminal 210 of the power amplifier module 20 and is used to output a pair of second radio frequency (RF) signals. The absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of second RF signals is less than or equal to a second specified difference. The second specified difference can be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. For example, the second specified difference can be 0 degrees, 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, 10 degrees, etc. Ideally, the second specified difference is 0 degrees, in which case the second phase-shifting module 30 outputs a pair of second RF signals with a phase difference of 0 degrees. Since the pair of first RF signals input to the power amplifier module 20 has a phase difference of 90 degrees or -90 degrees, the RF signals output by the power amplifier module 20 also have a phase difference of 90 degrees or -90 degrees. The second phase-shifting module 30 is used to eliminate the phase difference in the RF signals, allowing the subsequent balun module 40 to successfully combine the two RF signals.

[0036] In some possible embodiments, the second phase-shifting module 30 may include a fourth phase-shifting unit 350, which shifts the phase of the radio frequency (RF) signal by a fourth specified value. The absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the fourth specified value and 90 degrees is less than or equal to a fifth specified difference. The fifth specified difference can be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. Exemplarily, the fifth specified difference can be 0 degrees, 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, 10 degrees, etc. It is understood that, ideally, the fifth specified difference is 0 degrees, in which case the fourth specified value is 90 degrees or -90 degrees. When the fourth specified value is 90 degrees, the phase of the RF signal output by the fourth phase-shifting unit 350 will lead the phase of the RF signal input by the fourth phase-shifting unit 350 by 90 degrees; when the fourth specified value is -90 degrees, the phase of the RF signal output by the fourth phase-shifting unit 350 will lag the phase of the RF signal input by the fourth phase-shifting unit 350 by 90 degrees.

[0037] Specifically, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth phase-shifting unit 350 is connected between the output of the first power amplifier unit 250 and the balun module 40, and the output of the second power amplifier unit 260 is directly connected to the balun module 40. It should be noted that the fourth specified value corresponding to the fourth phase-shifting unit 350 needs to be determined based on the phase of the specific output RF signals of the first power amplifier unit 250 and the second power amplifier unit 260. If the phase of the RF signal output by the first power amplifier unit 250 leads the phase of the RF signal output by the second power amplifier unit 260 by 90 degrees, then the fourth specified value is -90 degrees. Conversely, if the phase of the RF signal output by the first power amplifier unit 250 lags the phase of the RF signal output by the second power amplifier unit 260 by 90 degrees, then the fourth specified value is 90 degrees.

[0038] In some other possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The fourth phase-shifting unit 350 is connected between the output of the second power amplifier unit 260 and the balun module 40, while the output of the first power amplifier unit 250 is directly connected to the balun module 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second phase-shifting module 30 can output a pair of second radio frequency signals with a phase difference of 0 degrees through a single phase-shifting unit, simplifying the circuit structure of the power amplifier 100 and reducing the hardware cost of the power amplifier 100.

[0039] Specifically, the fourth phase shifting unit 350 can be a T-type phase shifter or a Π-type phase shifter. The specific structure of the fourth phase shifting unit 350 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The relevant introduction to the structure of the first phase-shifting unit 150 will not be repeated here.

[0040] In some possible embodiments, the second phase-shifting module 30 may include a fifth phase-shifting unit 360 and a sixth phase-shifting unit 370. The fifth phase-shifting unit 360 is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a fifth specified value, and the sixth phase-shifting unit 370 is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a sixth specified value. The absolute value of the difference between the fifth and sixth specified values ​​is a second difference, and the absolute value of the difference between the second difference and 90 degrees is less than or equal to the sixth specified difference. The sixth specified difference can be greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. Exemplarily, the sixth specified difference can be 0 degrees, 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, 10 degrees, etc. It is understood that ideally, the sixth specified difference is 0 degrees, in which case the second difference is 90 degrees. In some possible embodiments, the fifth specified value can be 30 degrees, and the sixth specified value can be -60 degrees. In other possible embodiments, the fifth specified value can be -45 degrees, and the sixth specified value can be 45 degrees. This embodiment does not specifically limit the fifth and sixth specified values.

