Power amplification system, radio-frequency transmission system and signal transmission apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a power amplification system, a radio-frequency transmission system and a signal transmission apparatus. The power amplification system comprises a hybrid coupler, a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a first impedance conversion line and a second impedance conversion line, wherein an output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the hybrid coupler by means of the first impedance conversion line, and an output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the hybrid coupler by means of the second impedance conversion line. The first amplifier and the second amplifier are used for outputting radio-frequency signals. The hybrid coupler is used for performing impedance conversion with the first impedance conversion line and / or the second impedance conversion line. A synthesized radio-frequency signal is outputted from a fourth end of the hybrid coupler, and the synthetic radio-frequency signal is synthesized by a plurality of radio-frequency signals. In the embodiments of the present application, impedance conversion and load pull are realized by means of combining a hybrid coupler with a wavelength line, which serves as an impedance conversion line, thereby reducing area overheads caused by the wavelength line on the basis of reducing the power consumption of a power amplification system.

Description

A power amplification system, a radio frequency transmission system and a signal transmission device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on July 27, 2023, with application number 202310940369.X and application name “A power amplification system, a radio frequency transmission system and a signal transmission device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a power amplification system, a radio frequency transmission system, and a signal transmission device. Background Art

[0003] In wireless communication applications, data information is carried on radio frequency signals through modulation techniques. Radio frequency signals are then transmitted to achieve wireless communication between the transmitter and receiver. To ensure wireless communication quality, the radio frequency signals are typically power amplified before transmission. This power amplification relies on a power amplifier. A constant supply power signal is input to the power supply terminal of the power amplifier. Upon receiving the corresponding radio frequency signal at its input terminal, the power amplifier converts the supply power signal into a second radio frequency signal based on the signal power of the input first radio frequency signal. The signal power of the second radio frequency signal is amplified by a gain relationship with the signal power of the first radio frequency signal. The second radio frequency signal is then transmitted as the power-amplified radio frequency signal. However, with the advancement of wireless communication technology, radio frequency signal modulation techniques have become increasingly complex. To ensure the linearity of the second radio frequency signal, the power amplifier must have a certain power back-off. As the power back-off increases, the conversion efficiency of the supply power signal decreases, increasing the static power consumption of the power amplifier and resulting in significant energy waste.

[0004] One improved approach is to implement power amplification using a power amplifier system based on a Doherty structure. The power amplifier system includes multiple impedance transformation lines and at least two power amplifiers. The at least two power amplifiers include a main power amplifier and one or more slave power amplifiers. Power amplification is implemented by one or more power amplifiers based on the signal power of the input first RF signal. When the multiple power amplifiers are working, the main power amplifier and the slave power amplifier implement load pull through multiple impedance transformation lines to synthesize the power of multiple RF signals output by the multiple power amplifiers to obtain a second RF signal. The power amplifier system based on the Doherty structure can achieve high conversion efficiency and power back-off when amplifying the first RF signal whose signal power is in a lower power operating range. At the same time, the power amplifier system can maintain low static power consumption. However, the Doherty architecture requires a large number of wavelength lines for impedance transformation to synthesize the RF signal, which makes the area of ​​the power amplifier system larger. As the number of branches of the power amplifier increases, the number of wavelength lines also increases, resulting in an increase in area overhead.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a power amplification system, a radio frequency transmission system, and a signal transmission device, which reduce the number of required wavelength lines while achieving power synthesis of multiple branches.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a power amplification system is provided, comprising a hybrid coupler, a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, and a second impedance transformation line. The output of the first amplifier is coupled to the hybrid coupler via the first impedance transformation line. The output of the second amplifier is coupled to the hybrid coupler via the second impedance transformation line. The first amplifier and the second amplifier are configured to output radio frequency signals. The hybrid coupler is configured to perform impedance transformation with the first impedance transformation line and / or the second impedance transformation line. A composite radio frequency signal is output from a fourth terminal of the hybrid coupler. The composite radio frequency signal is synthesized from multiple radio frequency signals.

[0009] In a traditional Doherty architecture, in a two-branch Doherty architecture, at least four wavelength lines are required as impedance transformation lines to achieve impedance transformation and load pulling, thereby achieving the purpose of power synthesis. As the number of branches increases, the number of wavelength lines will also increase, which greatly increases the area overhead, limiting the application and development of power amplifier systems including multi-branch structures. In an embodiment of the present application, by coupling a hybrid coupler with the first amplifier and the second amplifier, impedance transformation and load pulling can be achieved on the basis of reducing the number of wavelength lines serving as impedance transformation lines, thereby achieving the purpose of power synthesis. Based on power synthesis, the power amplifier system can have higher fallback conversion efficiency and full-load conversion efficiency, as well as lower static power consumption. At the same time, as the number of branches of the power amplifier system increases, in one or more groups of two-branch structures in the multi-branch, impedance transformation and load pulling can be achieved by one or more hybrid couplers to reduce the number of wavelength lines.

[0010] For example, different numbers of wavelength lines may be reduced depending on how the hybrid coupler is configured.

[0011] For example, based on different amplifier types, the multiple amplifiers may be divided into a master amplifier and at least one slave amplifier. The minimum operating power of the master amplifier is lower than the minimum operating power of all other slave amplifiers. The multiple slave amplifiers may have different minimum operating powers.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the fourth end of the hybrid coupler is an output end, and the first end, the second end, and the third end of the hybrid coupler are respectively coupled with amplifying branches to achieve impedance transformation and load pulling in a multi-branch architecture.

[0013] Exemplarily, the power amplification system also includes a third amplifier. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through a first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through a second impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the third end of the hybrid coupler. In a traditional three-way Doherty architecture, at least six wavelength lines are required as impedance transformation lines to achieve impedance transformation and load pulling, thereby achieving the purpose of power synthesis. In an embodiment of the present application, in a power amplification system with a three-way branch structure, a hybrid coupler can be used to reduce the wavelength lines in the three branches to reduce the area overhead caused by the wavelength lines in the power amplification system. Compared with the traditional three-way Doherty architecture, in the embodiment of the present application, one or two wavelength lines can be reduced based on a hybrid coupler according to the types of amplifiers in the three branches and the coupling relationship between them and the hybrid coupler.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the third terminal of the hybrid coupler is grounded. The fourth terminal of the hybrid coupler is an output terminal. The first terminal and / or the second terminal of the hybrid coupler is coupled to a branch. In this case, the minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier.

[0015] Exemplarily, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is grounded, the power amplification system further includes a third amplifier. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via a first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via a second impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is grounded, the first amplifier serving as a first master amplifier can be coupled via the first end of the hybrid coupler. The second amplifier serving as a first slave amplifier can be coupled via the second end of the hybrid coupler. The third amplifier serving as a second slave amplifier can be coupled via the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. On the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling, the use of a hybrid coupler can reduce the number of required wavelength lines.

[0016] Exemplarily, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is grounded. The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier and a third impedance conversion line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance conversion line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance conversion line; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler through the third impedance conversion line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is grounded, the first amplifier serving as a first slave amplifier can be coupled through the first end of the hybrid coupler. The second amplifier serving as a second slave amplifier can be coupled through the second end of the hybrid coupler. The third amplifier serving as a first master amplifier can be coupled through the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. On the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance conversion and load pulling, the use of a hybrid coupler can reduce the number of required wavelength lines.

[0017] Exemplarily, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is grounded. The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the fourth impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the third impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the third amplifier is the first master amplifier. The first amplifier is the first slave amplifier. The second amplifier is the second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0018] For example, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is grounded, the power amplification system further includes a third amplifier. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via a first impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via a second impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is greater than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier and less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier is a first master amplifier. The third amplifier is a first slave amplifier. The second amplifier is a second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0019] For example, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is grounded. The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the third impedance transformation line and is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second end of the third impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is greater than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier and less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier is a first master amplifier. The third amplifier is a first slave amplifier. The second amplifier is a second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the third end of the hybrid coupler can be left unused. The fourth end of the hybrid coupler can be used as the output end. Impedance conversion and load pulling are achieved using at least two of the first, second, and fourth ends of the hybrid coupler. In this case, the minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier.

[0021] Exemplarily, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is idle. The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line. The first end of the third impedance transformation line is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the third impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier is a first master amplifier. The second amplifier is a first slave amplifier. The third amplifier is a second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0022] Exemplarily, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is idle. The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the third impedance transformation line and is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second end of the third impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is greater than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier and less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier is a first master amplifier. The third amplifier is a first slave amplifier. The second amplifier is a second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0023] Exemplarily, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is idle. The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line. The first end of the fourth impedance transformation line is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the fourth impedance transformation line through the third impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the third amplifier is the first master amplifier. The first amplifier is the first slave amplifier. The second amplifier is the second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0024] Exemplarily, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is idle. The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier is a first master amplifier. The second amplifier is a first slave amplifier. The third amplifier is a second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0025] For example, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is idle. The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier is a first master amplifier. The second amplifier is a first slave amplifier. The third amplifier is a second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0026] Exemplarily, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is unused, the power amplification system further includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler via the fourth impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the third amplifier is a first master amplifier. The first amplifier is a first slave amplifier. The second amplifier is a second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler, while reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0027] For example, when the third end of the hybrid coupler is idle. The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the fourth impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the third amplifier is the first master amplifier. The first amplifier is the first slave amplifier. The second amplifier is the second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler can be grounded, or the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler can be left vacant. The fourth end of the hybrid coupler is used as the output end. In this case, the power amplification system also includes a third impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. In an embodiment of the present application, the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler can be grounded, or the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler can be left vacant. The two amplification branches are coupled based on the first end of the hybrid coupler to reduce the number of wavelength lines in the two-branch architecture.

