Power amplifier

Abstract

This invention provides a power amplifier comprising an input matching circuit, a power unit, and multiple output matching circuits. The input terminal of the input matching circuit is used to receive radio frequency (RF) signals. The input terminal of the power unit is connected to the output terminal of the input matching circuit. The input terminals of all the output matching circuits are respectively connected to the output terminals of the power unit, and the output terminal of each output matching circuit is used to output RF signals. Each output matching circuit includes at least one capacitor adjustment circuit and at least one inductor adjustment circuit. This invention allows the same power amplifier to be reused over a wide frequency range, improving the integration of the power amplifier and reducing its chip area and cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a power amplifier for multi-band power amplification. Background Technology

[0002] Modern radio frequency communication systems operate on an increasing number of frequency bands. To achieve multi-band power amplification, multiple broadband power amplifiers are typically used to cover the frequency bands. However, the operating bandwidth performance of broadband power amplifiers deteriorates as the operating bandwidth increases.

[0003] Specifically, power amplifiers typically use passive components such as inductors and capacitors for RF matching and filtering. However, the impedance of inductors and capacitors is strongly correlated with the operating frequency, making it difficult to achieve impedance matching over a wide range using simple matching networks. This limits the operating bandwidth of the power amplifier. Furthermore, the performance of a wideband amplifier deteriorates as the operating bandwidth increases, making it impossible to achieve high efficiency, high linearity, and low harmonics over a wide frequency range.

[0004] A single power amplifier can only operate at high power within a relative bandwidth of 30%. Ordinary power amplifiers can hardly achieve high performance within a relative bandwidth of 50% or more. Therefore, multiple power amplifiers must be used to cover the required frequency range.

[0005] In common mobile communication terminals operating below 3 GHz, to support frequency coverage within the 663 MHz to 2690 MHz range, a low-frequency power amplifier covering 663 MHz to 915 MHz, a mid-frequency power amplifier covering 1710 MHz to 2025 MHz, and a high-frequency power amplifier covering 2300 MHz to 2690 MHz are typically used. This multiple power amplifiers cover all commonly used mobile communication frequency bands, with each amplifier covering different sub-bands within each band. This approach is also applicable to other radio frequency communication systems, such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) communication systems. However, this method of using multiple power amplifiers to cover the required frequency bands results in a larger required area and higher costs.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new power amplifier to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of the aforementioned related technologies, this invention proposes a novel power amplifier to solve the problem that the technical solutions of using multiple power amplifiers to cover the required frequency band result in a large required area and high cost.

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a power amplifier, which includes an input matching circuit, a power unit, and multiple output matching circuits. The input terminal of the input matching circuit is used to receive radio frequency signals; The input terminal of the power unit is connected to the output terminal of the input matching circuit; The input terminals of all the output matching circuits are respectively connected to the output terminals of the power unit, and the output terminal of each output matching circuit is used to output radio frequency signals; all the output matching circuits operate in different frequency bands and are used to achieve output impedance matching of the output signals of their respective frequency bands. Each of the output matching circuits includes at least one capacitor adjustment circuit and at least one inductor adjustment circuit; all the capacitor adjustment circuits in each output matching circuit are used together to adjust the capacitance value of the output matching circuit according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal, and all the inductor adjustment circuits in each output matching circuit are used together to adjust the inductance value of the output matching circuit according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal.

[0009] Preferably, the capacitor adjustment circuit is an adjustable capacitor; or, the capacitor adjustment circuit includes a first capacitor and at least one switched capacitor assembly. The first terminal of the first capacitor serves as the first terminal of the capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the first capacitor serves as the second terminal of the capacitor adjustment circuit. The first terminal of each of the switched capacitor components is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor, and the second terminal of each of the switched capacitor components is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor. Each of the switched capacitor assemblies includes a second capacitor and a first single-pole single-throw switch. The first terminal of the second capacitor serves as the first terminal of the switched capacitor assembly; The common terminal of the first single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor, and the normally open terminal of the first single-pole single-throw switch serves as the second terminal of the switched capacitor assembly.

[0010] Preferably, the inductor adjustment circuit is an adjustable inductor; or, the inductor adjustment circuit includes a first inductor and at least one first switching inductor component. The first end of the first inductor serves as the first end of the inductance adjustment circuit, and the second end of the first inductor serves as the second end of the inductance adjustment circuit. The first terminals of all the first switching inductor components are respectively connected to the first terminal of the first inductor, and the second terminals of all the first switching inductor components are respectively connected to the second terminal of the first inductor. Each of the first switch-inductor components includes a second inductor and a second single-pole single-throw switch; The first end of the second inductor serves as the first end of the first switching inductor assembly; The common terminal of the second single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the second terminal of the second inductor, and the normally open terminal of the second single-pole single-throw switch serves as the second terminal of the first switch-inductor assembly.

