Dual-connected power amplifier system

Abstract

A dual-connection power amplifier system arranged to transmit radio frequency signals, a method for transmitting radio frequency signals, and a wireless communication device are provided. A power amplifier system 800 includes a first power amplifier 802 and a second power amplifier 804 that are simultaneously active in a dual connect mode. The first power amplifier is active in the differential mode. A switch 810 electrically connects the power amplifiers to different radio frequency signal paths in the dual connect mode and the differential mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference to priority application This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 045,586, entitled "Dually Connected Power Amplifier System," filed June 29, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a power amplifier system arranged to transmit radio frequency signals. [Background technology]

[0003] Radio frequency (RF) communication systems can be used to transmit and / or receive signals at a wide range of frequencies. For example, RF communication systems can be used to wirelessly communicate RF signals in a frequency range of approximately 30 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz), such as the range of approximately 410 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 7.125 GHz for fifth-generation (5G) cellular communications in Frequency Range 1 (FR1).

[0004] Examples of RF communication systems include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, base stations, network access points, customer premises equipment (CPE), laptops, and wearable electronic devices.

[0005] In certain applications, RF communication systems may transmit multiple RF signals simultaneously, and radio frequency power amplifiers may be used to amplify such RF signals for transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Each claimed innovation has several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desired attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some prominent features of the disclosure will now be summarized.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a power amplifier system arranged for dual connection. The power amplifier system includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, a radio frequency processing circuit, and a switch. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a radio frequency signal. The first power amplifier is configured to be active in a dual connection mode and to be active in a different mode. The second power amplifier is also configured to be active in the dual connection mode, and the first and second power amplifiers are simultaneously active in the dual connection mode. The radio frequency front-end processing circuit includes a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path. The switch is configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in the dual connection mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in the different mode.

[0008] The different mode may be a cellular communication mode. The radio frequency signal may have a lower power in the dual connectivity mode than in the different mode. The different mode may be a second generation mode. The second power amplifier may be inactive in the different mode.

[0009] The dual connectivity mode may be a non-standalone fifth generation mode. The radio frequency signal may be a long term evolution signal in the dual connectivity mode, and the second power amplifier may provide a new radio signal in the dual connectivity mode. The radio frequency signal may be a new radio signal in the dual connectivity mode, and the second power amplifier may provide a long term evolution signal in the dual connectivity mode.

[0010] A first signal path is operably coupled between the switch and a first antenna, and a second signal path is operably coupled between the switch and a second antenna, the first antenna configured to transmit a first radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode, and the second antenna configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode.

[0011] The power amplifier system may further include an input switch configured to electrically connect the first transmitter to the input of the first power amplifier in a dual connection mode and to electrically connect the second transmitter to the input of the first power amplifier in a different mode.

[0012] The power amplifier system may further include a load line coupled to the output of the power amplifier, where the load line may present a first impedance in the dual connection mode and a second impedance in the differential mode.

[0013] The first power amplifier may have a larger bandwidth in the dual connection mode than in the other mode.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for transmitting radio frequency signals, the method including generating a first radio frequency signal in a dual connection mode using a first power amplifier, generating a second radio frequency signal in the dual connection mode using a second power amplifier, wirelessly transmitting the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal in the dual connection mode, changing a mode of operation from the dual connection mode to a different mode, wherein the first power amplifier mode is active in the different mode, and electrically connecting an output of the first power amplifier to a different radio frequency signal path for the different mode than for the dual connection mode.

[0015] The first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal may be uplink signals. Wirelessly transmitting may include transmitting the first radio frequency signal from a first antenna and wirelessly transmitting the second radio frequency signal from a second antenna in a dual connectivity mode. The method may include deactivating a second power amplifier for the different modes.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device arranged for dual connectivity. The wireless communication device includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and multiple antennas. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a first radio frequency signal. The first power amplifier is configured to be active in a dual connectivity mode and to be active in a different mode. The second power amplifier is also configured to be active in the dual connectivity mode, and the first and second power amplifiers are simultaneously active in the dual connectivity mode. The multiple antennas include a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is configured to transmit the first radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode. The second antenna is configured to transmit the second radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode.

[0017] The wireless communication may include a radio frequency front-end processing circuit including a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path, and a switch configured to electrically connect an output of the first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in a dual connection mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in a different mode.

[0018] The first radio frequency signal may be a Long Term Evolution signal in a dual connectivity mode, and the second radio frequency signal may be a New Radio signal in a dual connectivity mode. The first radio frequency signal may be a New Radio signal in a dual connectivity mode, and the second radio frequency signal may be a Long Term Evolution signal in a dual connectivity mode.

[0019] The different modes may be associated with radio access technologies that are different from the radio access technology associated with the dual connectivity mode. The second power amplifier may be inactive in a different mode, which may be a second generation mode.

[0020] The second antenna may communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in a different mode. Alternatively, a third antenna of the plurality of antennas may communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in a different mode.

[0021] The wireless communication device may be a mobile phone.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a power amplifier system including a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and a switch. The first power amplifier is configured to be active in a first mode and to be active in a second mode. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a radio frequency signal associated with a different radio access technology in the first mode than in the second mode. The second power amplifier is also configured to be active in the first mode, and the first and second power amplifiers are simultaneously active in the first mode. The switch is configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a first radio frequency signal path in the first mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a second radio frequency signal path in the second mode.

[0023] The first mode may be a dual connectivity mode. The first mode may be a carrier aggregation mode. The first mode may be a multiple-input multiple-output mode.

[0024] The radio frequency signal may be associated with fourth generation technology in the first mode and second generation technology in the second mode. The radio frequency signal may be associated with fifth generation technology in the first mode and second generation technology in the second mode.

[0025] The second power amplifier may be inactive in the second mode, which may be a second generation mode.

[0026] The power amplifier system may include a radio frequency front-end processing circuit including a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path.

[0027] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device configured for multiple modes. The wireless communication device includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and multiple antennas. The first power amplifier is configured to be active in a first mode and active in a second mode. The first power amplifier includes an output configured to provide a radio frequency signal associated with a different radio access technology in the first mode than in the second mode. The second power amplifier is configured to be active in the second mode. The multiple antennas include a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is configured to transmit a first radio frequency signal from the first power amplifier in the first mode. The second antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal from the second power amplifier in the first mode.

[0028] The wireless communication device may include a radio frequency front-end processing circuit including a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path, and a switch configured to electrically connect an output of a first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in a first mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in a second mode.

[0029] The first mode may be a dual connection mode. The first mode may be a multiple input / output mode.

[0030] The first radio frequency signal may be associated with a first cellular radio access technology in a first mode, and the second radio frequency signal may be associated with a second radio access technology in the first mode, where the second radio access technology is different from the first radio access technology. The first radio frequency signal may be a Long Term Evolution signal in the first mode, and the first radio frequency signal may be a second generation technology signal in the second mode. The first radio frequency signal may be a New Radio signal in the first mode, and the first radio frequency signal may be a second generation technology signal in the second mode.

[0031] The first antenna may communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in the second mode. The second antenna may communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in the second mode. Alternatively, a third antenna of the plurality of antennas may communicate with the output of the first power amplifier in the second mode.

[0032] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for generating a radio frequency signal, the method including generating the radio frequency signal in a first mode using simultaneously active first and second power amplifiers, and activating the first power amplifier for radio signal amplification in a second mode, the power amplifier providing radio frequency signal amplification associated with a different radio access technology in the second mode than in the first mode.

[0033] The first mode may be a dual connectivity mode and the second mode may be a second generation (2G) mode.

[0034] The method may include electrically connecting an output of a first power amplifier to a first signal path for a first mode and electrically connecting the output of the first power amplifier to a second signal path for a second mode.

[0035] The method may include deactivating a second power amplifier for a different mode.

[0036] For purposes of summarizing this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the innovation have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the innovation may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a dual-connection network topology. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication network. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system arranged for dual connectivity according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a power amplifier module according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a power amplifier module according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system arranged for dual connectivity according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system arranged for dual connectivity according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system having an input switch according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system with an adjustable load line according to an embodiment. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication link using carrier aggregation. [Figure 13B] 13B illustrates various examples of uplink carrier aggregation for the communication link of FIG. 13A. [Figure 14A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an uplink channel using multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication; [Figure 14B]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of an uplink channel using MIMO communication. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mobile device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The following detailed description of certain embodiments represents various descriptions of particular embodiments. However, the innovations described herein can be embodied in many different forms, as defined and covered, for example, by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the drawings, in which like reference numerals may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It is understood that the elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It is further understood that a given embodiment may include more elements than shown in the drawings and / or may include a subset of the elements depicted in the drawings. Moreover, some embodiments may incorporate any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings. The headings provided herein are for convenience only and are not necessarily intended to affect the meaning or scope of the claims.

