High-Frequency Amplifier Band Switching via Grounded Termination

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Solution Overview

Problem

High frequency amplifiers require manual switching of terminations to change frequency bands, leading to user discomfort and potential low-quality amplification if not performed correctly.

Innovation Solution

A high frequency amplifier with electronically activatable switch devices connected to ground, enabling automated reconfiguration of the termination to adjust frequency bands, reducing the need for manual intervention and ensuring reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual switching of termination is used to change frequency bands, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and reliability worsens due to user error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the desired frequency band and switches the termination without user intervention. The control device monitors the operating state and autonomously reconfigures the termination to match the required frequency band, eliminating manual operation while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical switching of termination is replaced by an electronic control system that automatically detects frequency band requirements and switches the termination electronically, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing perceived device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual switching of termination is used to change frequency bands, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential user error in reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors the operating state of the high frequency amplifier and the frequency band requirements, providing feedback to automatically adjust the termination. This closed-loop control ensures the termination is always correctly configured for the current operating conditions, eliminating user error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system self-regulates by automatically detecting when a frequency band change is needed and performing the termination switch independently, removing the reliability issues associated with manual operation while keeping the device architecture relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If automated control procedures are implemented for frequency band switching, then ease of operation improves and reliability increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical switching is replaced with electronic automation through a control device that monitors operating state and automatically switches termination. This substitution improves reliability and ease of operation while the electronic control architecture manages the complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs multiple functions: monitoring operating state, detecting frequency band requirements, and switching termination. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single integrated component rather than adding separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4160912B1Device and method for switching a frequency range of a high frequency amplifier
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4160912B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4160912B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4160912B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to a high frequency amplifier, a system and a method for setting an operating state of a high frequency amplifier. The high frequency amplifier comprises at least a first amplification circuit with a first frequency range, at least one second amplification circuit with a second frequency range, a hybrid coupler circuit with an isolated port, and a termination with at least one switch device. The hybrid coupler circuit is connected to output sides of the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit. The termination is connected with the isolated port. The high frequency amplifier has an operating range based on the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit. The high frequency amplifier has a load modulation in dependence of the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit. A first contact of the at least one switch device is directly coupled to ground.