[0011] Preferably, when the inductance adjustment circuit includes the first inductor and at least one first switching inductor component, the inductance adjustment circuit further includes at least one second switching inductor component. The first terminals of all the second switching inductor components are respectively connected to the first terminal of the first inductor, and the second terminals of all the second switching inductor components are respectively connected to the second terminal of the first inductor. Each of the second switching inductor components includes a third inductor, a fourth inductor, and a third single-pole single-throw switch; The first end of the third inductor serves as the first end of the second switching inductor assembly; The first end of the fourth inductor is connected to the second end of the third inductor, and the second end of the fourth inductor serves as the second end of the second switching inductor assembly. The common terminal of the third single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the first terminal of the fourth inductor, and the normally open terminal of the third single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the second terminal of the fourth inductor.

[0012] Preferably, each of the output matching circuits further includes two output terminals; each of the output matching circuits includes a fifth inductor, two capacitor adjustment circuits, one inductor adjustment circuit, a sixth inductor, and a first output selection circuit; the two capacitor adjustment circuits are respectively defined as a first capacitor adjustment circuit and a second capacitor adjustment circuit; The first terminal of the fifth inductor serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit; The first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the fifth inductor; The first terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit is grounded. The first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit. The first terminal of the sixth inductor is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor regulation circuit, and the second terminal of the sixth inductor is grounded. The input terminal of the first output selection circuit is connected to the first terminal of the sixth inductor, and the two output terminals of the first output selection circuit serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit, respectively. The first output selection circuit is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit according to the required radio frequency signal.

[0013] Preferably, the first output selection circuit includes a fourth single-pole single-throw switch and a fifth single-pole single-throw switch; The common terminal of the fourth single-pole single-throw switch and the common terminal of the fifth single-pole single-throw switch together serve as the input terminal of the first output selection circuit. The normally open terminal of the fourth single-pole single-throw switch serves as one of the output terminals of the output matching circuit, and the normally open terminal of the fifth single-pole single-throw switch serves as the other output terminal of the output matching circuit.

[0014] Preferably, each of the output matching circuits further includes two output terminals; each of the output matching circuits includes two capacitor adjustment circuits, one inductor adjustment circuit, a seventh inductor, an eighth inductor, and a second output selection circuit; the two capacitor adjustment circuits are respectively defined as a first capacitor adjustment circuit and a second capacitor adjustment circuit; The first terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit. The first terminal of the seventh inductor is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit, and the second terminal of the seventh inductor is grounded. The first terminal of the eighth inductor is connected to the first terminal of the seventh inductor; The first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the eighth inductor; The first terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit is grounded. The input terminal of the second output selection circuit is connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the two output terminals of the second output selection circuit serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit, respectively. The second output selection circuit is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit according to the required radio frequency signal.

[0015] Preferably, each of the output matching circuits further includes two output terminals; each of the output matching circuits includes a ninth inductor, a tenth inductor, two capacitor adjustment circuits, two inductor adjustment circuits, a third capacitor, and a second output selection circuit; the two capacitor adjustment circuits are respectively defined as a first capacitor adjustment circuit and a second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the two inductor adjustment circuits are respectively defined as a first inductor adjustment circuit and a second inductor adjustment circuit. The first terminal of the ninth inductor serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit; The first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the ninth inductor; The first terminal of the first inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the first inductor adjustment circuit is grounded. The first terminal of the tenth inductor is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit; The first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the tenth inductor; The first terminal of the second inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the second inductor adjustment circuit is grounded. The first terminal of the third capacitor is connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit. The input terminal of the second output selection circuit is connected to the second terminal of the third capacitor, and the two output terminals of the second output selection circuit serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit, respectively. The second output selection circuit is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit according to the operating frequency of the received signal.

[0016] Preferably, the second output selection circuit includes a sixth single-pole single-throw switch, a seventh single-pole single-throw switch, and an eighth single-pole single-throw switch; The common terminal of the sixth single-pole single-throw switch and the common terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch together serve as the input terminal of the second output selection circuit. The normally open terminal of the sixth single-pole single-throw switch serves as one of the output terminals of the output matching circuit, and the normally open terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch serves as the other output terminal of the output matching circuit. The common terminal of the eighth single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the common terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch, and the normally open terminal of the eighth single-pole single-throw switch is grounded.

[0017] Preferably, the power amplifier further includes a harmonic suppression circuit; the input terminal of the harmonic suppression circuit is connected to the output terminal of the power unit, and the harmonic suppression circuit is used to suppress harmonics according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal.

[0018] Preferably, the power unit includes multiple power amplifier units and at least one interstage matching circuit, wherein the multiple power amplifier units are connected in series sequentially; the input terminal of the first stage power amplifier unit serves as the input terminal of the power unit, the output terminal of the last stage power amplifier unit serves as the output terminal of the power unit, and an interstage matching circuit is connected in series between every two adjacent power amplifier units.