[0040] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for global issues relating to information and communications technology, including the use of the international radio spectrum.

[0041] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) is a collaboration between a group of telecommunications standards organizations around the world, such as the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB), Telecommunications Technology Committee (TTC), China Communications Standards Association (CCSA), American Telecommunications Industry Solutions Association (ATIS), Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and Telecommunications Standards Institute of India (TSDSI).

[0042] Working within the ITU, 3GPP develops and maintains technical specifications for various mobile communications technologies, including, for example, second-generation (2G) technologies (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (including GSM) and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)), third-generation (3G) technologies (e.g., Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA)), and fourth-generation (4G) technologies (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced).

[0043] Technical specifications maintained by 3GPP may be extended and revised through specification releases, which may span multiple years and define a wide range of new features and evolutions.

[0044] In one example, 3GPP introduced carrier aggregation (CA) for LTE in Release 10. Initially, two downlink carriers were introduced, but 3GPP expanded carrier aggregation to include up to five downlink carriers and up to three uplink carriers in Release 14. Other examples of new features and advancements provided by 3GPP releases include, but are not limited to, Licensed Assistant Access (LAA), enhanced LAA (eLAA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IOT), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), and High Power User Equipment (HPUE).

[0045] 3GPP completed the implementation of Phase 1 of fifth-generation (5G) technology in Release 15 and is now implementing Phase 2 of 5G technology in Release 16. Subsequent 3GPP releases will further evolve and enhance 5G technology, which is also referred to herein as 5G New Radio (NR).

[0046] 5G NR supports or is planned to support various features such as communication over mmWave spectrum, beamforming capabilities, high spectral efficiency waveforms, low latency communication, multiple radio numerology, and / or non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). Although such RF capabilities provide network flexibility and increase user data rates, supporting such features may pose a number of technical challenges.

[0047] The teachings herein are applicable to a wide variety of communication systems, including, but not limited to, communication systems that use advanced cellular technologies such as LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, and / or 5G NR.

[0048] Connectivity

[0049] With the introduction of the 5G NR air interface standard, 3GPP is allowing simultaneous operation of 5G and 4G standards to facilitate transition. This mode, also known as Non-Stand-Alone (NSA) 5G operation or E-UTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC), involves both 4G and 5G carriers transmitting simultaneously from the user equipment (UE).

[0050] In certain EN-DC applications, dual connectivity NSA involves overlaying a 5G system on an existing 4G core network. For dual connectivity in such applications, control and synchronization between base stations and UEs can be performed by the 4G network, while the 5G network is a complementary radio access network tethered to a 4G anchor. The 4G anchor can connect to the existing 4G network through a 5G data / control overlay.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a dual connectivity network topology. This architecture can leverage LTE legacy coverage to ensure service continuity and gradual deployment of 5G cells. A UE 10 can simultaneously transmit dual uplinks on LTE and NR carriers. The UE 10 can implement dual connectivity by transmitting an uplink LTE carrier Tx1 to an eNB 11 while transmitting an uplink NR carrier Tx2 to a gNB 12. In the example network topology of FIG. 1, any suitable combination of uplink carriers Tx1, Tx2 and / or downlink carriers Rx1, Rx2 can be simultaneously transmitted over a radio link. The eNB 11 can provide connectivity to a core network, such as an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 14. The gNB 12 can communicate with the core network via the eNB 11. Control plane data can be wirelessly communicated between the UE 10 and the eNB 11. The eNB 11 can also communicate control plane data with the gNB 12. The control plane data can propagate along the dashed path in FIG. 1. The solid lines in Figure 1 are data plane paths.

[0052] In the example dual connectivity topology of Figure 1, any suitable combination of standard bands and radio access technologies (e.g., FDD, TDD, SUL, SDL) can be transmitted and received over the air. This can present technical challenges with having multiple separate radios and bands to function in the UE 10. With a TDD LTE anchor point, network operation is synchronous when the operating modes are limited to Tx1 / Tx2 and Rx1 / Rx2, and asynchronous when it can involve Tx1 / Tx2, Tx1 / Rx2, Rx1 / Tx2, and Rx1 / Rx2. When the LTE anchor is a frequency division duplex (FDD) carrier, TDD / FDD in-band operation can involve Tx1 / Rx1 / Tx2 and Tx1 / Rx1 / Rx2 simultaneously.

[0053] As mentioned above, EN-DC can involve both 4G and 5G carriers being transmitted simultaneously from a UE. Transmitting both 4G and 5G carriers from a UE, such as a phone, typically involves two power amplifiers (PAs) being active simultaneously. Traditionally, activating two power amplifiers simultaneously involves deploying one or more additional power amplifiers specifically suited for EN-DC operation. Designing to support such EN-DC / NSA operation requires additional board space and cost.

[0054] The present disclosure provides a system and method for supporting EN-DC / NSA operation without adding an additional PA, consuming printed circuit board (PCB) space or physical area, and adding significant cost.

[0055] Initial solutions use additional standalone power amplifiers to support 4G bands during NSA / EN-DC operation. These additional power amplifiers consume additional PCB space and add to system costs. As an example, the NSA EN-DC cases for LTE band 20 (B20) and NR band 28 (n28) are typically supported by an additional external low-band (LB) EN-DC power amplifier in addition to the LB power amplifier module including the duplexer (PAMiD) module. This solution involves additional PCB space and costs to support the EN-DC cases with an external power amplifier. As another example, the NSA EN-DC cases for LTE band 3 (B3) and NR band 1 (n1) are supported by an additional external mid-band (MB) EN-DC power amplifier in a mid-band / high-band (MB / HB) PAMiD module. This solution also involves additional PCB space and costs to support the EN-DC cases with an external power amplifier.

[0056] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to implementing dual connectivity using existing power amplifiers. The existing power amplifiers are active in dual connectivity mode and also active in different modes. For example, one or more existing 2G PAs can be used for both 2G EN-DC and 4G / 5G EN-DC applications. 2G PAs are typically included in system implementations as either standalone LB and MB power amplifier modules or multiple PAs integrated into one or more 4G / 5G modules. Because 2G PAs cover existing frequency bands that may overlap a significant portion of the desired EN-DC frequency band, and because 2G PAs currently have adequate load lines to support power levels specified for 4G / 5G EN-DC operation, these PAs can be used for dual connectivity applications. These dual connectivity applications can be supported by adding post-PA switching that routes the amplifier signal to either the 2G EN-DC signal path or the 4G / 5G EN-DC signal path.

[0057] In certain cases, input switching can be implemented to select either the 2G signal or the 4G / 5G EN-DC signal from the transmitter. It is desirable to widen the bandwidth of existing 2G PAs so that they can cover a wide frequency range of dual-connection band combinations. In some examples, a load line switch for the 2G PA can be included to achieve high efficiency for dual-connection applications at low power levels, since 2G PAs are typically powered directly from a battery and PA efficiency cannot be improved by lowering the PA collector voltage. An integrated combiner can be included to support power measurement during dual-connection operation.

[0058] Examples of dual connectivity modes include (1) simultaneous transmission on LTE band 20 and NR band n1, and (2) simultaneous transmission on band 3 and band n1. Any suitable combination of simultaneous LTE band transmissions and NR band transmissions may be implemented. Any other suitable combination of simultaneous transmissions associated with two different radio access technologies may be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein.

[0059] By using the LB and MB 2G power amplifiers for dual-connection operation, the placement and cost of two additional PAs in the power amplifier system can be eliminated. The EN-DC solution disclosed herein provides advantages over traditional solutions by saving the additional cost and board space for one or more additional power amplifiers.

[0060] The embodiments disclosed herein can eliminate the need to deploy one or more additional PAs to support the 4G EN-DC band. 5G NSA operation can be supported by using existing 2G PAs during times when the 2G PAs were previously idle. This can extend the use of 2G PAs and facilitate the transition to 5G at low cost.

