Multi-Input Amplifier Paths With Attenuator Bypass for Low Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amplifiers for wireless communication devices face challenges in maintaining desired signal characteristics across a range of gain levels, particularly in high gain modes where noise factor is increased and linearity is compromised due to the use of variable-attenuation elements.
Innovation Solution
A variable-gain signal amplifier with a first attenuation stage having multiple branches with switches and programmable attenuation elements, allowing for a bypass path in high gain mode to prevent noise increase, and tailored attenuation in other modes to enhance linearity, coupled with an amplification stage and a post-amplification attenuation stage to maintain signal quality across various gain levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If variable-attenuation elements are used in high gain modes, then gain control is achieved, but noise factor is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between bypass and attenuation paths based on operating conditions. The first attenuation stage includes switches that dynamically connect or disconnect the variable-attenuation elements from the signal path, allowing the system to adapt its configuration for optimal performance in different gain modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides bypass paths that allow signals to skip the variable-attenuation elements when operating in high gain modes. This preliminary routing decision prevents the signal from passing through attenuators that would otherwise increase noise factor, thereby preserving signal quality before amplification occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable-attenuation elements are used, then gain adjustment is enabled, but linearity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between bypass and attenuation configurations based on the desired gain level. When linearity is critical, the switches redirect the signal through bypass paths, avoiding the non-linear characteristics of variable-attenuation elements while still enabling gain adjustment through other means.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuation stage is segmented into multiple parallel paths: one through variable-attenuation elements and another through bypass paths. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate path based on operational requirements, maintaining linearity when needed while enabling gain adjustment when required.
3Reliability
If attenuation is applied to improve linearity, then signal quality is enhanced, but noise performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection that switches between bypass and attenuation modes based on the operational requirements. When operating in high gain modes where noise performance is critical, the system dynamically bypasses the attenuation elements, preventing noise degradation while maintaining the ability to apply attenuation in other modes when linearity improvement is the priority.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are variable gain amplifiers and multiplexers that embed programmable attenuators into switchable paths that allow signals in a high gain mode to bypass attenuation. This advantageously reduces or eliminates performance penalties in the high gain mode. The programmable attenuators can be configured to improve linearity of the amplification process through pre-LNA attenuation in targeted gain modes. In addition, described herein are variable gain amplifiers with embedded attenuators in a switching network. The attenuators can be embedded onto switches and can be configured to have little or no effect on a noise factor in a high gain mode because the switching network can provide an attenuation bypass in a high gain mode and an attenuation in other gain modes. The programmable attenuators can be embedded onto a multi-input LNA architecture.