[0019] Compared with related technologies, the power amplifier of the present invention designs multiple output matching circuits operating in different frequency bands, and defines each output matching circuit as including at least one capacitor adjustment circuit and at least one inductor adjustment circuit. All capacitor adjustment circuits in each output matching circuit work together to adjust the capacitance value of the output matching circuit according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal, and all inductor adjustment circuits in each output matching circuit work together to adjust the inductance value of the output matching circuit according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal. In this way, multiple output matching circuits operating in different frequency bands can reuse the same power amplifier, and by adjusting the capacitance and inductance values ​​of each output matching circuit, each operating output matching circuit can achieve its optimal state in its operating frequency band, thereby improving the broadband performance of the power amplifier. That is, the same power amplifier can be reused over a wide frequency range, thereby increasing the integration of the power amplifier and reducing its chip area and cost. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The above and other aspects of the present invention will become clearer and more readily understood through the detailed description following the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 The circuit block diagram of the power amplifier provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 The circuit diagram is shown for the output matching circuit in the power amplifier provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 A circuit diagram of one type of capacitor adjustment circuit in a power amplifier provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 A circuit diagram of one type of inductor adjustment circuit in a power amplifier provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 The circuit diagram of the output matching circuit in the power amplifier provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 6 The circuit diagram of the output matching circuit in the power amplifier provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a circuit block diagram of the power amplifier provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a circuit block diagram of a power amplifier provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0022] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] Example 1 This invention provides a power amplifier 100, combined with Figures 1 to 4 As shown, it includes an input matching circuit 1, a power unit 2, and multiple output matching circuits 3.

[0025] The input terminal of the input matching circuit 1 is used to receive radio frequency signals. The input matching circuit 1 can also be designed with multiple input terminals and be used with switches to select radio frequency signals of different frequency bands.

[0026] The input terminal of power unit 2 is connected to the output terminal of input matching circuit 1.

[0027] The input terminals of all output matching circuits 3 are connected to the output terminals of power unit 2 respectively. The output terminal of each output matching circuit 3 is used to output radio frequency signals. All output matching circuits 3 operate in different frequency bands and are used to achieve output impedance matching of the output signals of their respective frequency bands.

[0028] Depending on actual needs, one or more output terminals of the output matching circuit 3 can be designed. When multiple output terminals of the output matching circuit 3 are designed according to connection requirements or the number of subsequent circuits, a switch can be used to select different output terminals to output RF signals, and the parasitic capacitance generated by the switch can be used as part of the output matching circuit; when only one output terminal of the output matching circuit 3 is designed, the corresponding switch can be omitted. In this embodiment, each output matching circuit 3 includes two output terminals.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the input terminal of each output matching circuit 3 is IN, and the two output terminals of each output matching circuit 3 are OUT1 and OUT2, respectively.

[0030] Each output matching circuit 3 includes at least one capacitor adjustment circuit 31 and at least one inductor adjustment circuit 32. All capacitor adjustment circuits 31 in each output matching circuit 3 work together to adjust the capacitance value of the output matching circuit 3 according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal, and all inductor adjustment circuits 32 in each output matching circuit 3 work together to adjust the inductance value of the output matching circuit 3 according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal. This design allows the output matching circuit 3 to be adjusted according to the operating frequency, ensuring that the output matching circuit 3 operates in its optimal state and improving the broadband performance of the power amplifier 100.

[0031] In this embodiment, the capacitor adjustment circuit 31 is an adjustable capacitor; the first end of the adjustable capacitor serves as the first end of the capacitor adjustment circuit 31, and the second end of the adjustable capacitor serves as the second end of the capacitor adjustment circuit 31.

[0032] Of course, depending on actual needs, such as Figure 3 As shown, the capacitor regulation circuit 31 can also be designed to include a first capacitor C1 and at least one switched capacitor component 311.

[0033] The first terminal of the first capacitor C1 serves as the first terminal of the capacitor adjustment circuit 31, and the second terminal of the first capacitor C1 serves as the second terminal of the capacitor adjustment circuit 31.

[0034] The first terminal of each of the switched capacitor components 311 is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor C1, and the second terminal of each of the switched capacitor components 311 is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor C1.

[0035] Each switched capacitor assembly 311 includes a second capacitor C2 and a first single-pole single-throw switch S1.

[0036] The first terminal of the second capacitor C2 serves as the first terminal of the switched capacitor assembly 311.

[0037] The common terminal of the first single-pole single-throw switch S1 is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor C2, and the normally open terminal of the first single-pole single-throw switch S1 serves as the second terminal of the switched capacitor assembly 311.

[0038] In this design, when it is necessary to increase the capacitance value of the capacitor adjustment circuit 31, it is only necessary to turn on one or more of the first single-pole single-throw switches S1; when it is necessary to decrease the capacitance value of the capacitor adjustment circuit 31, it is only necessary to turn off one or more of the first single-pole single-throw switches S1; when the first single-pole single-throw switch S1 is turned off, the switching capacitor assembly 311 will only be connected to a small switching parasitic capacitance.

[0039] In this embodiment, the inductance adjustment circuit 32 is an adjustable inductor; the first end of the adjustable inductor serves as the first end of the inductance adjustment circuit 32, and the second end of the adjustable inductor serves as the second end of the inductance adjustment circuit 32.

[0040] Of course, depending on actual needs, such as Figure 4 As shown, the inductor adjustment circuit 32 can also be designed to include a first inductor L1 and at least one first switching inductor component 321.

[0041] The first end of the first inductor L1 serves as the first end of the inductance adjustment circuit 32, and the second end of the first inductor L1 serves as the second end of the inductance adjustment circuit 32.

[0042] The first terminals of all first switching inductor components 321 are respectively connected to the first terminal of the first inductor L1, and the second terminals of all first switching inductor components 321 are respectively connected to the second terminal of the first inductor L1.