[0029] For example, when the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler are grounded, or when the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler are unconnected, the hybrid coupler can also be used to reduce the number of wavelength lines in a three-branch architecture. In this case, the power amplification system also includes a third amplifier. The fourth end of the hybrid coupler is coupled to the output end of the third amplifier. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. In the embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier is a first master amplifier. The second amplifier is a first slave amplifier. The third amplifier is a second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler, based on the reduction in power consumption achieved through impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0030] Exemplarily, when the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler are grounded, or the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler are left unused, the hybrid coupler can also be used to reduce the number of wavelength lines in the three-branch architecture. In this case, the power amplification system also includes a third amplifier and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler via the fourth impedance transformation line. The minimum power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. In an embodiment of the present application, the third amplifier is the first master amplifier. The first amplifier is the first slave amplifier. The second amplifier is the second slave amplifier. Through the coupling method of the embodiment of the present application, the number of required wavelength lines can be reduced by using a hybrid coupler on the basis of reducing power consumption based on impedance transformation and load pulling.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the hybrid coupler is a coupler based on a three-dimensional stacked structure. For example, the hybrid coupler can be a coupler based on a waveguide suspended line process, or a suspended coupler based on a substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) process. In an embodiment of the present application, a coupler with a three-dimensional stacked structure is used as the hybrid coupler coupler 1. Compared to traditional couplers, a three-dimensional stacked structure coupler is formed by a multi-layer stacked structure, which can reduce the occupied area of ​​the coupler.

[0032] For example, using an 860 MHz input RF signal, the length of one wavelength line is approximately 52 mm. When the hybrid coupler is a suspended coupler, the length of one hybrid coupler is approximately 6 mm. Therefore, embodiments of the present application can significantly reduce the area overhead associated with wavelength lines in a power amplifier system.

[0033] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a radio frequency transmission system, the radio frequency transmission system comprising a radio frequency generation circuit and a power amplification system as described in the first aspect. The output end of the radio frequency generation circuit is coupled to the input end of the power amplification system.

[0034] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a signal transmitting device, which includes a baseband processing system and a radio frequency transmitting system as described in the second aspect.

[0035] Regarding the technical principles and beneficial effects of the second and third aspects, please refer to the relevant description of the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power amplifier;

[0037] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the gain amplification factor of a power amplifier and the input power;

[0038] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a signal transmitting device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency transmission system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG5 is a structural diagram 1 of a first power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG6 is a second structural diagram of another first power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the branch currents and the input signal power of the first power amplification system shown in FIG6 , provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG8 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the branch voltages and the input signal power of the first power amplification system shown in FIG6 , provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG9 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the impedance load of each branch and the input signal power of the first power amplification system shown in FIG6 , provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the conversion efficiency and the input signal power of the first power amplification system shown in FIG6 , provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG11 is a third structural diagram of another first power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG12 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the branch currents and the input signal power of the first power amplification system shown in FIG11 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG13 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the voltages of each branch and the input signal power of the first power amplification system shown in FIG11 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG14 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the impedance load of each branch and the input signal power of the first power amplification system shown in FIG11 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG15 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the conversion efficiency and the input signal power of the first power amplification system shown in FIG11 according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG16 is a structural diagram showing the correspondence between ports of a hybrid coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG17 is a first structural diagram of a second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG18 is a second structural diagram of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG19 is a third structural diagram of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG20 is a fourth structural diagram of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG21 is a fifth structural diagram of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG22 is a sixth structural diagram of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG23 is a seventh structural diagram of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG24 is a structural diagram eight of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG25 is a ninth structural diagram of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG26 is a structural diagram 10 of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG27 is a structural diagram 11 of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG28 is a structural diagram 12 of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG29 is a structural diagram 13 of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG30 is a structural diagram fourteen of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG31 is a structural diagram fifteen of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG32 is a structural diagram 16 of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG33 is a structural diagram seventeen of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG34 is a structural diagram eighteen of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG35 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the branch currents and the input signal power of the second power amplification system shown in FIG34 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG36 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the branch voltages and the input signal power of the second power amplification system shown in FIG34 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG37 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the impedance load of each branch and the input signal power of the second power amplification system shown in FIG34 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG38 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the conversion efficiency and the input signal power of the second power amplification system shown in FIG34 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG39 is a structural diagram nineteen of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG40 is a structural diagram 20 of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG41 is a structural diagram 21 of another second power amplification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG42 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the branch currents and the input signal power of the second power amplification system shown in FIG39 , FIG40 , and FIG41 , provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG43 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the branch voltages and the input signal power of the second power amplification system shown in FIG39 , FIG40 , and FIG41 , provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG44 is a schematic diagram showing the response relationship between the impedance load of each branch and the input signal power of the second power amplification system shown in FIG39 , FIG40 , and FIG41 , provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 45 is a schematic diagram of the response relationship between the conversion efficiency and input signal power of the second power amplification system shown in Figures 39, 40 and 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application are only used to distinguish features of the same type and cannot be understood as indicating relative importance, quantity, order, etc.

[0082] The terms "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0083] The terms "coupling" and "connection" involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a physical direct connection, or an indirect connection achieved through electronic devices, such as a connection achieved through resistors, inductors, capacitors, microstrip lines, couplers or other electronic devices.

[0084] First, some basic concepts involved in this application are explained:

[0085] Power amplifiers: Power amplifiers can be categorized as power tube-type power amplifiers and switching-type power amplifiers. Power tube-type power amplifiers can be further divided into Class A, Class B, Class AB, and Class C. Class A, Class B, and Class AB power amplifiers are linear power amplifiers. Class C power amplifiers are nonlinear. Class A power amplifiers can achieve full-cycle operation, offering optimal linearity and are suitable for power amplification of small DC signals. Class B power amplifiers operate on a half-cycle basis, and single-ended Class B power amplifiers produce significant nonlinear distortion. Class AB power amplifiers are a combination of Class A and Class B power amplifiers. Class AB power amplifiers offer efficiency and linearity between Class A and Class B power amplifiers and are widely used in RF signal amplification. Class C power amplifiers are nonlinear. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of a single power tube-type power amplifier. In the figure, a gate bias circuit P1 is provided at the gate of the power tube M, and a drain bias circuit P2 is provided at the drain of the power tube M. The gate bias circuit P1 and the drain bias circuit P2 control the bias state between the electrodes of the power tube M, so that the power tube M is in a power amplification state. The power tube M in the power amplification state can amplify the power of the received signal.

[0086] The efficiency of a power amplifier refers to the proportion of input power that can be converted into useful output power. In practical applications, the ratio of the power of the output signal of the power amplifier to the power supplied by the power supply is the efficiency of the power amplifier, represented by η, that is, η = Po / PE * 100%. By definition, power amplifier efficiency = (output power / supply power) × 100%. Taking Figure 1 as an example, the operating efficiency of the power amplifier can be reflected by the operating efficiency provided by the drain bias circuit P2 of the power tube M, that is, the proportion of the drain DC signal provided by the drain bias circuit P2 converted to the RF signal actually output by the power amplifier. The operating efficiency of the power amplifier will decrease as the output power decreases. The output power of the power amplifier is positively correlated with the input power of the power amplifier. The input power of the power amplifier is the power of the RF signal received by the gate of the power tube M as shown in Figure 1.

[0087] Power Back-off of a Power Amplifier: Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the power amplification of a single power amplifier. As can be seen, a power amplifier has a certain linear operating power range. Within this linear operating power range, the gain ratio between the input power and output power of the power amplifier is linear (i.e., a proportional, constant gain ratio). However, when the input power of the power amplifier exceeds this linear operating power range, the gain ratio between the input power and output power becomes nonlinear. Even when the input power reaches the power amplifier's saturation power range, the output power no longer increases with increasing input power. To ensure linear amplification of the RF signal output by the power amplifier, power back-off is required (i.e., backing off a certain amount from the maximum operating power point of the power amplifier). The RF signal received by the power amplifier is a modulated signal obtained by modulating data information onto a carrier signal. The amount of power back-off is related to the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the modulated signal. In wireless communications, the RF signal carries the data signal to be communicated. The greater the amount of data carried by the RF signal, the greater the power of the RF signal received by the power transistor M.

[0088] Quiescent current refers to the current flowing through an electronic device when no external signal is input, i.e., the current consumed by the device when unaffected by external factors. Similarly, quiescent voltage refers to the voltage flowing through an electronic device when no external signal is input, i.e., the voltage maintained by the device when unaffected by external factors. Quiescent power consumption refers to the power consumption generated by the device when the current and / or voltage are in a quiescent state.

[0089] An embodiment of the present application provides a signal transmission device. As shown in FIG3 , the signal transmission device 1000 includes a baseband processing system 100 and a radio frequency transmission system 200. The output of the baseband processing system 100 is coupled to the input of the radio frequency transmission system 200. The baseband processing system 100 is configured to transmit data information in the form of a first baseband signal to the radio frequency transmission system 200. The radio frequency transmission system 200 is configured to carry the first baseband signal on a radio frequency signal based on a modulation technique and transmit the radio frequency signal to achieve wireless communication.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4, the RF transmission system 200 includes an RF generation circuit 10 and a power amplification system 20. The output of the RF generation circuit 10 is coupled to the input of the power amplification system 20. The RF generation circuit 10 is configured to carry the first baseband signal on the first RF signal based on a modulation technique and output the first RF signal to the power amplification system 20.

[0091] For example, the power amplification system 20 may include one or more input terminals. In some examples, the RF generation circuit 10 may output one or more first RF signals to one input terminal of the power amplification system 20. In some examples, the RF generation circuit 10 may output one or more first RF signals to multiple input terminals of the power amplification system 20. In some examples, the multiple first RF signals may be the same RF signal or different RF signals.