[0061] Although certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to dual connectivity operation, any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein may also be implemented in other applications in which multiple radio frequency signals are simultaneously generated for transmission. For example, any suitable combination of features described with reference to dual connectivity may be implemented in connection with carrier aggregation. The carrier aggregation may be uplink carrier aggregation. As another example, any suitable combination of features described with reference to dual connectivity may also be implemented in connection with multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communications. The MIMO communications may be uplink MIMO communications. In these examples, existing 2G PAs may be used to generate individual carriers for carrier aggregation or for signals for individual data streams of MIMO communications.

[0062] communication network

[0063] 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication network 20. The communication network 20 includes a macrocell base station 1, a mobile device 2, a small cell base station 3, and a stationary wireless device 4.

[0064] 2 supports communications using a variety of technologies, including, for example, 4G LTE, 5G NR, and wireless local area networks (WLANs) such as Wi-Fi. In communications network 20, dual connectivity can be implemented for simultaneous 4G LTE and 5G NR communications with mobile device 2. Although various examples of supported communications technologies are provided, communications network 20 can be adapted to support a wide variety of communications technologies.

[0065] Various communication links of communication network 20 are illustrated in FIG. 2. The communication links can be duplexed in a variety of ways, including, for example, frequency division duplexing (FDD) and / or time division duplexing (TDD). FDD is a type of radio frequency communication that uses different frequencies for signal transmission and signal reception. FDD can offer several advantages, such as high data rates and low latency. In contrast, TDD is a type of radio frequency communication that uses approximately the same frequency for signal transmission and signal reception, alternating between transmission and reception in time. TDD can offer several advantages, such as efficient use of spectrum and variable allocation of throughput between the transmit and receive directions.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2, mobile device 2 communicates with macrocell base station 1 via a communication link using a combination of 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies. Mobile device 2 also communicates with small cell base station 3. In the illustrated example, mobile device 2 and small cell base station 3 communicate via communication links using 5G NR, 4G LTE, and Wi-Fi technologies. In certain implementations, enhanced licensed-assisted access (eLAA) is used to aggregate one or more licensed frequency carriers (e.g., licensed 4G LTE frequencies and / or 5G NR frequencies) with one or more unlicensed carriers (e.g., unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies).

[0067] In certain implementations, the mobile device 2 communicates with the macro cell base station 2 and the small cell base station 3 using 5G NR technology over one or more frequency bands below 7.5 gigahertz (GHz) and / or over one or more frequency bands above 7.5 GHz. For example, the wireless communication may utilize Frequency Range 1 (FR1), Frequency Range 2 (FR2), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the mobile device 2 supports the HPUE power class specification.

[0068] The illustrated small cell base station 3 also communicates with stationary wireless devices 4. The small cell base station 3 may be used, for example, to provide broadband services using 5G NR technology. In certain implementations, the small cell base station 3 communicates with the stationary wireless devices 4 over one or more millimeter wave frequency bands in the 30 GHz to 300 GHz frequency range and / or over an upper centimeter wave frequency band in the 24 GHz to 30 GHz frequency range.

[0069] In certain implementations, small cell base stations 3 use beamforming to communicate with stationary wireless devices 4. For example, beamforming can be used to concentrate signal strength to overcome path losses, such as the high losses associated with communication over millimeter wave frequencies.

[0070] The communications network 20 of Figure 2 includes a macrocell base station 1 and a small cell base station 3. In certain implementations, the small cell base station 3 may operate with relatively lower power, shorter range, and / or fewer concurrent users than the macrocell base station 1. The small cell base station 3 may also be referred to as a femtocell, picocell, or microcell.

[0071] Although communication network 20 is shown to include two base stations, communication network 20 may be implemented to include more or fewer base stations and / or other types of base stations. As shown in Figure 2, these base stations may communicate with each other using wireless communications to provide wireless backhaul. Additionally or alternatively, the base stations may communicate with each other using wired and / or optical links.

[0072] 2 is shown to include one mobile device and one stationary wireless device. Mobile device 2 and stationary wireless device 4 represent two examples of user devices or user equipment (UE). Although communication network 20 is shown to include two user devices, communication network 20 may be used to communicate with more or fewer user devices and / or other types of user devices. For example, user devices may include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, IoT devices, wearable electronics, and / or a wide variety of other communication devices.

[0073] User devices of communication network 20 may share available network resources (eg, available frequency spectrum) in a wide variety of manners.

[0074] In one example, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) is used to divide a frequency band into multiple frequency carriers. Additionally, one or more carriers are assigned to a particular user. Examples of FDMA include, but are not limited to, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA). OFDMA is a multi-carrier technique that subdivides the available bandwidth into multiple mutually orthogonal narrowband subcarriers, which can be separately assigned to different users.

[0075] Other examples of shared access include, but are not limited to, time division multiple access (TDMA), in which users are assigned specific time slots using frequency resources, code division multiple access (CDMA), in which frequency resources are shared among different users by assigning a unique code to each user device, spatial division multiple access (SDMA), in which beamforming is used to provide shared access through spatial division, and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), in which power domains are used for multiple access purposes. For example, NOMA can be used to accommodate multiple users at the same frequency, time, and / or code, but at different power levels.

[0076] Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) refers to technology for increasing system capacity of LTE networks. For example, eMBB can refer to communication with peak data rates of at least 10 Gbps and a minimum of 100 Mbps for each user device. Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC) refers to technology for communication with very low latency, for example, less than 2 milliseconds. uRLLC can be used for mission-critical communications such as autonomous driving applications and / or remote surgery applications. Massive Machine-Based Communication (mMTC) refers to low-cost, low-data-rate communications associated with wireless connections to everyday objects, such as those associated with IoT applications.

[0077] The communications network 20 of FIG. 2 may be used to support a wide variety of advanced communications features, including, but not limited to, eMBB, uRLLC, and / or mMTC.

[0078] The peak data rate of a communication link (e.g., between a base station and a user device) depends on various factors, for example, the peak data rate is affected by the channel bandwidth, the modulation order, the number of component carriers, and / or the number of antennas used for communication.

[0079] For example, in a given implementation, the data rate of a communication link may be approximately equal to M*B*log2(1+S / N), where M is the number of communication channels, B is the channel bandwidth, and S / N is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0080] Thus, the data rate of a communication link may be increased by increasing the number of communication channels (e.g., transmitting and receiving using multiple antennas), by using wider bandwidth (e.g., by aggregating carriers), and / or by improving the SNR (e.g., by increasing transmit power and / or improving receiver sensitivity).

[0081] 5G NR communication systems can use a variety of different technologies to improve data rates and / or communication performance.

[0082] Power amplifier system and module

[0083] Dual-connection and other modes of operation in which two different power amplifiers are active simultaneously can be implemented in various power amplifier systems. Examples of power amplifier systems and power amplifier modules are described with reference to Figures 3-12. Any suitable combination of features of these example systems and / or modules can be implemented together with each other.

[0084] Power amplifier systems can be used to generate signals over a wide range of frequencies. For example, a given power amplifier system may operate using one or more low bands (e.g., RF signal bands having frequency components below 1 GHz, also referred to herein as LB), one or more mid-bands (e.g., RF signal bands having frequency components between 1 GHz and 2.3 GHz, also referred to herein as MB), and one or more high bands (e.g., RF signal bands having frequency components between 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz, such as 2.3 GHz and 2.7 GHz, also referred to herein as HB).

[0085] Second-generation (2G) power amplifiers (PAs) exist in a number of power amplifier system implementations. 2G power amplifiers are arranged to amplify 2G radio frequency (RF) signals. One or more 2G PAs can be implemented as one or more low-band (LB) and / or one or more mid-band (MB) PA standalone modules. Alternatively or additionally, one or more 2G PAs can be integrated into one or more 4G and / or 5G modules.

[0086] Because a 2G PA can cover an existing frequency band that overlaps a significant portion of the desired EN-DC frequency band, the 2G PA can include an appropriate load line to support the power levels specified for 4G / 5G EN-DC operation. Such a 2G PA can be used in EN-DC applications. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to using an existing 2G PA for both 2G and 4G / 5G EN-DC applications.