[0043] Each first switching inductor assembly 321 includes a second inductor L2 and a second single-pole single-throw switch S2.

[0044] The first terminal of the second inductor L2 serves as the first terminal of the first switching inductor assembly 321.

[0045] The common terminal of the second single-pole single-throw switch S2 is connected to the second terminal of the second inductor L2, and the normally open terminal of the second single-pole single-throw switch S2 serves as the second terminal of the first switch-inductor assembly 321.

[0046] The inductor adjustment circuit 32 may also include at least one second switching inductor component 322.

[0047] The first terminals of all second switching inductor assemblies 322 are respectively connected to the first terminal of the first inductor L1, and the second terminals of all second switching inductor assemblies 322 are respectively connected to the second terminal of the first inductor L1.

[0048] Each second switching inductor assembly 322 includes a third inductor L3, a fourth inductor L4, and a third single-pole single-throw switch S3.

[0049] The first terminal of the third inductor L3 serves as the first terminal of the second switching inductor assembly 322.

[0050] The first end of the fourth inductor L4 is connected to the second end of the third inductor L3, and the second end of the fourth inductor L4 serves as the second end of the second switching inductor assembly 322.

[0051] The common terminal of the third single-pole single-throw switch S3 is connected to the first terminal of the fourth inductor L4, and the normally open terminal of the third single-pole single-throw switch S3 is connected to the second terminal of the fourth inductor L4.

[0052] In this design, when the inductance value of the inductance adjustment circuit 32 needs to be increased, simply turn on the second single-pole single-throw switch S2; when the inductance value of the inductance adjustment circuit 32 needs to be decreased, simply turn off the second single-pole single-throw switch S2. Furthermore, when the third single-pole single-throw switch S3 is turned on, its series inductance is connected to the circuit, and its parallel inductance is disconnected; when the third single-pole single-throw switch S3 is turned off, its series inductance is disconnected, and its parallel inductance is connected to the circuit. That is, by controlling the on / off state of the second single-pole single-throw switch S2 and the third single-pole single-throw switch S3, the equivalent inductance of the inductance adjustment circuit 32 can be adjusted.

[0053] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, each output matching circuit 3 includes a fifth inductor L5, two capacitor adjustment circuits 31, one inductor adjustment circuit 32, a sixth inductor L6, and a first output selection circuit 33; the two capacitor adjustment circuits 31 are defined as the first capacitor adjustment circuit and the second capacitor adjustment circuit, respectively.

[0054] The first terminal of the fifth inductor L5 serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit 3.

[0055] The first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the fifth inductor L5.

[0056] The first terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit 32 is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit 32 is grounded; the ground is GND.

[0057] The first terminal of the second capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit.

[0058] The first terminal of the sixth inductor L6 is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor regulation circuit, and the second terminal of the sixth inductor L6 is grounded.

[0059] The input terminal of the first output selection circuit 33 is connected to the first terminal of the sixth inductor L6, and the two output terminals of the first output selection circuit 33 serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit 3, respectively. The first output selection circuit 33 is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit 3 according to the required radio frequency signal or the connection requirements of the subsequent circuit.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first capacitor adjustment circuit uses a first adjustable capacitor C11; the second capacitor adjustment circuit uses a second adjustable capacitor C12; and the inductor adjustment circuit 32 uses a first adjustable inductor L11.

[0061] By designing two capacitor adjustment circuits 31 and one inductor adjustment circuit 32 in each output matching circuit 3, and defining the connection method of each device, the impedance transformation and harmonic suppression required by the power amplifier 100 can be achieved over a wider frequency range, and its broadband performance can be further improved.

[0062] The first output selection circuit 33 includes a fourth single-pole single-throw switch S4 and a fifth single-pole single-throw switch S5.

[0063] The common terminal of the fourth single-pole single-throw switch S4 and the common terminal of the fifth single-pole single-throw switch S5 are used together as the input terminal of the first output selection circuit 33. The normally open terminal of the fourth single-pole single-throw switch S4 is used as one of the output terminals of the output matching circuit 3, and the normally open terminal of the fifth single-pole single-throw switch S5 is used as the other output terminal of the output matching circuit 3.

[0064] Closing the first output selection circuit 33 turns off the fourth single-pole single-throw switch S4 and the fifth single-pole single-throw switch S5 respectively, while turning on the first output selection circuit 33 turns on the fourth single-pole single-throw switch S4 and the fifth single-pole single-throw switch S5 respectively.

[0065] Of course, depending on actual needs, the fourth single-pole single-throw switch S4 and the fifth single-pole single-throw switch S5 can also be replaced with a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0066] One or more capacitor adjustment circuits 31 in each output matching circuit 3 can be replaced with capacitors of fixed value, and one or more inductor adjustment circuits 32 in each output matching circuit 3 can be replaced with inductors of fixed value. This can increase the quality factor (Q value) of the output matching circuit 3, but the operating bandwidth will be affected. Similarly, one or more fixed-value capacitors in each output matching circuit 3 can be replaced with capacitor adjustment circuits 31, and one or more fixed-value inductors in each output matching circuit 3 can be replaced with inductor adjustment circuits 32. This can increase the operating bandwidth of the output matching circuit 3, but the quality factor will be affected. Therefore, the number of capacitor adjustment circuits 31 and inductor adjustment circuits 32 in each output matching circuit 3 is set according to the requirements.