[0092] In some possible embodiments, the power amplification system 20 shown in Figure 4 is a first power amplification system based on a Doherty architecture. The first power amplification system includes a multi-channel power amplifier. One of the multi-channel power amplifiers is a main power amplifier (MPA), also known as a carrier power amplifier (CPA). The main power amplifier can be a class AB power amplifier. The other one or more power amplifiers in the multi-channel power amplifier are auxiliary power amplifiers (APA), also known as peak power amplifiers (PPA); the slave power amplifier can be a class B power amplifier or a class C power amplifier. Exemplarily, the first power amplification system can be based on a traditional two-channel Doherty architecture and a multi-channel Doherty architecture.

[0093] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the first power amplification system 20A is a traditional Doherty architecture including a master amplifier M1 and a first slave amplifier A1. In this case, the first power amplification system 20A also includes a first wavelength line L1 and a second wavelength line L2. The output end of the first master amplifier M1 is coupled to the first end of the first wavelength line L1 and, via the second end of the first wavelength line L1, to the first end of the second wavelength line L2. The output end of the first slave amplifier A1 is coupled to the second end of the first wavelength line L1. In an embodiment of the present application, the minimum operating power of the first slave amplifier A1 is greater than the minimum operating power of the first master amplifier M1. When the operating power of the first power amplification system 20A is in a low-power operating range, the first slave amplifier A1 is deactivated and the first master amplifier M1 is activated. This allows the first master amplifier M1 to operate within its larger power operating range when the input RF signal power is low, thereby achieving higher back-off conversion efficiency. When the power of the input RF signal is relatively high, the first power amplification system 20A operates in the high-power operating range, and both the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 operate. At this time, the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 respectively amplify the power of the input RF signal and output two power-amplified RF signals. When the first power amplification system 20A operates in the high-power operating range, the first wavelength line L1 can undergo impedance inversion. The impedance inversion of the first wavelength line L1 enables the power of the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located to continue to increase when the first slave amplifier A1 is turned on. Based on the changes in the operating voltage, operating current, and load size of the branches where the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 are located during the impedance inversion of the first wavelength line L1, combined with the output impedance matching of the second wavelength line L2, the first power amplification system 20A can implement load pulling to achieve power synthesis of the RF signals output by the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 to obtain a second RF signal. When the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 of the first power amplification system 20A are operating simultaneously, the first power amplification system 20A can also maintain a relatively high full-load conversion efficiency. In addition, when the first power amplification system 20A is in an idle state, the first main amplifier M1 can be biased at a lower static operating voltage and / or static operating current, and its static power consumption is also low. However, in actual applications, the Doherty architecture shown in Figure 5 (a) is only a theoretical architecture based on load pulling and impedance transformation. In actual applications, the structure also includes many wavelength lines that do not undergo impedance inversion. These wavelength lines are connected in series in pairs. The two wavelength lines in series as impedance transformation lines can compensate for each other's impedance inversion effects, so they are not shown in the theoretical schematic diagram of Figure 5 (a).However, in practical applications, these wavelength lines, acting as impedance transformation lines, are still required to achieve power synthesis of multiple RF signals. For example, as shown in FIG5(b), the first power amplifier system 20A based on the structure shown in FIG5(a) also includes a third wavelength line L3 and a fourth wavelength line L4. The output end of the first slave amplifier A1 is coupled to the third wavelength line L3 and the fourth wavelength line L4, and then coupled to the second end of the first wavelength line L1 via the fourth wavelength line L4. As shown in FIG5(b), a traditional Doherty architecture requires at least four impedance transformation lines (e.g., the first wavelength line L1, the second wavelength line L2, the third wavelength line L3, and the fourth wavelength line L4) to achieve power synthesis. In actual products, the power amplifier uses a relatively small area overhead, such as the power transistor M. The wavelength lines acting as impedance transformation lines are typically 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the RF signal, and have a certain length and area. A large number of wavelength lines increases the area of ​​the first power amplifier system 20A. Taking the frequency band below 1 GHz as an example, the wavelength line length corresponding to an 860 MHz RF signal is approximately 52 millimeters (mm). Therefore, the main area cost of the first power amplification system 20A comes from the wavelength line, and this area occupancy will greatly increase with the increase in the number of branches in the Doherty architecture. The following takes a multi-path Doherty architecture as an example:

[0094] In some examples, the first power amplification system 20A may also be a multi-channel Doherty architecture including multiple amplifiers. For example, a multi-channel Doherty architecture includes a first master amplifier, a first slave amplifier, and a second slave amplifier, with the minimum operating power arranged in ascending order. When the first power amplification system 20A is in a low-power operating range, the first master amplifier is enabled, and the two slave amplifiers are disabled. When the first power amplification system 20A is in a medium-power operating range, the first master amplifier and the first slave amplifier are enabled, and the second slave amplifier is disabled. When the first power amplification system 20A is in a high-power operating range, the first master amplifier, the first slave amplifier, and the second slave amplifier are all enabled.

[0095] For example, when the first power amplification system 20A is based on a Doherty architecture including three branches, as shown in FIG6(a), the first power amplification system 20A includes a first master amplifier M1, a first slave amplifier A1, a second slave amplifier A2, a first wavelength line L1, a second wavelength line L2, and a seventh wavelength line L7. The output end of the first master amplifier M1 is coupled to the first end of the first wavelength line L1, and the second end of the first wavelength line L1 is coupled to the first end of the second wavelength line L2. The second end of the second wavelength line L2 is coupled to the first end of the seventh wavelength line L7. The output end of the first slave amplifier A1 is coupled to the second end of the first wavelength line L1, and the output end of the second slave amplifier A2 is coupled to the second end of the second wavelength line L2. The second end of the seventh wavelength line L7 is used to output the second RF signal after power synthesis. FIG7, FIG8, FIG9, and FIG10 are schematic diagrams showing curves of circuit parameters and input RF signal power variation of the first power amplification system 20A shown in FIG6(a). FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing curves of current variation of each branch and input RF signal power variation. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the voltage of each branch and the power change curve of the input RF signal. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the load impedance of each branch and the power change curve of the input RF signal. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the conversion efficiency of the first power amplification system 20A and the power change curve of the input RF signal. In the figure, line ① is the branch where the first master amplifier M1 is located. Line ② is the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 is located, and line ③ is the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located. Taking 0dB as the maximum operating power point of the first power amplification system 20A as an example:

[0096] When the signal power of the input RF signal is below -11 dB, the first power amplification system 20A shown in Figure 6 (a) is in a low-power operating range. At this time, the first main amplifier M1 is operating, and the first slave amplifier A1 and the second slave amplifier A2 are not operating. In the low-power operating range, as the signal power of the input RF signal increases, as shown in Figure 7, the current in the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located gradually increases, and the current in the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 and the second slave amplifier A2 are located remains at 0. As shown in Figure 8, the voltages of the branches where the first main amplifier M1, the first slave amplifier A1, and the second slave amplifier A2 are located all gradually increase. As shown in Figure 9, the impedance of the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located remains constant, and the impedance of the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 and the second slave amplifier A2 are located remains infinite. At this time, the RF signal output by the first main power amplifier M1 serves as the second RF signal. As shown in Figure 10, at the saturation power point of -11 dB in the low-power operating range, the first power amplification system 20A can maintain a high back-off conversion efficiency.

[0097] When the signal power of the input RF signal is between -11dB and -5dB, the first power amplification system 20A shown in Figure 6 (a) is in the medium power operating range. At this time, the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 are working and the second slave amplifier A2 is not working. As shown in Figure 7, the current in the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located gradually increases until it reaches the maximum current. The current in the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 is located gradually increases. The current in the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located remains at 0. As shown in Figure 8, the voltage in the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located remains at the maximum voltage value, and the voltage of the first slave amplifier A1 gradually increases to the maximum voltage value. The voltage of the second slave amplifier A2 gradually rises. After the first slave amplifier A1 is activated, as the signal power of the input RF signal increases, impedance inversion is achieved based on the first wavelength line L1, ensuring that the signal power of the RF signal output by the first main amplifier M1 can continue to increase in the medium-power operating range. As shown in Figure 9, at this time, the load impedance of the branch containing the second slave amplifier A2 remains infinite, while the load impedance of the branch containing the first slave amplifier A1 gradually decreases. The impedance inversion of the first wavelength line L1 reduces the load impedance of the branch containing the first main amplifier M1. At this time, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, although the voltage of the branch containing the first main amplifier M1 remains unchanged, the reduced load impedance of the branch containing the first main amplifier M1 causes its current to gradually increase, ensuring that the signal power of the RF signal output by the first main amplifier M1 continues to increase with the signal power of the input RF signal. Under the action of load pull between the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1, the RF signal powers output by the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 can be combined to produce a second RF signal. The second wavelength line L2 and the seventh wavelength line L7 can perform output impedance matching during the input of the second RF signal. As shown in FIG10 , at the power saturation point of −5 dB in the medium power operating range, the first power amplification system 20A can maintain a relatively high back-off conversion efficiency.

[0098] When the signal power of the input RF signal of the first power amplification system 20A shown in Figure 6 (a) is between -5dB and 0dB, the first power amplification system 20A is in the high-power operating range. At this time, the first main amplifier M1, the first slave amplifier A1, and the second slave amplifier A2 are all working. As shown in Figure 7, the current of the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located remains unchanged, and the current of the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 and the second slave amplifier A2 are located gradually increases to a maximum value. As shown in Figure 8, the voltage of the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located remains unchanged, and the voltage of the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 is located gradually increases to a maximum value. The voltage of the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located also gradually increases. At this time, the load impedance transformation of the three branches is shown in Figure 9. Impedance inversion is achieved through the first wavelength line L1 and the second wavelength line L2 respectively, and output impedance matching is performed in combination with the seventh wavelength line L7. Under the action of load pulling, the RF signal power output by the first main amplifier M1, the first slave amplifier A1, and the second slave amplifier A2 can be synthesized to obtain a second RF signal. As shown in FIG10 , at the power saturation point of 0 dB in the high power operating range, the first power amplification system 20A can maintain a relatively high full-load conversion efficiency.