[0041] Please see Figure 6 The fifth phase-shifting unit 360 is connected between the output of the first power amplifier unit 250 and the balun module 40, and the sixth phase-shifting unit 370 is connected between the output of the second power amplifier unit 260 and the balun module 40. It should be noted that the fifth specified value corresponding to the fifth phase-shifting unit 360 and the sixth specified value corresponding to the sixth phase-shifting unit 370 need to be determined based on the phase of the specific output RF signals of the first power amplifier unit 250 and the second power amplifier unit 260. If the phase of the RF signal output by the first power amplifier unit 250 leads the phase of the RF signal output by the second power amplifier unit 260 by 90 degrees, then the fifth specified value is less than the sixth specified value. For example, the fifth specified value can be -45 degrees, and the sixth specified value can be 45 degrees. If the phase of the RF signal output by the first power amplifier unit 250 lags the phase of the RF signal output by the second power amplifier unit 260 by 90 degrees, then the fifth specified value is greater than the sixth specified value. For example, the fifth specified value can be 45 degrees, and the sixth specified value can be -45 degrees.

[0042] Specifically, the fifth phase shifting unit 360 can be a T-type phase shifter or a Π-type phase shifter, and the sixth phase shifting unit 370 can be a T-type phase shifter or a Π-type phase shifter. The specific structures of the fifth phase shifting unit 360 and the sixth phase shifting unit 370 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 and Figure 5The relevant description of the structure of the first phase-shifting unit 150 will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, the second phase-shifting module 30, by setting the fifth phase-shifting unit 360 and the sixth phase-shifting unit 370, makes the circuit structure of the power amplifier 100 more symmetrical and improves the balance of signal output. In addition, setting two phase-shifting units makes it more convenient for researchers to adjust hardware parameters and improves the accuracy of phase adjustment.

[0043] It should be noted that the first phase shifting module 10 and the second phase shifting module 30 are two independent modules, and their specific implementations can be freely combined into other embodiments. That is, the first phase shifting module 10 can adopt... Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 The second phase shifting module 30 can adopt any of the following implementation methods: Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 Any of the implementation methods in [the document / concept].

[0044] A balun module 40, connected between the second phase-shifting module 30 and the signal output terminal 14, is used to current-combine a pair of second RF signals before sending them to the signal output terminal 14. Simulation experiments by researchers have shown that using the balun module 40 for combining at the rear end of the power amplifier 100 can result in a wider bandwidth for the power amplifier 100. Please refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the simulation results is shown, in which, Figure 7 Curve 81 in the simulation results shows the result when the power amplifier 100 is combined using a balun at its rear end, and curve 82 shows the result when the power amplifier 100 is combined using an LC matching circuit at its rear end. The horizontal axis of the simulation results curves represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents signal output power. From... Figure 7 It is not difficult to observe that, with the balun combined, the bandwidth of the RF signal is greater than that with the LC matching circuit combined. Furthermore, for RF signals of different frequencies, the signal output power of power amplifier 100 with the balun combined is greater than that with the LC matching circuit combined. Moreover, since signal output power and signal output efficiency are roughly positively correlated, for RF signals of different frequencies, the signal output efficiency of power amplifier 100 with the balun combined is also greater than that with the LC matching circuit combined.

[0045] In this embodiment, the balun module 40 may include a first balun unit 410 and a second balun unit 420. The first balun unit 410 is connected between the first output terminal and the signal output terminal 14 of the second phase shift module 30, and the second balun unit 420 is connected between the second output terminal and the signal output terminal 14 of the second phase shift module 30. Specifically, the first balun unit 410 is configured to perform impedance matching on one of the two pairs of second radio frequency signals; the second balun unit 420 is configured to perform impedance matching on the other of the two pairs of second radio frequency signals. Therefore, each signal in the pair of second radio frequency signals is individually equipped with a corresponding balun unit for impedance matching, which can avoid interference between radio frequency signals and improve the balance performance of signal output.