[0067] In the output matching circuit 3 of this embodiment, by turning off the first output selection circuit 33 and / or reducing the capacitance value of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, the output matching circuit 3 can be viewed from the input terminal as an equivalent resonant network of inductor and capacitor. Near the resonant frequency range, it can be used as a low-impedance resonant network; above the resonant frequency range, it becomes inductive; and below the resonant frequency range, it becomes capacitive. After the input terminals of multiple output matching circuits 3 are interconnected, one output matching circuit 3 can be configured to operate normally while the others function as a series resonant network of inductor and capacitor.

[0068] In the power amplifier 100 of this embodiment, if the output matching circuit 3 does not have high requirements for impedance transformation ratio and harmonic suppression, the order of the output matching circuit 3, that is, the number of output matching circuits 3, can be reduced to simplify the output matching circuit 3; if the output matching circuit 3 has high requirements for impedance transformation ratio and harmonic suppression, the order of the output matching circuit 3 can be increased.

[0069] In this embodiment, the output matching circuit 3 of the power amplifier 100 includes two circuits. One circuit serves as a high-frequency output matching circuit 3, with its two output terminals used to output radio frequency signals of two different high-frequency bands. The other circuit serves as a low-frequency output matching circuit 3, with its two output terminals used to output radio frequency signals of two different low-frequency bands. Of course, depending on actual needs, the number of output matching circuits 3 can be designed to be three, four, five, or more. The capacitance values ​​of the capacitors and the inductance values ​​of the high-frequency and low-frequency output matching circuits 3 are different. The high-frequency output matching circuit 3 has relatively smaller capacitance and inductance values, while the low-frequency output matching circuit 3 has relatively larger capacitance and inductance values. Both circuits can use the same circuit structure or different structures. Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 Any one of the circuit structures in it.

[0070] The low-frequency output matching circuit 3 and the high-frequency output matching circuit 3 can also be designed with state switching switches, i.e. Figure 3 The first single-pole single-throw switch S1 and Figure 4 The second single-pole single-throw switch S2 and the third single-pole single-throw switch S3 are used. Of course, if there are more than two high-frequency output matching circuits 3, the other output matching circuits 3 are also designed with state switching switches. When the power amplifier 100 operates in the low-frequency band, the low-frequency output matching circuit 3 is in normal working condition, and the high-frequency output matching circuit 3 can be used to achieve harmonic impedance matching. The radio frequency signal is transmitted to the low-frequency output through the low-frequency output matching circuit 3. When the power amplifier 100 operates in the high-frequency band, the high-frequency output matching circuit 3 is in normal working condition, and the low-frequency output matching circuit 3 can be used to suppress low-frequency gain. The radio frequency signal is transmitted to the high-frequency output through the high-frequency output matching circuit 3. The low-frequency output matching circuit 3 and the high-frequency output matching circuit 3 have little impact on each other's normal operating performance, ensuring high performance in both the low-frequency and high-frequency bands while multiplexing the power unit 2. The two or more output terminals of each of the low-frequency and high-frequency output matching circuits 3 are connected to different subsequent circuits.

[0071] In this embodiment, the power supply choke inductor and ground of the power amplifier 100 can be designed into the corresponding matching circuit, or they can be designed separately, as shown in the figure.

[0072] Compared with related technologies, the power amplifier 100 of this embodiment designs multiple output matching circuits 3 that operate in different frequency bands, and defines each output matching circuit 3 as including at least one capacitor adjustment circuit 31 and at least one inductor adjustment circuit 32. All capacitor adjustment circuits 31 in each output matching circuit 3 are used together to adjust the capacitance value of the output matching circuit 3 according to the operating frequency of its received signal, and all inductor adjustment circuits 32 in each output matching circuit 3 are used together to adjust the inductance value of the output matching circuit 3 according to the operating frequency of its received signal. In this way, multiple output matching circuits 3 operating in different frequency bands can reuse the same power unit 2, and by adjusting the capacitance and inductance values ​​of each output matching circuit 3, each operating output matching circuit 3 can reach its optimal state in its operating frequency band, thereby improving the broadband performance of the power amplifier 100. That is, the same power unit 2 can be reused over a wide frequency range, thereby increasing the integration of the power amplifier 100 and reducing its chip area and cost.

[0073] Example 2 Unlike Example 1, as Figure 5 As shown, in the power amplifier 100 of this embodiment, each output matching circuit 3 includes two capacitor adjustment circuits 31, one inductor adjustment circuit 32, a seventh inductor L7, an eighth inductor L8, and a second output selection circuit 34; the two capacitor adjustment circuits 31 are respectively defined as the first capacitor adjustment circuit and the second capacitor adjustment circuit.

[0074] The first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit 3.

[0075] The first terminal of the seventh inductor L7 is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit, and the second terminal of the seventh inductor L7 is grounded.

[0076] The first terminal of the eighth inductor L8 is connected to the first terminal of the seventh inductor L7.

[0077] The first terminal of the second capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the eighth inductor L8.

[0078] The first terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit 32 is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit 32 is grounded.