[0099] In some examples, as shown in FIG6(b), in actual applications, the multi-path Doherty architecture based on the structure of FIG6(a) further includes a third wavelength line L3, a fourth wavelength line L4, a fifth wavelength line L5, and a sixth wavelength line L6. The output of the first slave amplifier A1 is coupled to the second end of the first wavelength line L1 via the third wavelength line L3 and the fourth wavelength line L4. The output of the second slave amplifier A2 is coupled to the second end of the second wavelength line L2 via the fifth wavelength line L5 and the sixth wavelength line L6. The first wavelength line L1, the second wavelength line L2, the third wavelength line L3, the fourth wavelength line L4, the fifth wavelength line L5, the sixth wavelength line L6, and the seventh wavelength line L7 are used to power combine the multi-path RF signals to generate a second RF signal. The schematic diagram of the power combining effect of the structure shown in FIG6(b) is consistent with the description of FIG6(a) and FIG6(b), and is not further described here. In some examples, the impedance of the subsequent components of the first amplification system 20A can be adjusted to omit the seventh wavelength line L7. In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG6(b), the first power amplification system 20A requires at least six wavelength lines serving as impedance transformation lines to achieve power synthesis and generate the second RF signal. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG5(b), the number of impedance transformation lines increases significantly as the number of branches increases. This significantly increases the area overhead of the first power amplification system 20A.

[0100] For example, when the first power amplification system 20A is based on a Doherty architecture including three branches, as shown in FIG11(a), the first power amplification system 20A includes a first master amplifier M1, a first slave amplifier A1, a second slave amplifier A2, a first wavelength line L1, a second wavelength line L2, a third wavelength line L3, and a fourth wavelength line L4. The output end of the first master amplifier M1 is coupled to the first end of the first wavelength line L1. The second end of the first wavelength line L1 is coupled to the first end of the second wavelength line L2. The second end of the second wavelength line L2 is used to output a second RF signal. The output end of the first slave amplifier A1 is coupled to the first end of the third wavelength line L3. The second end of the third wavelength line L3 is coupled to the first end of the fourth wavelength line L4. The second end of the fourth wavelength line L4 is coupled to the second end of the first wavelength line L1. FIG12, FIG13, FIG14, and FIG15 are schematic diagrams showing curves of circuit parameters and input RF signal power variation of the first power amplification system 20A shown in FIG11(a). Among them, Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the current of each branch and the power change curve of the input RF signal. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the voltage of each branch and the power change curve of the input RF signal. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the load impedance of each branch and the power change curve of the input RF signal. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the conversion efficiency of the first power amplification system 20A and the power change curve of the input RF signal. In the figure, line ① is the branch where the first master amplifier M1 is located. Line ② is the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 is located, and line ③ is the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located. Take 0dB as the maximum operating power point of the first power amplification system 20A as an example:

[0101] When the signal power of the input RF signal of the first power amplification system 20A as shown in Figure 11 (a) is below -9.6dB, the first power amplification system 20A is in the low-power operating range. At this time, the first main amplifier M1 is working, and the first slave amplifier A1 and the second slave amplifier A2 are not working. In the low-power operating range, as the signal power of the input RF signal increases, as shown in Figure 12, the current in the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located gradually increases, and the current in the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 and the second slave amplifier A2 are located remains at 0. As shown in Figure 13, the voltages of the branches where the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 are located gradually increase, and the voltage of the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located is 0. As shown in Figure 14, the impedance of the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located remains constant, and the impedance of the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 and the second slave amplifier A2 are located remains infinite. At this time, the RF signal output by the first main power amplifier M1 serves as the second RF signal. As shown in FIG15 , at the saturation power point of −9.6 dB in the low power operating range, the first power amplification system 20A can maintain a relatively high back-off conversion efficiency.

[0102] When the signal power of the input RF signal is between -9.6dB and -6.2dB, the first power amplification system 20A shown in Figure 11 (a) is in the medium power operating range. At this time, the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 are working and the second slave amplifier A2 is not working. As shown in Figure 12, the current in the branch where the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 are located gradually increases. The current in the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located remains at 0. As shown in Figure 13, the voltage in the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located remains at the maximum voltage value, and the voltage of the first slave amplifier A1 gradually increases to the maximum voltage value. The voltage of the second slave amplifier A2 gradually rises. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, in the medium power operating range after the first slave amplifier A1 is turned on, although the voltage in the branch where the first main amplifier M1 is located remains unchanged. However, as shown in Figure 14, impedance inversion can be achieved based on the first wavelength line L1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14: after the first slave amplifier A1 is turned on, as the signal power of the input RF signal increases, the first wavelength line L1 reduces the load impedance of the branch containing the first master amplifier M1, thereby increasing the current in the branch containing the first master amplifier M1. This allows the signal power of the RF signal output by the first master amplifier M1 to continue to increase in the medium-power operating range. At this time, the load impedance of the branch containing the second slave amplifier A2 remains infinite, while the load impedance of the branch containing the first slave amplifier A1 gradually decreases. Under the action of load pull between the first master amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1, the RF signal power output by the first master amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 can be combined to produce a second RF signal. The second wavelength line L2, the third wavelength line L3, and the fourth wavelength line L4 can achieve output impedance matching during the input of the second RF signal. As shown in Figure 15, at the power saturation point of -6.2dB in the medium-power operating range, the first power amplification system 20A can maintain a high back-off conversion efficiency.

[0103] When the signal power of the input RF signal of the first power amplification system 20A shown in Figure 11 (a) is between -6.2dB and 0dB, the first power amplification system 20A is in the high-power operating range. At this time, the first main amplifier M1, the first slave amplifier A1, and the second slave amplifier A2 are all working. As shown in Figure 12, the current of the branch where the first main amplifier M1, the first slave amplifier A1, and the second slave amplifier A2 are located gradually increases to the maximum value of the saturation power point. As shown in Figure 13, the voltage of the branch where the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 are located remains at the maximum value, and the voltage of the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located also gradually increases to the maximum value. At this time, the load impedance transformation of the three branches is shown in Figure 14. Impedance inversion is achieved through the first wavelength line L1 and the third wavelength line L3 respectively, and output impedance matching is performed in combination with the second wavelength line L2 and the fourth wavelength line L4. Under the action of load pulling, the RF signal power output by the first main amplifier M1, the first slave amplifier A1, and the second slave amplifier A2 can be synthesized to obtain a second RF signal. As shown in FIG15 , at the power saturation point of 0 dB in the high power operating range, the first power amplification system 20A can maintain a relatively high full-load conversion efficiency.

[0104] In some examples, the Doherty architecture shown in FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 , and FIG. 11 may be deformed to obtain an inverse Doherty architecture or an asymmetric Doherty architecture.

[0105] In the first power amplifier system 20A including the structure shown in Figures 5, 6 and 11, or the Doherty architecture obtained based on its variation, as the number of branches in the Doherty architecture increases, a larger back-off amount can be obtained, and the requirements of improving conversion efficiency and reducing static power consumption under a larger bandwidth can be met. However, these Doherty architectures all require the power synthesis of the RF signals output by multiple branches based on wavelength lines as impedance transformation lines. The wavelength lines will bring a large area overhead, and as the number of branches increases, the area overhead of the wavelength lines will also increase sharply, thereby limiting the development of the Doherty architecture.

[0106] In order to reduce the area overhead caused by the wavelength line, in some possible embodiments, the power amplification system 20 shown in Figure 4 can be a second power amplification system that combines a Doherty architecture with a hybrid coupler. The second power amplification system includes a hybrid coupler, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, and at least two power amplifiers. Among them, the at least two power amplifiers include a first amplifier and a second amplifier. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line. Among them, the first amplifier and the second amplifier are respectively used to output one RF signal. The hybrid coupler is used to: perform impedance transformation with the first impedance transformation line and / or the second impedance transformation line, and output a synthesized RF signal from the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. The synthesized RF signal is synthesized by the first RF signal and the second RF signal. In the embodiment of the present application, in the second power amplification system, the hybrid coupler can be equivalent to a wavelength line, and perform impedance transformation with the first impedance transformation line and / or the second impedance transformation line to achieve load pulling between multiple branches. Based on the hybrid coupler, it is possible to achieve power synthesis of multiple branches on the basis of reducing wavelength lines, thereby reducing the area overhead of the power amplifier system 20 on the basis of achieving higher fallback conversion efficiency and full-load conversion efficiency and lower static power consumption.

[0107] In some possible implementations, as shown in FIG16 , hybrid coupler coupler 1 includes four ports. With the fourth port of hybrid coupler coupler 1 as a reference, the distribution of the coupled port, through-port, and isolated port of the hybrid coupler is shown in FIG16 . The fourth port is the output port of the hybrid coupler. When hybrid coupler coupler 1 is equated to a wavelength line, different equivalent effects can be achieved depending on the connection conditions of the coupled port, through-port, and isolated port of the hybrid coupler. For example, in some examples, one of the coupled port, through-port, and isolated port can be grounded. In some examples, one of the coupled port, through-port, and isolated port can be left unconnected. In some examples, two of the coupled port, through-port, and isolated port can be grounded, or two of the coupled port, through-port, and isolated port can be left unconnected. In some examples, the coupled port, through-port, and isolated port can each be coupled to a branch.