[0046] Please see Figure 8 The first primary side 4101 of the first balun unit 410 is connected to the first output terminal 3100 of the second phase shift module 30, and the first primary side 4201 of the second balun unit 420 is connected to the second output terminal 3110 of the second phase shift module 30. The second primary side 4105 of the first balun unit 410 and the second primary side 4205 of the second balun unit 420 are grounded. The first secondary side 4103 of the first balun unit 410 is connected to the second primary side 4203 of the second balun unit 420 to form a common terminal 16, which is connected to the signal output terminal 14. The second secondary side 4107 of the first balun unit 410 and the second secondary side 4207 of the second balun unit 420 are grounded. In some other possible embodiments, the second primary terminal 4105 of the first balun unit 410 and the second primary terminal 4205 of the second balun unit 420 may also be connected to a power supply port, which can provide a power supply voltage (Volt Current Condenser, VCC) to the first balun unit 410 and the second balun unit 420.

[0047] Therefore, the RF signal output from the first output terminal 3100 is output from the first secondary side terminal 4103 of the first balun unit 410 after current transformation by the first balun unit 410, and the RF signal output from the second output terminal 3110 is output from the second primary side terminal 4203 of the second balun unit 420 after current transformation by the second balun unit 420. That is, each signal in a pair of second RF signals is processed by the corresponding balun unit and then current-combined at the common terminal 16, thereby avoiding interference between the two RF signals before combination and improving the signal output balance performance. Specifically, to ensure the signal output balance performance, the first balun unit 410 and the second balun unit 420 can be two balun units with the same hardware parameters.

[0048] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 9The balun module 40 may include a first primary side 430, a second primary side 440, and a secondary side 450. One end of the first primary side 430 is connected to the first output terminal of the second phase-shifting module 30, and the other end is grounded. One end of the second primary side 440 is connected to the second output terminal of the second phase-shifting module 30, and the other end is grounded. The first primary side 430 and the second primary side 440 are located on opposite sides of the secondary side 450 and are coupled to it. One end of the secondary side 450 is connected to the signal output terminal 14, and the other end is grounded. Specifically, the first primary side 430 and the secondary side 450 are configured to perform impedance matching on one of a pair of second RF signals, and the second primary side 440 and the secondary side 450 are configured to perform impedance matching on the other of the pair of second RF signals.

[0049] Therefore, the RF signal output from the first output terminal 3100 is directly output from the secondary terminal 450 after current transformation operations of the first primary side 430 and the secondary side 450, and the RF signal output from the second output terminal 3110 is directly output from the secondary terminal 450 after current transformation operations of the second primary side 440 and the secondary side 450. That is, the two RF signals are current-combined at the same end of the secondary terminal 450. Since the two signals can be directly combined and output from the same end of the secondary terminal 450, the signal output balance performance is improved. In addition, the first primary side 430 and the second primary side 440 can share the same secondary terminal 450, thereby saving hardware costs of the power amplifier 100. Specifically, in order to ensure the signal output balance performance, the first primary side 430 and the second primary side 440 can be two coils with the same hardware parameters.

[0050] It should be noted that the second phase shifting module 30 adopts... Figure 2 In the structure shown, the first output terminal 3100 is the output terminal of the fourth phase-shifting unit 350, and the second output terminal 3110 is the output terminal of the second power amplifier unit 260. In the second phase-shifting module 30... Figure 3 In the structure shown, the first output terminal 3100 is the output terminal of the first power amplifier unit 250, and the second output terminal 3110 is the output terminal of the fourth phase shifting unit 350. In the second phase shifting module 30... Figure 6 In the structure shown, the first output terminal 3100 is the output terminal of the fifth phase shifting unit 360, and the second output terminal 3110 is the output terminal of the sixth phase shifting unit 370.