[0079] The input terminal of the second output selection circuit 34 is connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the two output terminals of the second output selection circuit 34 serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit 3, respectively. The second output selection circuit 34 is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit 3 according to the required RF signal or the connection requirements of the subsequent circuit.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first capacitor adjustment circuit uses the third adjustable capacitor C21; the second capacitor adjustment circuit uses the fourth adjustable capacitor C22; and the inductor adjustment circuit 32 uses the second adjustable inductor L21.

[0081] In this embodiment, the second output selection circuit 34 includes a sixth single-pole single-throw switch S6, a seventh single-pole single-throw switch S7, and an eighth single-pole single-throw switch S8.

[0082] The common terminal of the sixth single-pole single-throw switch S6 and the common terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch S7 are used together as the input terminal of the second output selection circuit 34. The normally open terminal of the sixth single-pole single-throw switch S6 is used as one of the output terminals of the output matching circuit 3, and the normally open terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch S7 is used as the other output terminal of the output matching circuit 3.

[0083] The common terminal of the eighth single-pole single-throw switch S8 is connected to the common terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch S7, and the normally open terminal of the eighth single-pole single-throw switch S8 is grounded.

[0084] Closing the second output selection circuit 34 turns off the sixth single-pole single-throw switch S6 and the seventh single-pole single-throw switch S7 respectively, and turns on the eighth single-pole single-throw switch S8. Turning on the second output selection circuit 34 turns on the sixth single-pole single-throw switch S6 and the seventh single-pole single-throw switch S7 respectively, and turns off the eighth single-pole single-throw switch S8. By adding the eighth single-pole single-throw switch S8 to the ground path, the isolation after other paths are turned off can be improved.

[0085] In the output matching circuit 3 of this embodiment, by turning off the second output selection circuit 34, the output matching circuit 3 can be viewed from the input end as an equivalent resonant network of inductor and capacitor. When the output matching circuit 3 is designed as a multi-order network, if two or more resonant points are matched, the impedance at different frequencies can be adjusted by adjusting its capacitance and inductance values ​​and the on / off state of the second output selection circuit 34, thereby optimizing the performance of the output matching circuit 3.

[0086] The power amplifier 100 in this embodiment only uses an output matching circuit 3 that is different from that in embodiment one. Therefore, the power amplifier 100 in this embodiment can also achieve the technical effect achieved by the power amplifier 100 in embodiment one, which will not be described in detail here.

[0087] Example 3 Unlike Example 2, as Figure 6 As shown, in the power amplifier 100 of this embodiment, each output matching circuit 3 includes a ninth inductor L9, a tenth inductor L10, two capacitor adjustment circuits 31, two inductor adjustment circuits 32, a third capacitor C3, and a second output selection circuit 34; the two capacitor adjustment circuits 31 are respectively defined as the first capacitor adjustment circuit and the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the two inductor adjustment circuits 32 are respectively defined as the first inductor adjustment circuit and the second inductor adjustment circuit.

[0088] The first terminal of the ninth inductor L9 serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit 3.

[0089] The first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the ninth inductor L9.

[0090] The first terminal of the first inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the first inductor adjustment circuit is grounded.

[0091] The first terminal of the tenth inductor L10 is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit.

[0092] The first terminal of the second capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the tenth inductor L10.

[0093] The first terminal of the second inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the second inductor adjustment circuit is grounded.

[0094] The first terminal of the third capacitor C3 is connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit.

[0095] The input terminal of the second output selection circuit 34 is connected to the second terminal of the third capacitor C3. The two output terminals of the second output selection circuit 34 serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit 3, respectively. The second output selection circuit 34 is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit 3 according to the required RF signal or the connection requirements of the subsequent circuit.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first capacitor adjustment circuit uses the fifth adjustable capacitor C31; the second capacitor adjustment circuit uses the sixth adjustable capacitor C32; the first inductor adjustment circuit uses the third adjustable inductor L31; and the second inductor adjustment circuit uses the fourth adjustable inductor L32.

[0097] The second output selection circuit 34 in this embodiment is the same as or similar to the second output selection circuit 34 in Embodiment 2, and will not be described in detail here.

[0098] The principle of the output matching circuit 3 in this embodiment is basically the same as that of the output matching circuit 3 in embodiment 2, and will not be described in detail here.

[0099] The power amplifier 100 in this embodiment only uses an output matching circuit 3 that is different from that in embodiment one. Therefore, the power amplifier 100 in this embodiment can also achieve the technical effect achieved by the power amplifier 100 in embodiment two, which will not be described in detail here.

[0100] Example 4 Based on any one of the above embodiments one to three, such as Figure 7 As shown, the power amplifier 200 in this embodiment also includes a harmonic suppression circuit 4; the input terminal of the harmonic suppression circuit 4 is connected to the output terminal of the power unit 2, and the harmonic suppression circuit 4 is used to suppress harmonics according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal and optimize the performance of the power amplifier 200.

[0101] The harmonic suppression circuit 4 in this embodiment is the same as or similar to the output matching circuit 3 in any of the embodiments 1 to 3 above, that is, it includes at least one capacitor adjustment circuit 31 and at least one inductor adjustment circuit 32, which will not be described in detail here.