[0087] The power amplifier system can be configured to support both 2G and EN-DC operation for one or more PAs. PA post-stage switching can route the PA output signal to a 2G signal path in 2G mode and to a 4G / 5G EN-DC signal path in EN-DC mode. In some examples, input switching can selectively provide a 2G signal or a 4G / 5G EN-DC signal from the transmitter to the PA. It is desirable to widen the bandwidth of an existing 2G PA so that it can cover a wider frequency range of dual access band combinations. Such widening can involve increasing the bandwidth of the PA. In certain cases, a load line switch for one or more 2G PAs can be included to achieve high efficiency for EN-DC applications at low power levels. This can be important because 2G PAs can operate directly from the battery voltage without being able to increase PA efficiency by lowering the collector voltage. Any suitable combination of these features to support dual-mode operation of a PA can be implemented in conjunction with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein.

[0088] By using a power amplifier in two different operating modes instead of using two separate power amplifiers, a power amplifier system can be implemented with one less power amplifier. For example, by using LB and MB 2G power amplifiers for EN-DC operation, two additional PAs can be eliminated from some previous EN-DC systems that implemented separate PAs for 2G and EN-DC modes.

[0089] 3 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 300 arranged for dual connectivity according to one embodiment. In power amplifier system 300, a 2G PA is used for 4G / 5G EN-DC applications. In contrast, in certain existing 4G / 5G EN-DC applications, the 2G PA is typically inactive in EN-DC mode.

[0090] As shown, power amplifier system 300 includes MB / HB module 310, LB module 320, and diversity receive (DRX) module 330. Power amplifier system 300 also includes a multiplexer electrically connected to the circuitry of these modules. The multiplexer includes duplexers 332 and 334 and a triplexer 336 arranged to filter radio frequency signals. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be implemented external to the illustrated modules. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may also be included as part of a module, such as one or more of MB / HB module 310, LB module 320, and DRX module 330.

[0091] The illustrated LB module 320 includes a first 2G PA 322, a second 2G PA 324, a LB PA 326, an RF front-end processing circuit 327, and an RFFE (radio frequency front-end) control circuit 328. The first 2G PA 322 and the second 2G PA 324 may be configured to amplify 2G signals and RF signals, respectively, in dual connectivity mode. The LB PA 326 may be configured to amplify LB 5G signals.

[0092] The first 2G PA 322 may be configured to be active in the dual connectivity mode. While the first 2G PA 322 can provide a 4G LTE LB signal during the dual connectivity mode, the 5G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also activated. Alternatively or additionally, while the first 2G PA 322 can provide a 5G signal during the dual connectivity mode, the 4G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also activated, even if the first 2G PA 322 can support the bandwidth for the 5G signal. The first 2G PA 322 can amplify the LB 2G signal in the 2G mode. An output of the first 2G PA 322 may be electrically connected to different signal paths in the dual connectivity mode and the 2G mode.

[0093] The second 2G PA 324 may also be configured to be active in the dual connectivity mode. While the second 2G PA 324 can provide a 4G LTE HB signal during the dual connectivity mode, the 5G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also activated. Alternatively or additionally, while the second 2G PA 324 can provide a 5G signal during the dual connectivity mode, the 4G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also activated, even if the second 2G PA 324 can support the bandwidth for the 5G signal. While the second 2G PA 324 can provide a 4G LTE MB signal during the dual connectivity mode, the 5G PA of the power amplifier system 300 is also activated. The second 2G PA 324 can amplify the HB 2G signal in the 2G mode. An output of the second 2G PA 324 may be electrically connected to different signal paths in the dual connectivity mode and the 2G mode.

[0094] The RF front-end processing circuit 327 may include an RF signal path configured to process RF signals. Such signal paths may include one or more switches, one or more filters and / or duplexers, one or more matching networks, one or more radio frequency combiners, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. The 2G PAs 322 and 324 may be electrically connected to different respective signal paths in different modes so that 2G signals and dual connectivity signals are processed differently. The signal path between the first 2G PA 322 and the antenna may include the RF processing circuit 327 and other processing circuitry external to the LB module 320. The signal path between the second 2G PA 324 and the antenna may include the RF processing circuit 327 and other processing circuitry external to the LB module 320.

[0095] The illustrated MB / HB module 310 includes a MB PA 312 and associated capacitors 313, a HB PA 314 and associated capacitors 315, an RF front-end processing circuit 317, and a MIPI control circuit 318 arranged to provide control functions. The MB PA 312 can amplify MB signals. The MB PA 312 can be arranged to amplify 5G NR signals. The HB PA 314 can amplify HB signals. The HB PA 314 can be arranged to amplify 5G NR signals. The RF front-end processing circuit 317 can include an RF signal path arranged to process RF signals. Such signal paths can include one or more switches, one or more filters and / or duplexers, one or more matching networks, one or more radio frequency combiners, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0096] The diversity receive module 330 may perform signal processing on signals received by the diversity antenna 362. The diversity receive module 330 may include one or more low noise amplifiers, one or more filters and / or duplexers, one or more matching networks, one or more switches, one or more RF couplers, one or more power detectors, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0097] The MB / HB module 310, the LB module 320, and the DRX module 330 communicate with various antennas via various filters. For example, the MB / HB module 310 communicates with a high-band antenna 342 via a filter 340. The MB / HB module 310 communicates with a main antenna 352 via a first filter of a triplexer 350. The LB module communicates with an antenna via a second filter of the triplexer 350. The DRX module 330 communicates with a diversity receive antenna 362 via a filter of a triplexer 360.

[0098] 4 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a power amplifier module 400 according to one embodiment. As shown, the power amplifier module 400 includes a first 2G PA 322, a second 2G PA 324, a first filter 422, a second filter 432, a first switch 424, and a second switch 434. This portion of the power amplifier module 400 may be included in the LB module 320 of FIG. 3, for example. The first filter 422, the second filter 432, the first switch 424, and the second switch 434 may be included in the RF front-end processing circuit 327 of FIG. 3 in certain applications.

[0099] Switches 424 and 434 support signal routing for 2G and EN-DC operation. Switches 424 and 434 function as band select / mode select switches coupled to the outputs of 2G PAs 322 and 324, respectively.

[0100] The output signal provided by the first 2G PA 322 is filtered by a first filter 422 and provided to a first switch 424. The first filter 422 may be a low-pass filter. The first switch 424 may electrically connect the output of the first 2G PA 322 to the 2G LB signal path in the 2G mode. The first switch 424 may electrically connect the output of the first 2G PA 322 to the LB EN-DC signal path in the EN-DC mode. Thus, the first switch 424 may route the output of the first 2G PA 322 for either 2G operation or 4G / 5G EN-DC operation. In the EN-DC mode, the 2G PA 322 may provide a radio frequency output signal associated with a different radio access technology than in the 2G mode.

[0101] The output signal provided by the second 2G PA 324 is filtered by a second filter 432 and provided to a second switch 434. The second switch 434 can electrically connect the output of the second 2G PA 324 to a 2G signal path in the 2G mode. The second switch 434 can electrically connect the output of the second 2G PA 324 to an HB EN-DC signal path in the EN-DC mode. Thus, the second switch 434 can route the output of the second 2G PA 324 for either 2G operation or 4G / 5G EN-DC operation. In the EN-DC mode, the 2G PA 324 can provide a radio frequency output signal associated with a different radio access technology than in the 2G mode.

[0102] In some embodiments (not shown), the supply voltage to the first 2G PA 322 and / or the second 2G PA 324 may be adjusted differently for the 2G mode and the EN-DC mode.

[0103] The load line coupled to the output of the first 2G PA 322 and / or the load line coupled to the output of the second 2G PA 324 can be adjusted to present different impedances for the 2G mode and the EN-DC mode, thereby reducing power in the EN-DC mode compared to the 2G mode. Adjusting the impedance of the load line can improve efficiency in the 2G mode and / or the EN-DC mode.

[0104] 5 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a power amplifier module 500 according to one embodiment. The power amplifier module 500 is a standalone 2G EN-DC power amplifier module. Similar to the power amplifier module 400, the first switch 424 and the second switch 434 in the power amplifier module 500 can route the outputs of the 2G PAs 322 and 324, respectively, for 2G operation and for 4G / 5G EN-DC operation.

[0105] Power amplifier module 500 also includes radio frequency combiners 522 and 532. Radio frequency combiners 522 and 532 can provide RF samples of the EN-DC signal output from power amplifier module 500. The RF samples are provided to the output of power amplifier module 500 via switch 540. Integrated radio frequency combiners 522 and 532 can advantageously provide an indication of the output power for the EN-DC signal that power amplifier module 500 provides to the output of power amplifier module 500, thereby supporting power measurement during EN-DC operation. Power amplifier module 500 also includes RFFE control circuitry 500, which provides control functions.