[0108] In some possible implementations, the third terminal of the hybrid coupler coupler1 may be grounded:

[0109] In some examples, when the third terminal of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is grounded, the second power amplification system is a Doherty architecture including two branches. As shown in FIG17 , the second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier PA1, a second amplifier PA2, a first impedance transformation line Z1, and a second impedance transformation line Z2. The output of the first amplifier PA1 is coupled to the first terminal of hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the first impedance transformation line Z1. The output of the second amplifier PA2 is coupled to the second terminal of hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the second impedance transformation line Z2. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1 is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2. In FIG17 , the RF signals output by the first amplifier PA1 and the second amplifier PA2 are power-combined by hybrid coupler coupler 1 to produce a composite RF signal. This composite RF signal can serve as the second RF signal output by the second power amplification system 20B. In the embodiment shown in FIG17 , the third end of hybrid coupler 1 serves as an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a pass-through end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as a pass-through end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The first end of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. In the embodiment of the application, the impedance transformation and load-pull characteristics of the architecture of the second power amplification system 20B shown in FIG17 are consistent with those of the embodiment shown in FIG5 . The area overhead of hybrid coupler 1 is smaller than the area overhead of the wavelength line serving as the impedance transformation line. Compared with the implementation of Figure 5 (b), in the embodiment shown in Figure 17, two wavelength lines are reduced based on a hybrid coupler coupler1, which can greatly reduce the area overhead on the basis of the fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency and static power consumption of the embodiment of Figure 5 (b).

[0110] In some examples, when the two-branch structure described in FIG. 17 and its related embodiments is applied to a three-branch structure, the second power amplification system 20B further includes a third amplifier.

[0111] In some examples, when a three-way Doherty architecture is applied based on the two-way Doherty architecture shown in FIG. 17 , the power amplification system further includes a third amplifier. The output of the first amplifier PA1 is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via a first impedance transformation line. The output of the second amplifier PA2 is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via a second impedance transformation line. The output of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2 is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1 is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 , a second power amplification system 20B includes a first master amplifier M1, a first slave amplifier A1, a second slave amplifier A2, a first wavelength line L1, and a third wavelength line L3. The output of the first master amplifier M1 is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the first wavelength line L1. The output of the first slave amplifier A1 is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the third wavelength line L3. The output of the second slave amplifier A2 is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. In this case, the first wavelength line L1 in Figure 18 can be mapped to the first impedance transformation line Z1 in Figure 17, the third wavelength line L3 in Figure 18 can be mapped to the second impedance transformation line Z2, the first master amplifier M1 in Figure 18 can be mapped to the first amplifier PA1 in Figure 17, and the first slave amplifier A1 in Figure 18 can be mapped to the second amplifier PA2 in Figure 17. The second slave amplifier A2 in Figure 18 is the third amplifier. In this case, the minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1 is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2. Furthermore, the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2 is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. For example, as shown in Figure 18, the second power amplification system 20B can further include a fifth wavelength line L5 and a sixth wavelength line L6. The output of the second slave amplifier A2 (i.e., the third amplifier) ​​is coupled to the fourth terminal of the hybrid coupler 1 via the fifth wavelength line L5 and the sixth wavelength line L6 connected in series. At this time, after hybrid coupler 1 combines the RF signals output by first slave amplifier A1 and first main amplifier M1 to obtain a combined RF signal, the combined RF signal output by the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1 is then combined with the RF signal output by second slave amplifier A2 to obtain a second RF signal. In the embodiment shown in FIG18 , the third terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as an isolation terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1, the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a pass-through terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1, and the second terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a coupling terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1.Although not shown in the figure, in some other examples, the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 can be a straight-through end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler1. The first end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 can be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler1. The second end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 can be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler1. In an embodiment of the present application, the impedance transformation and load pulling effect schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 18 is consistent with the impedance transformation and load pulling effect schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 6. In an embodiment of the present application, the fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency and static power consumption equivalent to those of the embodiment of Figure 6 are achieved on the basis of reducing the area overhead brought by the second wavelength line L2 and the fourth wavelength line L4 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0112] For example, when the two-way Doherty architecture shown in FIG. 17 is applied to a three-way Doherty architecture, when the third terminal of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is grounded, the second power amplification system 20B further includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line. The output of the first amplifier PA1 is coupled to the first terminal of hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the first impedance transformation line Z1. The output of the second amplifier PA2 is coupled to the second terminal of hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the second impedance transformation line Z2. The output of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the third impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1 is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2. For example, as shown in FIG. 19 , in this embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier PA1 may be the first slave amplifier A1, the second amplifier PA2 may be the second slave amplifier A2, the third amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, the first impedance transformation line Z1 may be the third wavelength line L3, the second impedance transformation line Z2 may be the eighth wavelength line L8, and the third impedance transformation line may be the first wavelength line L1. At this time, after hybrid coupler 1 combines the RF signals output by the first slave amplifier A1 and the second slave amplifier A2 to obtain a combined RF signal, the combined RF signal output by the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1 is then combined with the RF signal output by the first main amplifier M1 to obtain a second RF signal. In the embodiment shown in FIG19 , the third terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as an isolation terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1, the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a pass-through terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1, and the second terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a coupling terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the third terminal of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as a pass-through terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as an isolation terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The second terminal of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as a coupling terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The impedance transformation and load-pull effect diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG19 of the present application is consistent with the impedance transformation and load-pull effect diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG11. In the embodiment of the present application, while reducing the area overhead caused by the fourth wavelength line L4 and the ninth wavelength line L9 in the embodiment shown in FIG11, the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption as those of the embodiment shown in FIG11 are achieved.

[0113] In some examples, when a two-way Doherty architecture as shown in FIG. 17 is applied to a three-way Doherty architecture, when the third terminal of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is grounded, the second power amplification system 20B further includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output of the first amplifier PA1 is coupled to the first terminal of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the first impedance transformation line Z1. The output of the second amplifier PA2 is coupled to the first terminal of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the second impedance transformation line Z2 and the fourth impedance transformation line connected in series. The output of the third amplifier is coupled to the second terminal of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 via the third impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1 is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2. For example, as shown in FIG20 , in an embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier PA1 may be the first slave amplifier A1, the second amplifier PA2 may be the second slave amplifier A2, the third amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, the first impedance transformation line Z1 may be the third wavelength line L3, the second impedance transformation line Z2 may be the eighth wavelength line L8, the third impedance transformation line may be the first wavelength line L1, and the fourth impedance transformation line may be the ninth wavelength line L9. In this case, the RF signals output by the second slave amplifier A2 and the first slave amplifier A1 are synthesized and output to the coupling end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. The RF signal output by the first master amplifier M1 is transmitted to the through-end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. The fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 outputs the synthesized RF signal, which may serve as the second RF signal output by the second power amplification system 20B. In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1, the first end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is a straight-through end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1, and the second end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in some other examples, the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a straight-through end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. The first end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. The second end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. The impedance transformation and load pulling effect schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 20 of the present application is consistent with the impedance transformation and load pulling effect schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in Figure 11.In the embodiment of the present application, the fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency and static power consumption equivalent to those of the embodiment of Figure 11 are achieved on the basis of reducing the area overhead caused by the second wavelength line L2 and the fourth wavelength line L4 in the embodiment shown in Figure 11.

[0114] In some possible embodiments, when the third terminal of the hybrid coupler coupler1 is grounded, the second power amplification system 20B may include three branches. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a third amplifier. The output of the first amplifier PA2 is coupled to the first terminal of the hybrid coupler via a first impedance transformation line. The output of the third amplifier is coupled to the first terminal of the hybrid coupler. The output of the second amplifier PA2 is coupled to the second terminal of the hybrid coupler via a second impedance transformation line. In some examples, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a third impedance transformation line and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output of the third amplifier is coupled to the first terminal of the hybrid coupler via the third and fourth impedance transformation lines connected in series. For example, as shown in FIG21 , in this embodiment of the present application, the first amplifier PA1 may be the first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier PA2 may be the second slave amplifier A2, the third amplifier may be the first slave amplifier A1, the first impedance transformation line may be the first wavelength line L1, the second impedance transformation line may be the fifth wavelength line L5, the third impedance transformation line may be the third wavelength line L3, and the fourth impedance transformation line may be the fourth wavelength line L4. At this time, the RF signals output by the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 are combined and transmitted to the isolated terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The RF signal output by the second slave amplifier A2 is transmitted to the through-terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The combined RF signal is then output by the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG21 , the third terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a coupled terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1, the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as an isolated terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1, and the second terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a through-terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown, in other examples, the third terminal of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as a coupled terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as a through-terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The second terminal of hybrid coupler 1 may serve as an isolated terminal relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The impedance transformation and load-pull effect diagram of the embodiment of the present application shown in FIG21 is consistent with the impedance transformation and load-pull effect diagram of the embodiment of FIG6 . In the embodiment of the present application, while reducing the area overhead caused by the second wavelength line L2 and the sixth wavelength line L6 in the embodiment of FIG6 , the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption as those of the embodiment of FIG6 are achieved.

[0115] In some possible implementations, the second power amplification system 20B further includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the first and third impedance transformation lines connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the third impedance transformation line and is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the second end of the third impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the second impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is greater than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier and less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. In some examples, the second power amplification system 20 further includes a fourth and fifth impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the third impedance transformation line via the fourth and fifth impedance transformation lines connected in series. For example, as shown in FIG22 , the first amplifier may be the first main amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be the second slave amplifier A2, and the third amplifier may be the first slave amplifier A1. The first impedance transformation line may be the first wavelength line L1, the second impedance transformation line may be the fifth wavelength line L5, the third impedance transformation line may be the second wavelength line L2, the fourth impedance transformation line may be the third wavelength line L3, and the fifth impedance transformation line may be the fourth wavelength line L4. In this case, the RF signals output by the first main amplifier M1 and the first slave amplifier A1 are combined and transmitted to the through-port of hybrid coupler 1, while the RF signal output by the second slave amplifier A2 is transmitted to the coupled port of hybrid coupler 1. The combined RF signal is then output from the fourth port of hybrid coupler 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG22 , the third port of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation port relative to the fourth port of hybrid coupler 1, the first port of hybrid coupler 1 is a through-port relative to the fourth port of hybrid coupler 1, and the second port of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupled port relative to the fourth port of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in some other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. The first end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. The impedance transformation and load pull effect diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22 of the present application is consistent with the impedance transformation and load pull effect diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .In the embodiment of the present application, the fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency and static power consumption equivalent to those of the embodiment of FIG11 are achieved on the basis of reducing the area overhead caused by the sixth wavelength line L6 and the seventh wavelength line L7 in the embodiment shown in FIG6 .