[0051] Please see Figure 10This application provides a power amplifier 100 and a radio frequency (RF) front-end module 200 incorporating the power amplifier 100. The RF front-end module 200 is a component that integrates two or more discrete devices, such as RF switches, low-noise amplifiers, filters, duplexers, and power amplifiers, into a single independent module. This improves the integration and hardware performance of the RF front-end module 200 and reduces its size. Specifically, the RF front-end module 200 can be applied to 4G and 5G communication devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.

[0052] The power amplifier 100 in the RF front-end module 200 may have a signal input terminal 12 and a signal output terminal 14. The power amplifier 100 may include a first phase-shifting module 10, a power amplification module 20, a second phase-shifting module 30, and a balun module 40. The first phase-shifting module 10 is connected to the signal input terminal 12 and outputs a pair of first RF signals, where the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of first RF signals and 90 degrees is less than or equal to a first specified difference. The power amplification module 20 is connected to the output terminal 110 of the first phase-shifting module 10. The second phase-shifting module 30 is connected to the output terminal 210 of the power amplification module 20 and outputs a pair of second RF signals, where the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of second RF signals is less than or equal to a second specified difference. The first phase-shifting module 10, the power amplification module 20, and the second phase-shifting module 30 constitute the basic framework of the power amplifier 100.

[0053] A balun module 40 is connected between the output terminal 310 of the second phase-shifting module 30 and the signal output terminal 14. The balun module 40 is used to current-combine a pair of second radio frequency signals and then send them to the signal output terminal 14. Since this application uses the balun module 40 to combine the signals at the rear end of the power amplifier 100, the bandwidth of the power amplifier 100 can be widened. Therefore, with a wider bandwidth, the output power of the radio frequency signal is greater and the output efficiency is higher, thereby improving the output performance of the radio frequency signal. Furthermore, the balun module 40 in this application uses current-combining to combine the second radio frequency signals, giving the power amplifier 100 better signal balance performance.

[0054] In this application specification, certain terms are used to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. The specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in function. The term "comprising" throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to"; "generally" means that those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem within a certain margin of error and basically achieve the technical effect.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "inside", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the purpose of simplifying the description of this application and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0056] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or merely surface contact. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0057] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A power amplifier, characterized in that, The power amplifier has a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal. It is a balanced power amplifier, and includes: A first phase-shifting module is connected to the signal input terminal and is used to output a pair of first radio frequency signals, wherein the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of first radio frequency signals and the absolute value of the difference between 90 degrees is less than or equal to a first specified difference. A power amplifier module is connected to the output terminal of the first phase shifting module; A second phase-shifting module, connected to the output of the power amplifier module, is used to output a pair of second radio frequency signals, wherein the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of second radio frequency signals is less than or equal to a second specified difference; wherein the second specified difference is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees; and A balun module is connected between the second phase shift module and the signal output terminal. The balun module is used to perform impedance matching on the pair of second radio frequency signals and to send the pair of second radio frequency signals to the signal output terminal after current combining. The balun module includes a first balun unit and a second balun unit. The first primary side of the first balun unit is connected to the first output terminal of the second phase-shifting module, and the first primary side of the second balun unit is connected to the second output terminal of the second phase-shifting module. The second primary side of the first balun unit and the second primary side of the second balun unit are grounded, or the second primary side of the first balun unit and the second primary side of the second balun unit are connected to a power supply port. The first secondary side of the first balun unit is connected to the first secondary side of the second balun unit to form a common terminal, and the common terminal is connected to the signal output terminal. The second secondary side of the first balun unit and the second secondary side of the second balun unit are grounded.