[0106] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 600 arranged for dual connectivity according to one embodiment. A 2G PA is used in the power amplifier system 600 for 4G / 5G EN-DC applications. As shown, the power amplifier system 600 includes a LB module 620 and a DRX module 630. The power amplifier system 600 also includes multiplexers electrically connected to the circuitry of these modules. The multiplexers include a duplexer 634 and a triplexer 636. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be implemented external to the illustrated modules. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be included as part of a module, such as the LB module 620 and / or the DRX module 630. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may include filters included as part of the module and other filters external to the module.

[0107] As an example, the power amplifier system 600 can support a LB EN-DC mode for 4G LTE band 20 and a 5G NR band n28. In this example, the first 2G PA 322 provides a 4G band 20 signal, while the LB PA 326 provides a 5G band n28 signal. The duplexer 634 can be a band n28 duplexer, and the triplexer can include a band 20 transmit filter. In the EN-DC mode, the first 2G PA 322 can provide an amplified RF signal to the band 20 transmit filter of the triplexer 636 via the first switch 424. The LB PA 326 can simultaneously provide another amplified RF signal to the transmit filter of the duplexer 624 via the switch 622 and circuitry in the RF frequency processing circuitry 627.

[0108] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 700 arranged for duplex connectivity according to one embodiment. A 2G PA is used in the power amplifier system 700 for 4G / 5G EN-DC applications. As shown, the power amplifier system 700 includes a MB / HB module 710 and a LB module 620. The power amplifier system 700 also includes multiplexers electrically connected to the circuitry of these modules. The multiplexers include a duplexer 634 and a duplexer 732. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be implemented external to the illustrated modules. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may be included as part of a module, such as the LB module 620 and / or the MB / HB module 710. One or more of the illustrated multiplexers may include filters included as part of the module and other filters external to the module.

[0109] As an example, the power amplifier system 700 can support MB EN-DC mode for 4G LTE band 3 and 5G NR band n1. In this example, the second 2G PA 324 provides the 4G band 3 signal, while the MB PA 312 provides the 5G band n1 signal. The duplexer 732 can be a band 3 duplexer. In the EN-DC mode, the second 2G PA 324 can provide an amplified RF signal to the band 3 transmit filter of the duplexer 723 via the second switch 434. The MB PA 312 can provide another amplified RF signal to the band n1 transmit filter of the RF frequency processing circuit 717.

[0110] In one embodiment, the power amplifier system may include the LB module 620 of Figures 6 and 7, the DRX module 630 of Figure 6, and the HB / MB module 710 of Figure 7. Such an embodiment may also implement the dual connectivity functionality described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0111] Examples of EN-DC cases are described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Any suitable dual connectivity case may be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein. In some examples, one or more 2G PAs may be configured with wide bandwidth to support any suitable dual connectivity case.

[0112] 8 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a power amplifier system 800. As shown, the power amplifier system 800 includes a first PA 802, a second PA 804, a switch 810, a first signal path 822, a second signal path 824, a third signal path 826, a second switch 830, a first antenna 842, and a second antenna 844.

[0113] The first power amplifier 802 is active in the first mode and is arranged to be active in the second mode. The second power amplifier 804 is also arranged to be active in the first mode, so that the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 are simultaneously active in the first mode. The second power amplifier 804 may be inactive in the second mode.

[0114] The first mode may be a dual connectivity mode, a carrier aggregation mode, a MIMO mode, or any other mode in which the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 are active. As an example, the first mode may be a dual connectivity mode. The second mode may be, for example, a 2G mode.

[0115] In the first mode, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can generate radio frequency signals in a common band range (e.g., LB, MB, or HB) or in different band ranges (e.g., the first power amplifier 802 is in a different band range of LB, MB, or HB than the second power amplifier 804). In the first mode, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can generate radio frequency signals in any combination of the band ranges in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0116] The first power amplifier 802 has an output configured to provide a radio frequency signal associated with a different radio access technology in a first mode than in a second mode. For example, the first power amplifier 802 can provide a 4G signal in the first mode and a 2G signal in the second mode. As another example, the first power amplifier 802 can provide a 5G signal in the first mode and a 2G signal in the second mode. Thus, the first power amplifier 802 can provide radio frequency signals associated with different radio access technologies in different modes.

[0117] In certain cases, the first power amplifier 802 is arranged to operate in the first and second modes with a wider bandwidth than a similar power amplifier arranged to operate in only one of these modes.

[0118] Switch 810 is arranged to electrically connect the output of first power amplifier 802 to a first radio frequency signal path 822 in a first mode, and to electrically connect the output of first power amplifier 802 to a second radio frequency signal path 824 in a second mode. The first and second radio frequency signal paths 822 and 824 can process the output signal provided by first power amplifier 802 differently to meet specifications for the first and second modes, respectively.

[0119] The first radio frequency signal path 822 may be arranged to process the output signal provided by the first power amplifier 802 in the first mode. The first radio frequency signal path 822 may include one or more filters (e.g., one or more filters having a passband associated with the first mode), one or more matching networks, one or more switches, one or more radio frequency combiners, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. The first radio frequency signal path 822 may include radio frequency processing circuitry of the power amplifier module of any of FIGS. 3-7 and / or circuitry external to the power amplifier module.

[0120] The second radio frequency signal path 824 may be arranged to process the output signal provided by the first power amplifier 802 in the second mode. The second radio frequency signal path 824 may include one or more filters (e.g., one or more filters having a passband associated with the second mode), one or more matching networks, one or more switches, one or more radio frequency combiners, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. The second radio frequency signal path 824 may include radio frequency processing circuitry of the power amplifier module of any of FIGS. 3-7 and / or circuitry external to the power amplifier module.

[0121] In some applications, the power supply voltage for the first power amplifier 802 can be adjusted to switch between the first and second modes. In the first mode, the first power amplifier 802 can operate at a lower power than in the second mode. In the second mode, the first power amplifier 802 can output a radio frequency signal associated with a different radio access technology than in the first mode. Both different radio access technologies may be cellular radio access technologies.

[0122] In certain applications, the second power amplifier 804, in the first mode, may provide an output signal associated with a different radio access technology than the first power amplifier 802. For example, in the first mode, the second power amplifier 804 may provide a 5G signal and the first power amplifier 802 may provide a 4G signal. As another example, in the first mode, the second power amplifier 804 may provide a 4G signal and the first power amplifier 802 may provide a 5G signal. Both of the different radio access technologies may be cellular radio access technologies.

[0123] In some other applications, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can provide output signals associated with the same radio access technology in the first mode. For example, in the first mode, the second power amplifier 804 and the first power amplifier 802 can both provide 4G signals in the first mode. As another example, in the first mode, the second power amplifier 804 and the first power amplifier 802 can both provide 5G signals in the first mode. In these examples, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can provide signals for carrier aggregation and / or MIMO communications in the first mode.

[0124] The third radio frequency signal path 826 may be arranged to process, in the first mode, the output signal provided by the second power amplifier 804. The third radio frequency signal path 826 may include one or more filters, one or more matching networks, one or more switches, one or more radio frequency combiners, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0125] The second switch 830 can electrically connect the third signal path 826 to the second antenna 844 in a first mode and electrically connect the second signal path 824 to the second antenna 844 in a second mode. In the first mode, the output signal from the first power amplifier 802 can be transmitted from the first antenna 842, and the output signal from the second power amplifier 804 can be transmitted from the second antenna 844. In the second mode, the output signal from the first power amplifier 802 can be transmitted from the second antenna 844. The second antenna 844 can be the main antenna of the mobile device in certain applications.

[0126] 9 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 900 according to one embodiment. As shown, the power amplifier system 900 includes a first PA 802, a second PA 804, a switch 810, a first signal path 822, a second signal path 824, a third signal path 826, a second switch 930, a first antenna 942, and a second antenna 944. In the power amplifier system 900, the signal from the first power amplifier 802 is transmitted from a different antenna than the signal from the second power amplifier 804. The second switch 930 is arranged to electrically connect the first signal path 822 to the first antenna 942 in a first mode and to electrically connect the second signal path 824 to the second antenna 944 in a second mode. That is, the output signal from the first power amplifier 802 can be transmitted from the first antenna 942 in both the first mode and the second mode. Switches 810 and 930 together couple the first power amplifier 802 to the first antenna 942 via different signal paths in different modes.