[0102] The harmonic suppression circuit 4 in this embodiment can be used to improve the linearity, efficiency, tunability and harmonic performance of the power amplifier 200. By adjusting the operating frequency of the received signal, the harmonic suppression circuit 4 can be made to work in the optimal state, so as to further improve the broadband performance of the power amplifier 200.

[0103] Example 5 Based on Example 4, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the power amplifier 300 of this embodiment, the power unit 2 includes a multi-stage power amplifier unit 21 and at least one inter-stage matching circuit 22. The multi-stage power amplifier units 21 are connected in series one after another. The input terminal of the first stage power amplifier unit 21 serves as the input terminal of the power unit 2, and the output terminal of the last stage power amplifier unit 21 serves as the output terminal of the power unit 2. An inter-stage matching circuit 22 is connected in series between every two adjacent power amplifier units 21.

[0104] In this embodiment, there are two power amplification units 21 and one interstage matching circuit 22. Of course, the number of power amplification units 21 and interstage matching circuits 22 can be adjusted according to the number of power amplification stages, depending on actual needs, but the number of interstage matching circuits 22 is one less than the number of power amplification units 21.

[0105] In this embodiment, the input matching circuit 1 has two input terminals, used to receive high-frequency radio frequency (RF) signals and low-frequency radio frequency (RF) signals respectively. To introduce a single RF signal, the two input terminals of the input matching circuit 1 also need to be used in conjunction with switches. Of course, the number of input terminals of the input matching circuit 1 and the number of associated switches can be set according to actual needs to introduce and select RF signals of different frequency bands.

[0106] In this embodiment, the input terminals of the inter-stage matching circuit 22 can also be designed with multiple switches to introduce and select different input matching.

[0107] The input matching circuit 1 and interstage matching circuit 22 in all the above embodiments can also adopt the same or similar circuit structure as the output matching circuit 3 to achieve wide frequency range operation. This means that the input matching circuit 1 and interstage matching circuit 22 can each include at least one capacitor adjustment circuit 31 and at least one inductor adjustment circuit 32, and their control principles are basically the same or similar to those of the output matching circuit 3, which will not be elaborated here.

[0108] The output matching circuit 3, input matching circuit 1, and inter-stage matching circuit 22 in all the above embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0109] All switches in all the above embodiments can be implemented using transistors or field-effect transistors, preferably using N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (NMOSFETs) manufactured using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. This achieves low on-resistance and low off-resistance, facilitates control, and optimizes broadband performance while minimizing the impact on maximum operating frequency performance.

[0110] It should be noted that the various embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art should understand that any modifications or equivalent substitutions made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope should be included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, unless the context otherwise requires, words appearing in the singular include those in the plural, and vice versa. Additionally, unless specifically stated otherwise, all or part of any embodiment may be used in conjunction with all or part of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A power amplifier, characterized in that, The power amplifier includes an input matching circuit, a power unit, and multiple output matching circuits. The input terminal of the input matching circuit is used to receive radio frequency signals; The input terminal of the power unit is connected to the output terminal of the input matching circuit; The input terminals of all the output matching circuits are respectively connected to the output terminals of the power unit, and the output terminal of each output matching circuit is used to output radio frequency signals; all the output matching circuits operate in different frequency bands and are used to achieve output impedance matching of the output signals of their respective frequency bands. Each of the output matching circuits includes at least one capacitor adjustment circuit and at least one inductor adjustment circuit; all the capacitor adjustment circuits in each output matching circuit are used together to adjust the capacitance value of the output matching circuit according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal, and all the inductor adjustment circuits in each output matching circuit are used together to adjust the inductance value of the output matching circuit according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal. The capacitor adjustment circuit is an adjustable capacitor; Alternatively, the capacitor regulation circuit may include a first capacitor and at least one switched capacitor assembly. The first terminal of the first capacitor serves as the first terminal of the capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the first capacitor serves as the second terminal of the capacitor adjustment circuit. The first terminal of each of the switched capacitor components is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor, and the second terminal of each of the switched capacitor components is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor. Each of the switched capacitor assemblies includes a second capacitor and a first single-pole single-throw switch. The first terminal of the second capacitor serves as the first terminal of the switched capacitor assembly; The common terminal of the first single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor, and the normally open terminal of the first single-pole single-throw switch serves as the second terminal of the switched capacitor assembly.

2. The power amplifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inductor adjustment circuit is an adjustable inductor; Alternatively, the inductor adjustment circuit includes a first inductor and at least one first switching inductor component; The first end of the first inductor serves as the first end of the inductance adjustment circuit, and the second end of the first inductor serves as the second end of the inductance adjustment circuit. The first terminals of all the first switching inductor components are respectively connected to the first terminal of the first inductor, and the second terminals of all the first switching inductor components are respectively connected to the second terminal of the first inductor. Each of the first switch-inductor components includes a second inductor and a second single-pole single-throw switch; The first end of the second inductor serves as the first end of the first switching inductor assembly; The common terminal of the second single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the second terminal of the second inductor, and the normally open terminal of the second single-pole single-throw switch serves as the second terminal of the first switch-inductor assembly.