[0116] In some embodiments, the third terminal of the hybrid coupler coupler1 can be left unconnected:

[0117] In some examples, when the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is unused, the second power amplification system 20B is based on two branches. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, and a third impedance transformation line. The output of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the first impedance transformation line. The output of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the second impedance transformation line. The fourth end of the hybrid coupler is coupled to the third impedance transformation line. As shown in FIG23 , the first amplifier may be a first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be a first slave amplifier A1, the first impedance transformation line may be a first wavelength line L1, the second impedance transformation line may be a third wavelength line L3, and the third impedance transformation line may be a second wavelength line L2. In the embodiment shown in FIG23 , the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is a pass-through end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in some other examples, the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a straight-through end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. The first end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. The second end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1. In the embodiment of the present application as shown in Figure 23, after adopting the hybrid coupler coupler 1, the fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency and static power consumption equivalent to those of the embodiment of Figure 5 can be achieved on the basis of the area overhead caused by the lack of a fourth wavelength line L4 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0118] In some examples, when the third end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is unused, based on the two-branch architecture of FIG. 23 and its related embodiments, the second power amplification system 20B can have a three-branch architecture. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, and a third impedance transformation line. The output of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the first impedance transformation line. The output of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the second impedance transformation line. The first end of the third impedance transformation line is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler. The output of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the third impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. Exemplarily, the second power amplification system 20B further includes a fourth impedance transformation line and a fifth impedance transformation line. The output of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the third impedance transformation line via the fourth and fifth impedance transformation lines connected in series. As shown in FIG24 , the first amplifier may be a first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be a first slave amplifier A1, and the third amplifier may be a second slave amplifier A2. The first impedance transformation line may be a first wavelength line L1, the second impedance transformation line may be a third wavelength line L3, the third impedance transformation line may be a second wavelength line L2, the fourth impedance transformation line may be a fifth wavelength line L5, and the fifth impedance transformation line may be a sixth wavelength line L6. In the embodiment shown in FIG24 , the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the first end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be an isolated end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. In the embodiment of the present application shown in FIG24, after adopting hybrid coupler coupler 1, the impedance transformation and load pulling effects are shown in FIG7, FIG8, FIG9, and FIG10. Therefore, while eliminating the area overhead caused by the fourth wavelength line L4 in the embodiment shown in FIG6(b), the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption as the embodiment shown in FIG6(b) can be achieved.

[0119] In some examples, when the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 is unused, the second power amplification system 20B can be an architecture including three branches. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the third impedance transformation line and is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second end of the third impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is greater than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier and less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. Exemplarily, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a fourth impedance transformation line and a fifth impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the third impedance transformation line through the fourth impedance transformation line and the fifth impedance transformation line connected in series. For example, as shown in FIG25 , the first amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be the second slave amplifier A2, and the third amplifier may be the first slave amplifier A1. The first impedance transformation line may be the first wavelength line L1, the second impedance transformation line may be the fifth wavelength line L5, the third impedance transformation line may be the second wavelength line L2, the fourth impedance transformation line may be the third wavelength line L3, and the fifth impedance transformation line may also be the fourth wavelength line L4. In the embodiment shown in FIG25 , the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the first end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be an isolated end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. In the embodiment of the present application shown in FIG25, after adopting hybrid coupler coupler 1, the impedance transformation and load pulling effects are shown in FIG7, FIG8, FIG9, and FIG10. Therefore, while eliminating the area overhead caused by the sixth wavelength line L6 in the embodiment shown in FIG6(b), the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption as the embodiment shown in FIG6(b) can be achieved.

[0120] In some examples, when the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is unconnected, the second power amplification system 20B can be a three-branch architecture. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B further includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, a third impedance transformation line, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the second impedance transformation line; the first end of the fourth impedance transformation line is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the fourth impedance transformation line via the third impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. For example, as shown in FIG26 , the first amplifier may be the first slave amplifier A1, the second amplifier may be the second slave amplifier A2, the third amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, the first impedance transformation line may be the third wavelength line L3, the second impedance transformation line may be the eighth wavelength line L8, the third impedance transformation line may be the first wavelength line L1, and the fourth impedance transformation line may be the fourth wavelength line L4. In the embodiment shown in FIG26 , the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The first end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler 1 may be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. In the embodiment of the present application shown in FIG26 , after adopting hybrid coupler coupler1, the impedance transformation and load-pull effects are shown in FIG12 , FIG13 , FIG14 , and FIG15 . Therefore, while eliminating the area overhead associated with the ninth wavelength line L9 in the embodiment shown in FIG11 ( b ), the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption as the embodiment shown in FIG11 ( b ) can be achieved.

[0121] In some examples, when the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 is unused, the second power amplification system 20B can be an architecture including three branches. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the first impedance transformation line. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. Exemplarily, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a fourth impedance transformation line and a fifth impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the fourth impedance transformation line and the fifth impedance transformation line connected in series. As shown in FIG27 , the first amplifier may be a first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be a first slave amplifier A1, and the third amplifier may be a second slave amplifier A2. The first impedance transformation line may be a first wavelength line L1, the second impedance transformation line may be a third wavelength line L3, the third impedance transformation line may be a fourth wavelength line L4, the fourth impedance transformation line may be a fifth wavelength line L5, and the fifth impedance transformation line may be a sixth wavelength line L6. In the embodiment shown in FIG27 , the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler 1 is a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the first end of hybrid coupler 1 may be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a coupled end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. In the embodiment of the present application as shown in FIG27 , after adopting hybrid coupler coupler 1, the impedance transformation and load pulling effects are shown in FIG7 , FIG8 , FIG9 , and FIG10 . Therefore, while eliminating the area overhead caused by the second wavelength line L2 in the embodiment shown in FIG6 (b), the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption as the embodiment shown in FIG6 (b) can be achieved.

[0122] In some examples, when the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 is unused, the second power amplification system 20B can be an architecture including three branches. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, and a third impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler; the minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. The minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. Exemplarily, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a fourth impedance transformation line and a fifth impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler through the fourth impedance transformation line and the fifth impedance transformation line connected in series. As shown in FIG28 , the first amplifier may be a first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be a first slave amplifier A1, and the third amplifier may be a second slave amplifier A2. The first impedance transformation line may be a first wavelength line L1, the second impedance transformation line may be a third wavelength line L3, the third impedance transformation line may be a fourth wavelength line L4, the fourth impedance transformation line may be a fifth wavelength line L5, and the fifth impedance transformation line may be a sixth wavelength line L6. In the embodiment shown in FIG28 , the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1, and the first end of hybrid coupler 1 may be a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be an isolated end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. In the embodiment of the present application as shown in FIG28 , after adopting hybrid coupler coupler 1, the impedance transformation and load pulling effects are shown in FIG7 , FIG8 , FIG9 , and FIG10 . Therefore, while eliminating the area overhead caused by the second wavelength line L2 in the embodiment shown in FIG6 (b), the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption as the embodiment shown in FIG6 (b) can be achieved.

[0123] In some examples, when the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 is unused, the second power amplification system 20B can be a three-branch architecture. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, a third impedance transformation line, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the second and third impedance transformation lines connected in series; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler via the fourth impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. For example, as shown in FIG29 , the first amplifier can be a first slave amplifier A1, the second amplifier can be a second slave amplifier A2, the third amplifier can be a first master amplifier M1, the first impedance transformation line can be a third wavelength line L3, the second impedance transformation line can be an eighth wavelength line L8, the third impedance transformation line can be a ninth wavelength line L9, and the fourth impedance transformation line can be the first wavelength line L1. In the embodiment shown in FIG29 , the third end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is a pass-through end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in some other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 may be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. The first end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 may be a pass-through end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 may be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG29 of the present application, after adopting hybrid coupler coupler 1, the effects of impedance transformation and load pulling are shown in FIG12 , FIG13 , FIG14 , and FIG15 . Therefore, based on the area overhead brought by the embodiment shown in Figure 11 (b) without the fourth wavelength line L4, the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency and static power consumption as the embodiment in Figure 11 (b) can be achieved.

[0124] In some examples, when the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 is unused, the second power amplification system 20B can have a three-branch architecture. In this case, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, a second impedance transformation line, a third impedance transformation line, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the first impedance transformation line; the output of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the second and third impedance transformation lines connected in series; the output of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the fourth impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier. For example, as shown in FIG30 , the first amplifier can be a first slave amplifier A1, the second amplifier can be a second slave amplifier A2, the third amplifier can be a first master amplifier M1, the first impedance transformation line can be a third wavelength line L3, the second impedance transformation line can be an eighth wavelength line L8, the third impedance transformation line can be a ninth wavelength line L9, and the fourth impedance transformation line can be the first wavelength line L1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 30, the third end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1, the first end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is a pass-through end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1, and the second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in some other examples, the third end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a pass-through end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. The first end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. The second end of hybrid coupler coupler 1 can be a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler coupler 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 30 of the present application, after adopting hybrid coupler coupler 1, the impedance transformation and load pulling effects are shown in Figures 12, 13, 14, and 15. Therefore, based on the area overhead brought by the embodiment shown in Figure 11 (b) without the fourth wavelength line L4, the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency and static power consumption as the embodiment in Figure 11 (b) can be achieved.