[0127] 10 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 1000 according to one embodiment. As shown, the power amplifier system includes a first PA 802, a second PA 804, a switch 810, a first signal path 822, a second signal path 824, a third signal path 826, a first antenna 1042, a second antenna 1044, and a third antenna 1046. In the power amplifier system 1000, the output signal from the first power amplifier 802 is transmitted from different antennas in different modes and is also transmitted from a different antenna than the output signal from the second power amplifier 804. In the first mode, the output signal from the first power amplifier 802 is transmitted from the first antenna 1042, while the output signal from the second power amplifier 804 is transmitted from the third antenna 1044. In the second mode, the output from the first power amplifier 802 is transmitted from the second antenna 1044.

[0128] In some other applications, both the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can provide their respective radio frequency signals to the same antenna in a mode in which both the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 are simultaneously active. In such applications, the first power amplifier 802 and the second power amplifier 804 can generate radio frequency signals with different frequency components that are frequency-domain multiplexed and then provided to the same antenna. For example, the power amplifiers 802 and 804 can generate radio frequency signals with different frequency components for carrier aggregation, which can be combined by a multiplexer for transmission from the same antenna.

[0129] In a given application, input switching can select which transmitter to electrically connect to the input of the power amplifier for different modes. For example, an input switch for a 2G PA can provide a 2G signal to the input of the 2G PA in 2G mode and a 4G / 5G EN-DC signal to the input of the 2G PA in EN-DC mode.

[0130] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 1100 having an input switch 1102 according to one embodiment. The input switch 1102 can electrically connect different transmitters to the input of the power amplifier 802 in different modes. The input switch 1102 may be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein. For example, the input switch 1102 may be added to any other embodiment of the power amplifier system and / or module disclosed herein. The input switch 1102 may be included in a packaged module that includes any suitable combination of features of the power amplifier module 400 of FIG. 4. The input switch 1102 may be included in a packaged module that includes any suitable combination of features of the power amplifier module 500 of FIG. 5.

[0131] In certain applications, the load line at the output of a power amplifier capable of operating in multiple modes can be adjustable for the different modes. For example, an adjustable load line at the output of a 2G PA can provide improved efficiency at a desired operating power level by adjusting the time to switch between 2G and EN-DC modes. Load line switching can improve operating efficiency when the target output power levels for 2G and EN-DC are significantly different by adjusting the load line.

[0132] 12 is a schematic block diagram of a power amplifier system 1200 having an adjustable load line 1202 according to one embodiment. The adjustable load line 1202 can adjust the impedance of the load line to operate in different modes. For example, the adjustable load line 1202 can provide a different impedance for the 2G mode than for the EN-DC mode to improve and / or optimize efficiency at the target operating power level for each mode. The adjustable load line 1202 can implement load line switching to adjust the impedance.

[0133] The adjustable load line 1202 may be implemented in conjunction with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein. For example, the adjustable load line 1202 may be added to any other embodiment of the power amplifier system and / or module disclosed herein. The adjustable load line 1202 may be included in a packaged module that includes any suitable combination of features of the power amplifier module 400 of FIG. 4. The adjustable load line 1202 may be included in a packaged module that includes any suitable combination of features of the power amplifier module 500 of FIG. 5. The adjustable load line 1202 may be included in a packaged module that includes the input switch 1102 of FIG. 11 and any suitable combination of features of the power amplifier module 400 of FIG. 4. The adjustable load line 1202 may be included in a packaged module that includes the input switch 1102 of FIG. 11 and any suitable combination of features of the power amplifier module 500 of FIG. 5.

[0134] Carrier Aggregation

[0135] 13A is a schematic diagram of an example communication link using carrier aggregation. Carrier aggregation can be used to increase the bandwidth of a communication link by supporting communication over multiple frequency carriers, thus utilizing fragmented spectrum allocations to increase user data rates and improve network capacity. The power amplifiers disclosed herein can be implemented in carrier aggregation applications.

[0136] In the illustrated example, a communication link is provided between a base station 1321 and a mobile device 1322. As shown in Figure 13A, the communication link includes a downlink channel used for RF communication from the base station 1321 to the mobile device 1322 and an uplink channel used for RF communication from the mobile device 1322 to the base station 1321.

[0137] Although FIG. 13A illustrates carrier aggregation in the context of FDD communications, carrier aggregation can also be used for TDD communications.

[0138] In certain implementations, the communication link may provide asymmetric data rates for the downlink and uplink channels. For example, the communication link may be used to support a relatively high downlink data rate to enable high-speed streaming of multimedia content to a mobile device, while providing a relatively slower data rate for uploading data from the mobile device to the cloud.

[0139] In the illustrated example, the base station 1321 and the mobile device 1322 communicate via carrier aggregation, which can be used to selectively increase the bandwidth of the communication link. Carrier aggregation includes contiguous aggregation, in which adjacent carriers within the same operating frequency band are aggregated. Carrier aggregation may also be non-contiguous, including frequency-separated carriers within a common band or in different bands.

[0140] In the example shown in FIG. 13A, the uplink channel is divided into three aggregated component carriers f UL1 , f UL2 and f UL3 Additionally, the downlink channel includes five aggregated component carriers f DL1 , f DL2 , f DL3 , f DL4 and f DL5 Although an example of component carrier aggregation is shown, more or fewer carriers may be aggregated for uplink and / or downlink purposes. Furthermore, the number of aggregated carriers may be varied over time to achieve desired uplink and downlink data rates.

[0141] For example, the number of carriers aggregated for uplink and / or downlink communications for a particular mobile device may change over time, e.g., as the device moves through the communications network and / or as network usage changes over time.

[0142] Figure 13B illustrates various examples of uplink carrier aggregation for the communication link of Figure 13A, including a first carrier aggregation scenario 1331, a second carrier aggregation scenario 1332, and a third carrier aggregation scenario 1333 that schematically illustrate three types of carrier aggregation.

[0143] Carrier aggregation scenarios 1331 to 1333 are based on the first component carrier f UL1 , a second component carrier f UL2 , and the third component carrier f UL3 13B illustrates different spectrum allocations for a single 10GbE (uplink) and a single 10GbE (downlink). Although Figure 13B is described in the context of aggregating three component carriers, carrier aggregation may be used to aggregate more or fewer carriers. Furthermore, although shown in the context of the uplink, the aggregation scenario is also applicable to the downlink.

[0144] The first carrier aggregation scenario 1331 illustrates intra-band contiguous carrier aggregation, in which component carriers that are adjacent in frequency and located in a common frequency band are aggregated. For example, the first carrier aggregation scenario 1331 illustrates intra-band contiguous carrier aggregation, in which component carriers f are aggregated in a common frequency band that are adjacent in frequency and located in a first frequency band 1. UL1 , f UL2 and f UL3 Draw the aggregation of.

[0145] Continuing to refer to FIG. 13B, the second carrier aggregation scenario 1332 illustrates intra-band non-contiguous carrier aggregation, where two or more component carriers that are non-contiguous in frequency but within a common frequency band are aggregated. For example, the second carrier aggregation scenario 1332 illustrates a component carrier f that is non-contiguous but located within the first frequency band, Band 1. UL1 , f UL2 and f UL3 Draw the aggregation of.

[0146] The third carrier aggregation scenario 1333 illustrates intra-band discontinuous carrier aggregation, where component carriers in multiple frequency bands that are not adjacent in frequency are aggregated. For example, the third carrier aggregation scenario 1333 illustrates the aggregation of component carriers f UL1 and f UL2 and component carrier f of the second frequency band, Band 2 UL3 It depicts the convergence of

[0147] 13A-13C, individual component carriers used in carrier aggregation may have different frequencies, for example, may include frequency carriers in the same band or multiple bands. Additionally, carrier aggregation is applicable to implementations where individual component carriers have approximately the same bandwidth, as well as implementations where individual component carriers have different bandwidths.

[0148] A given communication network assigns a primary component carrier (PCC) or anchor carrier for the uplink and a PCC for the downlink to a particular user device. Additionally, if the mobile device communicates using a single frequency carrier for the uplink or downlink, the user device communicates using the PCC. To improve bandwidth for uplink communications, the uplink PCC can be aggregated with one or more uplink secondary component carriers (SCCs). Additionally, to improve bandwidth for downlink communications, the downlink PCC can be aggregated with one or more downlink SCCs.