2. The power amplifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first balun unit is configured to perform impedance matching on one of the pair of second radio frequency signals; the second balun unit is configured to perform impedance matching on the other of the pair of second radio frequency signals.

3. The power amplifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power amplification module includes a first power amplification unit and a second power amplification unit, which are respectively connected between the first phase shifting module and the second phase shifting module.

4. The power amplifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first phase shifting module includes a first phase shifting unit, which is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a first specified value, wherein the absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the first specified value and 90 degrees is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. The first phase-shifting unit is connected between the input terminal of the first power amplifier unit and the signal input terminal; or The first phase-shifting unit is connected between the input terminal of the second power amplifier unit and the signal input terminal.

5. The power amplifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first phase shifting module includes a second phase shifting unit and a third phase shifting unit. The second phase shifting unit is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a second specified value, and the third phase shifting unit is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a third specified value. The absolute value of the difference between the second specified value and the third specified value is a first difference value, and the absolute value of the difference between the first difference value and 90 degrees is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. The second phase-shifting unit is connected between the input terminal of the first power amplifier unit and the signal input terminal, and the third phase-shifting unit is connected between the input terminal of the second power amplifier unit and the signal input terminal.

6. The power amplifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second phase shifting module includes a fourth phase shifting unit, which is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a fourth specified value. The absolute value of the difference between the absolute value of the fourth specified value and 90 degrees is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. The fourth phase-shifting unit is connected between the output of the first power amplifier unit and the balun module; or The fourth phase-shifting unit is connected between the output of the second power amplifier unit and the balun module.

7. The power amplifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second phase-shifting module includes a fifth phase-shifting unit and a sixth phase-shifting unit. The fifth phase-shifting unit is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a fifth specified value, and the sixth phase-shifting unit is used to shift the phase of the radio frequency signal by a sixth specified value. The absolute value of the difference between the fifth specified value and the sixth specified value is a second difference value, and the absolute value of the difference between the second difference value and 90 degrees is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. The fifth phase-shifting unit is connected between the output of the first power amplifier unit and the balun module, and the sixth phase-shifting unit is connected between the output of the second power amplifier unit and the balun module.

8. The power amplifier according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The first phase shifting module includes a phase shifting unit that is a T-type phase shifter or a Π-type phase shifter; and / or... The second phase shifting module includes a phase shifting unit that is either a T-type phase shifter or a Π-type phase shifter.

9. The power amplifier according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The first specified difference is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees.

10. A power amplifier, characterized in that, The power amplifier has a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal. It is a balanced power amplifier, and includes: A first phase-shifting module is connected to the signal input terminal and is used to output a pair of first radio frequency signals, wherein the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of first radio frequency signals and the absolute value of the difference between 90 degrees is less than or equal to a first specified difference. A power amplifier module is connected to the output terminal of the first phase shifting module; A second phase-shifting module, connected to the output of the power amplifier module, is used to output a pair of second radio frequency signals, wherein the absolute value of the phase difference between the pair of second radio frequency signals is less than or equal to a second specified difference; wherein the second specified difference is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees; and A balun module is connected between the second phase shift module and the signal output terminal. The balun module is used to perform impedance matching on the pair of second radio frequency signals and to send the pair of second radio frequency signals to the signal output terminal after current combining. The balun module includes a first primary side, a second primary side, and a secondary side; one end of the first primary side is connected to the first output terminal of the second phase shifting module, and the other end is grounded; one end of the second primary side is connected to the second output terminal of the second phase shifting module, and the other end is grounded; the first primary side and the second primary side are located on both sides of the secondary side, and are respectively coupled to the secondary side; one end of the secondary side is connected to the signal output terminal, and the other end is grounded.

11. The power amplifier according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first primary side and the secondary side are configured to perform impedance matching on one of the pair of second radio frequency signals; the second primary side and the secondary side are configured to perform impedance matching on the other of the pair of second radio frequency signals.

12. A radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that, Includes the power amplifier described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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