[0125] In some possible implementations, the second end and the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 are grounded, or the second end and the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 are left unconnected.

[0126] In some examples, when the second and third terminals of hybrid coupler 1 are grounded, or left unconnected, and second power amplification system 20B includes two branches, as shown in FIG31 , second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier PA1, a second amplifier PA2, a first impedance transformation line Z1, a second impedance transformation line Z2, and a third impedance transformation line Z3. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1 is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2. The output of the first amplifier PA1 is coupled to the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 via the first impedance transformation line Z1. The output of the second amplifier PA2 is coupled to the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 via the second impedance transformation line Z2 and the third impedance transformation line Z3 connected in series. In the embodiment shown in FIG31 , the second and third terminals of hybrid coupler 1 can serve as an isolation terminal and a coupling terminal, respectively, relative to the fourth terminal of hybrid coupler 1. The first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 serves as a through-terminal relative to hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in some other examples, the second end and the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 can be a coupling end and a straight-through end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler1, respectively. The first end of the hybrid coupler coupler1 can be an isolation end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler1. In the embodiment of the present application as shown in Figure 31, after adopting the hybrid coupler coupler1, the effects of impedance transformation and load pulling are consistent with the embodiment shown in Figure 5. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency and static power consumption as the embodiment shown in Figure 5 (b) on the basis of the area overhead caused by the lack of a fourth wavelength line L4 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 (b).

[0127] In some examples, when the second and third terminals of hybrid coupler 1 are grounded, or the second and third terminals of hybrid coupler 1 are unconnected, and second power amplification system 20B includes three branches, based on the two-branch architecture shown in FIG. 31 , second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier PA1, a second amplifier PA2, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line Z1, a second impedance transformation line Z2, and a third impedance transformation line Z3. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1 is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2; the output of the first amplifier PA1 is coupled to the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 via the first impedance transformation line Z1; the output of the second amplifier PA2 is coupled to the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 via the second impedance transformation line Z2 and the third impedance transformation line Z3 connected in series. The fourth terminal of the hybrid coupler is coupled to the output of the third amplifier; the minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier. Exemplarily, second power amplification system 20B also includes a fourth impedance transformation line and a fifth impedance transformation line. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler via a fourth impedance transformation line and a fifth impedance transformation line connected in series. For example, as shown in FIG32 , the first amplifier PA1 can be the first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier PA2 can be the first slave amplifier A1, and the third amplifier can be the second slave amplifier A2. The first impedance transformation line can be the first wavelength line L1, the second impedance transformation line can be the third wavelength line L3, the third impedance transformation line can be the fourth wavelength line L4, the fourth impedance transformation line can be the fifth wavelength line L5, and the fifth impedance transformation line can be the sixth wavelength line L6. In the embodiment of the present application shown in FIG32 , the second and third ends of hybrid coupler 1 can be the isolation end and the coupling end, respectively, relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The first end of hybrid coupler 1 can be the through-end relative to hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the second and third ends of hybrid coupler 1 can be the coupling end and the through-end, respectively, relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. The first end of hybrid coupler 1 can be the isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. In the embodiment of the present application shown in FIG32 , after employing hybrid coupler 1, the impedance transformation and load-pull effects remain consistent with those of the embodiment shown in FIG6( b). Therefore, while eliminating the area overhead associated with the fourth wavelength line L4, the embodiment shown in FIG6( b) can achieve equivalent fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption to those of the embodiment shown in FIG6( b).

[0128] In some examples, when the second and third terminals of hybrid coupler 1 are grounded, or the second and third terminals of hybrid coupler 1 are unconnected, and second power amplification system 20B includes three branches, based on the two-branch architecture shown in FIG. 31 , second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier PA1, a second amplifier PA2, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line Z1, a second impedance transformation line Z2, a third impedance transformation line Z3, and a fourth impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1 is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier PA2. The output of the first amplifier PA1 is coupled to the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 via the first impedance transformation line Z1. The output of the second amplifier PA2 is coupled to the first terminal of hybrid coupler 1 via the second impedance transformation line Z2 and the third impedance transformation line Z3 connected in series. The output of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth terminal of the hybrid coupler via the fourth impedance transformation line. The minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier PA1. For example, as shown in FIG33 , the first amplifier PA1 may be the first slave amplifier A1, the second amplifier PA2 may be the second slave amplifier A2, the third amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, the first impedance transformation line may be the third wavelength line L3, the second impedance transformation line may be the eighth wavelength line L8, the third impedance transformation line may be the ninth wavelength line L9, and the fourth impedance transformation line may be the first wavelength line L1. In the embodiment of the present application shown in FIG33 , the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler 1 may be the isolation end and the coupling end, respectively, relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler 1. The first end of the hybrid coupler 1 may be the through-end relative to the hybrid coupler 1. Although not shown in the figure, in other examples, the second and third ends of the hybrid coupler 1 may be the coupling end and the through-end, respectively, relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler 1. The first end of the hybrid coupler 1 may be the isolation end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler 1. In the embodiment of the present application shown in FIG33 , after employing hybrid coupler coupler 1, the impedance transformation and load-pull effects remain consistent with those of the embodiment shown in FIG11( b). Therefore, while eliminating the area overhead associated with the fourth wavelength line L4 in the embodiment shown in FIG11( b), the same fallback conversion efficiency, full-load conversion efficiency, and static power consumption as those of the embodiment shown in FIG6( b) can be achieved.

[0129] In some possible implementations, the first end, the second end, and the third end of the hybrid coupler couper1 are each coupled to at least one branch. For example, the second power amplification system 20B includes three branches. The second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, and a second impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the second impedance transformation line; and the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the third end of the hybrid coupler. Exemplarily, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a third impedance transformation line, a fourth impedance transformation line, and a fifth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler via the first and third impedance transformation lines connected in series. The output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler via the second and fourth impedance transformation lines connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the third end of the hybrid coupler via the fifth impedance transformation line. For example, as shown in FIG34 , the first amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be the first slave amplifier A1, and the third amplifier may be the second slave amplifier A2. The first impedance transformation line may be the tenth wavelength line L10, the second impedance transformation line may be the twelfth wavelength line L12, the third impedance transformation line may be the eleventh wavelength line L11, the fourth impedance transformation line may be the thirteenth wavelength line L13, and the fifth impedance transformation line may be the fourteenth wavelength line L14. The first end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1; the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1; and the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. Schematic diagrams of the transformation curves of the circuit parameters of FIG34 as a function of the signal power of the input RF signal are shown in FIG35 , FIG36 , FIG37 , and FIG38 . FIG35 is a schematic diagram of the curves of the currents of each branch of the second power amplification system 20B shown in FIG34 as a function of the power of the input RF signal. FIG36 is a schematic diagram showing curves of voltage changes of each branch of the second power amplification system 20B shown in FIG34 as a function of the power of the input RF signal. FIG37 is a schematic diagram showing curves of impedance load changes of each branch of the second power amplification system 20B shown in FIG34 as a function of the power of the input RF signal. FIG38 is a schematic diagram showing curves of conversion efficiency changes of the second power amplification system 20B shown in FIG34 as a function of the power of the input RF signal. In the figure, line ① is the branch where the first master amplifier M1 is located. Line ② is the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 is located, and line ③ is the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located. It can be seen that, taking 0 dB as the maximum operating power point of the second power amplification system 20B as an example, the power operating range below -13.8 dB is the low-power operating range of the second power amplification system 20B.The power operating range from -13.8 dB to -7.7 dB is the medium power range of the second power amplification system 20B. The power operating range from -7.7 dB to 0 dB is the high power range of the second power amplification system 20B. As can be seen from Figures 35, 36, and 37, the embodiment shown in Figure 34 can achieve power synthesis of RF signals output by multiple branches to obtain a second RF signal based on load-pull variations that are completely different from those of the embodiments of Figures 5, 6, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33.

[0130] In some possible implementations, the first end, the second end, and the third end of the hybrid coupler couper1 are each coupled to at least one branch. Taking the second power amplification system 20B including three branches as an example, the second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, and a second impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; and the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the third end of the hybrid coupler. Exemplarily, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a third impedance transformation line and a fourth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the third end of the hybrid coupler through the fourth impedance transformation line. For example, as shown in FIG39 , the first amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be the first slave amplifier A1, and the third amplifier may be the second slave amplifier A2. The first impedance transformation line may be the tenth wavelength line L10, the second impedance transformation line may be the twelfth wavelength line L12, the third impedance transformation line may be the eleventh wavelength line L11, and the fourth impedance transformation line may be the fourteenth wavelength line L14. The first end of hybrid coupler 1 is a through-end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1; the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1; and the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1. For example, as shown in FIG40 , the first amplifier may be the second slave amplifier A2, the second amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, and the third amplifier may be the first slave amplifier A1. The first impedance transformation line may be the fourteenth wavelength line L14, the second impedance transformation line may be the tenth wavelength line L10, and the third impedance transformation line may be the fifteenth wavelength line L15. The first end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is a through end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1; the second end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1; and the third end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1.

[0131] In some possible implementations, the first end, the second end, and the third end of the hybrid coupler couper1 are each coupled to at least one branch. Taking the second power amplification system 20B as an example, which includes three branches, the second power amplification system 20B includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a third amplifier, a first impedance transformation line, and a second impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; and the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the third end of the hybrid coupler. Exemplarily, the second power amplification system 20B also includes a third impedance transformation line, a fourth impedance transformation line, and a fifth impedance transformation line. The output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series. The output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the third end of the hybrid coupler through the fourth impedance transformation line and the fifth impedance transformation line connected in series. For example, as shown in FIG41 , the first amplifier may be the first master amplifier M1, the second amplifier may be the second slave amplifier A2, the third amplifier may be the first slave amplifier A1, the first impedance transformation line may be the tenth wavelength line L10, the second impedance transformation line may be the fourteenth wavelength line L14, the third impedance transformation line may be the eleventh wavelength line L11, the fourth impedance transformation line may be the twelfth wavelength line L12, and the fifth impedance transformation line may be the thirteenth wavelength line L13. The first end of hybrid coupler 1 is a coupling end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1; the second end of hybrid coupler 1 is a through end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1; and the third end of hybrid coupler 1 is an isolation end relative to the fourth end of hybrid coupler 1.