[0149] In certain implementations, a communication network provides a network cell for each component carrier. Additionally, the primary cell may operate using a PCC, while the secondary cell may operate using an SCC. The primary and secondary cells have different coverage areas due to, for example, differences in carrier frequency and / or network environment.

[0150] Licensed-assisted access (LAA) refers to downlink carrier aggregation in which licensed frequency carriers associated with a mobile operator are aggregated with frequency carriers in unlicensed spectrum, such as Wi-Fi. LAA uses downlink PCCs in the licensed spectrum to carry control and signaling information associated with the communication link, while unlicensed spectrum is aggregated for wider downlink bandwidth when available. LAA can operate to avoid and / or coexist with Wi-Fi users through dynamic adjustment of secondary carriers. Enhanced licensed-assisted access (eLAA) refers to an evolution of LAA that aggregates licensed and unlicensed spectrum in both the downlink and uplink.

[0151] MIMO communication

[0152] 14A is a schematic diagram of an example uplink channel using multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication. The power amplifiers disclosed herein can be implemented in MIMO communication applications.

[0153] MIMO communications uses multiple antennas to simultaneously communicate multiple data streams across a common frequency spectrum. In certain implementations, the data streams operate with different reference signals to enhance data reception at the receiver. MIMO communications benefit from higher SNR, improved coding, and / or reduced signal interference due to spatial multiplexing differences in the wireless environment.

[0154] MIMO order refers to the number of separate data streams transmitted or received. For example, the MIMO order of uplink communications can be described by the number of transmit antennas at a UE, such as a mobile device, and the number of receive antennas at a base station. For example, 2x2UL MIMO refers to MIMO uplink communications using two UE antennas and two base station antennas. Additionally, 4x4UL MIMO refers to MIMO uplink communications using four UE antennas and four base station antennas.

[0155] In the example shown in Figure 14B, uplink MIMO communication is provided by transmission using N antennas 1444a, 1444b, 1444c, ... 1444n at mobile device 1442 and reception using M antennas 1443a, 1443b, 1443c, ... 1443m at base station 1441. Thus, Figure 14aA shows an example of n x m UL MIMO.

[0156] By increasing the level or order of MIMO, the bandwidth of the uplink and / or downlink channels can be increased.

[0157] MIMO communication is applicable to various types of communication links, such as FDD and TDD communication links.

[0158] 14B is a schematic diagram of another example of an uplink channel using MIMO communication. In the example shown in FIG. 14B, uplink MIMO communication is provided by transmission using N antennas 1444a, 1444b, 1444c, ... 1444n of a mobile device 1442. Additionally, a first portion of the uplink transmission is received using M antennas 1443a1, 1443b1, 1443c1, ... 1443m1 of a first base station 1441a, while a second portion of the uplink transmission is received using M antennas 1443a2, 1443b2, 1443c2, ... 1443m2 of a second base station 1441b. Additionally, the first base station 1441a and the second base station 1441b communicate with each other via wired, optical, and / or wireless links.

[0159] The MIMO scenario of FIG. 14B illustrates an example in which multiple base stations cooperate to facilitate MIMO communications.

[0160] Mobile devices

[0161] The power amplifier systems disclosed herein can be included in wireless communication devices, such as mobile devices. Power amplifier systems according to any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein can be implemented in any suitable wireless communication device. An example of such a wireless communication device is described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0162] 15 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a mobile device 1500. The mobile device 1500 includes a baseband system 1501, a transceiver 1502, a front-end system 1503, an antenna 1504, a power management system 1505, a memory 1506, a user interface 1507, and a battery 1508.

[0163] The mobile device 1500 can be used to communicate using a wide variety of communication technologies, including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G (including LTE, LTE Advanced, and LTE Advanced Pro), 5G NR, WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi), WPAN (e.g., Bluetooth® and ZigBee®), WPAN (e.g., WiMax), and / or GPS technologies.

[0164] The transceiver 1502 generates RF signals for transmission and processes incoming RF signals received from the antenna 1504. It will be appreciated that various functions associated with transmitting and receiving RF signals may be accomplished by one or more components collectively represented in FIG. 15 as the transceiver 1502. In one example, separate components (e.g., separate circuits or dies) may be provided to handle certain types of RF signals.

[0165] Front-end system 1503 assists in conditioning signals transmitted to and / or received from antenna 1504. In the illustrated embodiment, front-end system 1503 includes antenna tuning circuitry 1510, a power amplifier (PA) 1511, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 1512, a filter 1513, a switch 1514, and a signal splitting / combining circuit 1515. However, other implementations are possible.

[0166] For example, the front-end system 1503 may provide a number of functions, including, but not limited to, signal amplification for transmission, amplification of received signals, signal filtering, switching between different bands, switching between different power modes, switching between transmit and receive modes, signal duplexing, signal multiplexing (e.g., diplexing or triplexing), or any combination thereof.

[0167] In certain implementations, the mobile device 1500 supports carrier aggregation, providing flexibility to increase peak data rates. Carrier aggregation can be used with both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) and can be used to aggregate multiple carriers or channels. Carrier aggregation includes contiguous aggregation, where adjacent carriers within the same operating frequency band are aggregated. Carrier aggregation can also be non-contiguous, including frequency-separated carriers within a common band or in different bands.

[0168] Antennas 1504 may include antennas used for a variety of different types of communication. For example, antenna array 1504 may include antennas that transmit and / or receive signals associated with a variety of different frequencies and communication standards.

[0169] In certain implementations, antennas 1504 support MIMO and / or switched diversity communications. For example, MIMO communications use multiple antennas to communicate multiple data streams over a single radio frequency channel. MIMO communications benefit from higher signal-to-noise ratios, improved coding, and / or reduced signal interference due to spatial multiplexing differences in the wireless environment. Switched diversity refers to communications in which a particular antenna is selected to operate at a particular time. For example, a switch can be used to select a particular antenna from a group of antennas based on various factors, such as an observed bit error rate and / or a signal strength indicator.

[0170] In certain implementations, the mobile device 1500 may operate with beamforming. For example, the front-end system 1503 may include an amplifier with controllable gain and a phase shifter with controllable phase to provide beam formation and directionality for transmitting and / or receiving signals using the antenna 1504. For example, in the context of signal transmission, the amplitude and phase of transmit signals provided to the antenna 1504 may be controlled so that signals radiated from the antenna 1504 combine using constructive and destructive interference to generate an aggregate transmit signal exhibiting a beam-like quality of signal strength propagating in a given direction. In the context of signal reception, the amplitude and phase may be controlled so that more signal energy is received when the signal is arriving at the antenna 1504 from a particular direction. In certain implementations, the antenna 1504 may include one or more arrays of antenna elements to enhance beamforming.

[0171] The baseband system 1501 is coupled to a user interface 1507 to facilitate processing of various user inputs and outputs (I / O), such as voice and data. The baseband system 1501 provides digital representations of transmit signals to the transceiver 1502, which the transceiver 1502 processes to generate RF signals for transmission. The baseband system 1501 also processes digital representations of receive signals, which are provided by the transceiver 1502. As shown in FIG. 15, the baseband system 1501 is coupled to a memory 1506 to facilitate operation of the mobile device 1500.

[0172] The memory 1506 can be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as storing data and / or instructions to facilitate operation of the mobile device 1500 and / or to provide storage of user information.

[0173] The power management system 1505 provides a number of power management functions for the portable device 1500. In certain implementations, the power management system 1505 includes a PA supply control circuit that controls the supply voltages of the power amplifiers 1511. For example, the power management system 1505 can be configured to vary the supply voltages provided to one or more of the power amplifiers to improve efficiency, such as power added efficiency (PAE).

[0174] 15, power management system 1505 receives battery voltage from battery 1508. Battery 1508 may be any suitable battery for use in portable device 1500, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0175] Applications, Terminology, and Conclusion

[0176] Any of the above-described embodiments can be implemented in connection with a mobile device such as a cellular handset. The principles and advantages of the embodiments can be used by any system or apparatus, such as any uplink wireless communication device, that can benefit from any of the embodiments described herein. The teachings herein are applicable to a variety of systems. Although the present disclosure includes example embodiments, the teachings described herein can be applied to a variety of architectures. Any of the principles and advantages described herein can be implemented in connection with RF circuitry configured to amplify and process signals having frequencies in the range of approximately 30 kHz to 300 GHz, such as the range of approximately 450 MHz to 8.5 GHz. The power amplifier system disclosed herein can generate RF signals at frequencies within FR1 of the 5G NR specification.