3. The power amplifier as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the inductance adjustment circuit includes the first inductor and at least one first switching inductor component, the inductance adjustment circuit further includes at least one second switching inductor component; The first terminals of all the second switching inductor components are respectively connected to the first terminal of the first inductor, and the second terminals of all the second switching inductor components are respectively connected to the second terminal of the first inductor. Each of the second switching inductor components includes a third inductor, a fourth inductor, and a third single-pole single-throw switch; The first end of the third inductor serves as the first end of the second switching inductor assembly; The first end of the fourth inductor is connected to the second end of the third inductor, and the second end of the fourth inductor serves as the second end of the second switching inductor assembly. The common terminal of the third single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the first terminal of the fourth inductor, and the normally open terminal of the third single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the second terminal of the fourth inductor.

4. The power amplifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the output matching circuits further includes two output terminals; each of the output matching circuits includes a fifth inductor, two capacitor adjustment circuits, one inductor adjustment circuit, a sixth inductor, and a first output selection circuit; the two capacitor adjustment circuits are respectively defined as a first capacitor adjustment circuit and a second capacitor adjustment circuit; The first terminal of the fifth inductor serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit; The first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the fifth inductor; The first terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit is grounded. The first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit. The first terminal of the sixth inductor is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor regulation circuit, and the second terminal of the sixth inductor is grounded. The input terminal of the first output selection circuit is connected to the first terminal of the sixth inductor, and the two output terminals of the first output selection circuit serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit, respectively. The first output selection circuit is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit according to the required radio frequency signal.

5. The power amplifier as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first output selection circuit includes a fourth single-pole single-throw switch and a fifth single-pole single-throw switch; The common terminal of the fourth single-pole single-throw switch and the common terminal of the fifth single-pole single-throw switch together serve as the input terminal of the first output selection circuit. The normally open terminal of the fourth single-pole single-throw switch serves as one of the output terminals of the output matching circuit, and the normally open terminal of the fifth single-pole single-throw switch serves as the other output terminal of the output matching circuit.

6. The power amplifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the output matching circuits further includes two output terminals; each of the output matching circuits includes two capacitor adjustment circuits, one inductor adjustment circuit, a seventh inductor, an eighth inductor, and a second output selection circuit; the two capacitor adjustment circuits are respectively defined as the first capacitor adjustment circuit and the second capacitor adjustment circuit; The first terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit. The first terminal of the seventh inductor is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit, and the second terminal of the seventh inductor is grounded. The first terminal of the eighth inductor is connected to the first terminal of the seventh inductor; The first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the eighth inductor; The first terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the inductor adjustment circuit is grounded. The input terminal of the second output selection circuit is connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the two output terminals of the second output selection circuit serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit, respectively. The second output selection circuit is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit according to the required radio frequency signal.

7. The power amplifier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the output matching circuits further includes two output terminals; each of the output matching circuits includes a ninth inductor, a tenth inductor, two capacitor adjustment circuits, two inductor adjustment circuits, a third capacitor, and a second output selection circuit; the two capacitor adjustment circuits are respectively defined as a first capacitor adjustment circuit and a second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the two inductor adjustment circuits are respectively defined as a first inductor adjustment circuit and a second inductor adjustment circuit. The first terminal of the ninth inductor serves as the input terminal of the output matching circuit; The first terminal of the first capacitor regulation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the ninth inductor; The first terminal of the first inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the first inductor adjustment circuit is grounded. The first terminal of the tenth inductor is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor adjustment circuit; The first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the tenth inductor; The first terminal of the second inductor adjustment circuit is connected to the second terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit, and the second terminal of the second inductor adjustment circuit is grounded. The first terminal of the third capacitor is connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor adjustment circuit. The input terminal of the second output selection circuit is connected to the second terminal of the third capacitor, and the two output terminals of the second output selection circuit serve as the two output terminals of the output matching circuit, respectively. The second output selection circuit is used to control the conduction of the two output terminals of the output matching circuit according to the required radio frequency signal.

8. The power amplifier as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The second output selection circuit includes a sixth single-pole single-throw switch, a seventh single-pole single-throw switch, and an eighth single-pole single-throw switch; The common terminal of the sixth single-pole single-throw switch and the common terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch together serve as the input terminal of the second output selection circuit. The normally open terminal of the sixth single-pole single-throw switch serves as one of the output terminals of the output matching circuit, and the normally open terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch serves as the other output terminal of the output matching circuit. The common terminal of the eighth single-pole single-throw switch is connected to the common terminal of the seventh single-pole single-throw switch, and the normally open terminal of the eighth single-pole single-throw switch is grounded.

9. The power amplifier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The power amplifier further includes a harmonic suppression circuit; the input terminal of the harmonic suppression circuit is connected to the output terminal of the power unit, and the harmonic suppression circuit is used to suppress harmonics according to the operating frequency of the received radio frequency signal.

10. The power amplifier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The power unit includes multiple power amplifier units and at least one interstage matching circuit. The multiple power amplifier units are connected in series sequentially. The input terminal of the first power amplifier unit serves as the input terminal of the power unit, and the output terminal of the last power amplifier unit serves as the output terminal of the power unit. An interstage matching circuit is connected in series between every two adjacent power amplifier units.

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