[0132] Schematic diagrams of the circuit parameters of the embodiments shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41 as a function of the input RF signal power are shown in Figures 42, 43, 44, and 45. Figure 42 is a schematic diagram of the currents in each branch of the second power amplification system 20B shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41 as a function of the input RF signal power. Figure 43 is a schematic diagram of the voltages in each branch of the second power amplification system 20B shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41 as a function of the input RF signal power. Figure 44 is a schematic diagram of the impedance loads in each branch of the second power amplification system 20B shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41 as a function of the input RF signal power. Figure 45 is a schematic diagram of the conversion efficiency of the second power amplification system 20B shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41 as a function of the input RF signal power. In the figures, line ① represents the branch where the first master amplifier M1 is located. Line ② represents the branch where the first slave amplifier A1 is located, and line ③ represents the branch where the second slave amplifier A2 is located. It can be seen that, taking 0 dB as the maximum operating power point of the second power amplification system 20B as an example, the power operating range below -7.7 dB is the low power operating range of the second power amplification system 20B. The power operating range from -7.7 dB to -5 dB is the medium power range of the second power amplification system 20B. The power operating range from -5 dB to 0 dB is the high power range of the second power amplification system 20B. It can be seen from Figures 42, 43, 44 and 45 that the embodiments shown in Figures 39, 40 and 41 can be based on load-pull changes that are different from those of the embodiments of Figures 5, 6, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 to achieve power synthesis of RF signals output by multiple branches to obtain a second RF signal.

[0133] In some possible implementations, in the embodiments shown in Figures 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 40, and 41, the hybrid coupler coupler 1 may be a coupler with a three-dimensional stacked structure. For example, it may be a coupler based on a waveguide suspended line process, or a suspended coupler based on a substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) process. In the embodiment of the present application, a coupler with a three-dimensional stacked structure is used as the hybrid coupler coupler 1. Compared to traditional couplers, a coupler with a three-dimensional stacked structure is formed by a multi-layer stacking structure, which can reduce the occupied area of ​​the coupler. When the hybrid coupler coupler1 is a suspended coupler, taking the frequency band of the input RF signal as 860 MHz as an example, the length of a wavelength line is about 52 mm, while the length of the hybrid coupler coupler1 is 6 mm, which can greatly reduce the area overhead of the second power amplifier system 20B.

[0134] In some possible implementations, when the second power amplification system 20B has a multi-branch structure with more than three branches, it may include one or more structures in the embodiments shown in Figures 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 40, and 41. In this case, one or more hybrid couplers 1 may be used to achieve power synthesis.

[0135] For example, in the embodiments of Figures 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31, and 32, the second power amplification system 20B may further include a seventh wavelength line. The first end of the seventh wavelength line is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1, and the second end of the seventh wavelength line serves as the output end of the second power amplification system 20B. In the embodiment of the present application, the output impedance matching of the second power amplification system 20B is achieved by the seventh wavelength line. In other embodiments, the seventh wavelength line may not be provided in the second power amplification system 20B, but may be provided in the subsequent stage components of the second power amplification system 20B, or the impedance of the subsequent stage components of the second power amplification system 20B may be adjusted.

[0136] For example, in the embodiments of Figures 17, 19, 26, 29, and 30, the second power amplification system 20B may further include a second wavelength line. The fourth end of the hybrid coupler coupler 1 is coupled to the first end of the second wavelength line. The second end of the second wavelength line serves as the output end of the second power amplification system 20B. In the embodiment of the present application, the output impedance matching of the second power amplification system 20B is achieved by the second wavelength line. In other embodiments, the second wavelength line may not be provided in the second power amplification system 20B, but may be provided in a subsequent device of the second power amplification system 20B, or the impedance of the subsequent device of the second power amplification system 20B may be adjusted.

[0137] The embodiments of the present application provide a power amplification system, a radio frequency transmission system, and a signal transmission device. In the power amplification system, a hybrid coupler is used in combination with multiple amplification branches to achieve impedance transformation and load pulling, so as to synthesize the radio frequency signals output by the multiple amplification branches to obtain a second radio frequency signal. The multiple amplification branches require a certain number of wavelength lines as impedance transformation lines to achieve power synthesis of multiple radio frequency signals. However, the area overhead of the wavelength lines is relatively large, which restricts the development of power amplification systems with multiple amplification branches. In the embodiments of the present application, by setting a hybrid coupler, the number of wavelength lines required for the multiple amplification branches can be reduced. And as the number of amplification branches increases, the number of hybrid couplers that can be set also increases, and the degree of reduction in the area overhead of the power amplification system also increases. At the same time, the more wavelength lines each hybrid coupler equivalently reduces, the greater the degree of reduction in the area overhead of the power amplification system. The solution described in the embodiments of the present application can greatly reduce the limitations of the area overhead of the impedance transformation line on the development of the power amplifier system with multiple amplification branch architecture, so as to better apply the architecture of multiple amplification branches based on the impedance transformation line to application scenarios with large bandwidth, high fallback conversion efficiency, high full-load conversion efficiency and low static power consumption.

[0138] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and modules described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0139] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of modules is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or module, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0140] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located on a single device or distributed across multiple devices. Some or all of the modules may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment based on actual needs.

[0141] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one device, or each module may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into one device.

[0142] The signal transmitting device in the embodiments of the present application may be a device for implementing wireless communication functions, such as a terminal or a chip that can be used in a terminal. The terminal may be a UE, an access terminal, a terminal unit, a terminal station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a wireless communication device, a terminal agent, or a terminal device in a 5G network, a 6G network, or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). The access terminal may be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device or a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. Optionally, the electronic device and the transmitting device may be mobile or fixed.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the signal transmitting device in the embodiment of the present application may be a network device that communicates with the terminal device. The network device may include a transmission and reception point (TRP), a base station, a remote radio unit (RRU) or a baseband unit (BBU) (also referred to as a digital unit (DU)) of a separate base station, a satellite, a drone, a broadband network gateway (BNG), a converged switch, a non-3GPP access device, a relay station or an access point, etc.

[0144] In addition, the base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communication (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA) network, an NB (Node B) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), an eNB or eNodeB (evolutionary NodeB) in LTE, a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or a base station in a 5G communication system (such as a next-generation node B (gNodeB, gNB)), or a base station in a future evolution network, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0145] In addition, the communication architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the communication architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0146] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A power amplification system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a hybrid coupler, a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a first impedance transformation line and a second impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; wherein: The first amplifier and the second amplifier are used to output radio frequency signals; The hybrid coupler is used for: performing impedance transformation with the first impedance transformation line and / or the second impedance transformation line; A synthesized radio frequency signal is outputted from the fourth end of the hybrid coupler; the synthesized radio frequency signal is synthesized by a plurality of the radio frequency signals.

2. The power amplification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; and the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the third end of the hybrid coupler.

3. The power amplification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third terminal of the hybrid coupler is grounded; the minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier.

4. The power amplification system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler; the minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier.

5. The power amplification system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler through the third impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier.

6. The power amplification system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line and a fourth impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the fourth impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the third impedance transformation line; and the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier.

7. The power amplification system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is greater than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier and less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier.

8. The power amplification system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the third impedance transformation line, and is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second end of the third impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is greater than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier and less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier.

9. The power amplification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third end of the hybrid coupler is vacant; the minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier.

10. The power amplification system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; the first end of the third impedance transformation line is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the third impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier.

11. The power amplification system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the first end of the third impedance transformation line, and is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second end of the third impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is greater than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier and less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier.

12. The power amplification system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line and a fourth impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line; the first end of the fourth impedance transformation line is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the fourth impedance transformation line through the third impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier.

13. The power amplification system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler; the minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier.

14. The power amplification system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier and a third impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler; the minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier.

15. The power amplification system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line and a fourth impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler through the fourth impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier.

16. The power amplification system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier, a third impedance transformation line and a fourth impedance transformation line; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the second end of the hybrid coupler through the fourth impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier.

17. The power amplification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end and the third end of the hybrid coupler are grounded, or the second end and the third end of the hybrid coupler are left vacant; the power amplification system further comprises a third impedance transformation line; the minimum operating power of the first amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the second amplifier; the output end of the first amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the first impedance transformation line; the output end of the second amplifier is coupled to the first end of the hybrid coupler through the second impedance transformation line and the third impedance transformation line connected in series.

18. The power amplification system according to claim 17, characterized in that: The power amplification system further includes a third amplifier; the fourth end of the hybrid coupler is coupled to the output end of the third amplifier; and the minimum operating power of the second amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the third amplifier.

19. The power amplification system according to claim 17, characterized in that: The power amplification system also includes a third amplifier and a fourth impedance transformation line; the output end of the third amplifier is coupled to the fourth end of the hybrid coupler through the fourth impedance transformation line; the minimum power of the third amplifier is less than the minimum operating power of the first amplifier.

20. The power amplification system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: The hybrid coupler is a coupler based on a three-dimensional stacking structure.

21. A radio frequency transmission system, characterized in that: The radio frequency transmission system comprises a radio frequency generation circuit and a power amplification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 20; the output end of the radio frequency generation circuit is coupled to the input end of the power amplification system.

22. A signal transmitting device, characterized in that: The signal transmitting device comprises a baseband processing system and a radio frequency transmitting system as claimed in claim 21.

Images