[0177] Aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented in various electronic devices. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, consumer electronic products, components of consumer electronic products such as packaged radio frequency modules, uplink wireless communication devices, wireless communication infrastructure, electronic test equipment, etc. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, mobile telephones such as smartphones, wearable computing devices such as smart watches or earpieces, telephones, televisions, computer monitors, computers, modems, handheld computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, microwave ovens, refrigerators, in-vehicle electronic systems such as automotive electronic systems, robots such as industrial robots, Internet of Things devices, stereo systems, digital music players, radios, cameras such as digital cameras, portable memory chips, home appliances such as washers or dryers, peripheral devices, watches, clocks, etc. Additionally, electronic devices may include unfinished products.

[0178] Throughout this specification and the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, terms such as "comprises," "includes," "includes," and the like, should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. Conditional language herein, such as "can," "could," "may," "might," "for example," "such as," and the like, among others, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or conditions, while other embodiments do not, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise from the context of use. The word "coupled," as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the word "connected," as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words "here," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole, and not to any specific portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively.

[0179] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel power amplifier systems, radio frequency front ends, wireless communication devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the power amplifier systems, radio frequency front ends, wireless communication devices, and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, while multiple blocks are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may perform similar functions with different components and / or circuit topologies, and some blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. Each of these blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Any suitable combination of elements and steps of the various embodiments described above may be combined to provide further embodiments. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A power amplifier system arranged for dual connection, comprising: a first power amplifier including an output configured to provide a radio frequency signal, the first power amplifier being active in a dual connect mode and configured to be active in a different mode; a second power amplifier configured to be active in the dual connection mode, wherein the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are simultaneously active in the dual connection mode; a radio frequency front-end processing circuit including a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path; a switch configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in the dual connection mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in the different connection mode; 1. A power amplifier system comprising:

2. The power amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein the different mode is a cellular communication mode.

3. 2. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency signal has a lower power in the dual connect mode than in the other mode.

4. The power amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein the different mode is a second generation mode.

5. 2. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the second power amplifier is inactive in the different mode.

6. The power amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein the dual-connection mode is a non-standalone fifth-generation mode.

7. the radio frequency signal is a long term evolution signal in the dual connectivity mode; 2. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein said second power amplifier is configured to provide a new radio signal in said dual connect mode.

8. the radio frequency signal is a new radio signal in the dual connectivity mode; 2. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the second power amplifier is configured to provide a long-term evolution signal in the dual-connect mode.

9. the first signal path is operably coupled between the switch and a first antenna; The power amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein the second signal path is operatively coupled between the switch and a second antenna.

10. the first antenna is configured to transmit the radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode; 10. The power amplifier system of claim 9, wherein the second antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal from the second power amplifier in the dual connection mode.

11. electrically connecting a first transmitter to an input of the first power amplifier in the dual connection mode; electrically connecting a second transmitter to the input of the first power amplifier in the different mode; 10. The power amplifier system of claim 1, comprising an input switch configured to:

12. a load line coupled to an output of the power amplifier; 2. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the load line is configured to present a first impedance in the dual-connection mode and a second impedance in the differential mode, the first impedance being different from the second impedance.

13. 2. The power amplifier system of claim 1, wherein the first power amplifier is configured to have a larger bandwidth in the dual-connect mode than in the different mode.

14. 1. A method for transmitting a radio frequency signal, comprising: generating a first radio frequency signal using a first power amplifier in a dual connect mode; generating a second radio frequency signal using a second power amplifier in the dual connect mode; wirelessly transmitting the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode; changing an operation mode from the dual connected mode to a different mode, wherein the first power amplifier mode is active in the different mode; electrically connecting the output of the first power amplifier to a different radio frequency signal path for the different mode than for the dual connection mode; A method comprising:

15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising deactivating the second power amplifier for the different mode.

16. 1. A wireless communication device arranged for dual connectivity, comprising: a first power amplifier including an output configured to provide a first radio frequency signal, the first power amplifier being configured to be active in a dual connect mode and also active in a different mode; a second power amplifier configured to be active in the dual connection mode, wherein the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are simultaneously active in the dual connection mode; a plurality of antennas including a first antenna and a second antenna; Including, the first antenna is configured to transmit the first radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode; The wireless communication device, wherein the second antenna is configured to transmit the second radio frequency signal in the dual connectivity mode.

17. a radio frequency front-end processing circuit including a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path; a switch configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in the dual connection mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in the different connection mode; 17. The wireless communication device of claim 16, further comprising:

18. the first radio frequency signal is a long term evolution signal in the dual connectivity mode; 17. The wireless communication device of claim 16, wherein the second radio frequency signal is a new radio signal in the dual connectivity mode.

19. the first radio frequency signal is a new radio signal in the dual connectivity mode; 17. The wireless communication device of claim 16, wherein the second radio frequency signal is a Long Term Evolution signal in the dual connectivity mode.

20. The wireless communication device of claim 16 , wherein the different mode is associated with a different radio access technology than a radio access technology associated with the dual connectivity mode.

21. 1. A power amplifier system comprising: a first power amplifier configured to be active in a first mode and to be active in a second mode, the first power amplifier including an output configured to provide a radio frequency signal associated with a different radio access technology in the first mode than in the second mode; a second power amplifier configured to be active in the first mode, wherein the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are simultaneously active in the first mode; a switch configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a first radio frequency signal path in a first mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to a second radio frequency signal path in a second mode; 1. A power amplifier system comprising:

22. 22. The power amplifier system of claim 21, wherein the first mode is a dual connection mode.

23. 22. The power amplifier system of claim 21, wherein the first mode is a carrier aggregation mode.

24. 22. The power amplifier system of claim 21, wherein the radio frequency signal is associated with fourth generation technology in the first mode and second generation technology in the second mode.

25. 22. The power amplifier system of claim 21, wherein the radio frequency signal is associated with fifth generation technology in the first mode and second generation technology in the second mode.

26. 22. The power amplifier system of claim 21, wherein the second power amplifier is configured to be inactive in the second mode.

27. 22. The power amplifier system of claim 21, wherein the second mode is a second generation mode.

28. 1. A wireless communication device arranged for multiple modes, comprising: a first power amplifier configured to be active in a first mode and to be active in a second mode, the first power amplifier including an output configured to provide a first radio frequency signal associated with a different radio access technology in the first mode than in the second mode; a second power amplifier configured to be active in the second mode; a plurality of antennas including a first antenna and a second antenna; Including, the first antenna is configured to transmit the first radio frequency signal from the first power amplifier in the first mode; The second antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal from the second power amplifier in the first mode.

29. a radio frequency front-end processing circuit including a first radio frequency signal path and a second radio frequency signal path; a switch configured to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the first radio frequency signal path in the first mode and to electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to the second radio frequency signal path in the second mode; 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, further comprising:

30. 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, wherein the first mode is a dual connectivity mode.

31. 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, wherein the first mode is a multiple input / output mode.

32. the first radio frequency signal is associated with a first cellular radio access technology in the first mode; 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, wherein the second radio frequency signal is associated with a second radio access technology in the first mode, the second radio access technology being different from the first radio access technology.

33. the first radio frequency signal is a Long Term Evolution signal in the first mode; 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, wherein the first radio frequency signal is a second generation technology signal in the second mode.

34. the first radio frequency signal is a New Radio signal in the first mode; 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, wherein the first radio frequency signal is a second generation technology signal in the second mode.

35. 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, wherein the first antenna communicates with an output of the first power amplifier in the second mode.

36. 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, wherein the second antenna communicates with an output of the first power amplifier in the second mode.

37. 22. The wireless communication device of claim 21, wherein a third antenna of the plurality of antennas communicates with an output of the first power amplifier in the second mode.

38. 1. A method for generating a radio frequency signal, comprising: generating a radio frequency signal in a first mode using simultaneously active first and second power amplifiers; activating the first power amplifier for radio signal amplification in a second mode; Including, The method, wherein the power amplifier provides radio frequency signal amplification in the second mode that is associated with a different radio access technology than in the first mode.

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the first mode is a dual connectivity mode and the second mode is a second generation mode.

40. electrically connecting an output of the first power amplifier to a first signal path for the first mode; electrically connecting an output of the first power amplifier to a second signal path for the second mode; 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising:

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