Power Amplifier Bias Current Adjustment Under Rising Control Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power amplifier systems face challenges in stabilizing current supply when the input control voltage increases, leading to temporal time delays and deterioration of amplifier characteristics due to inadequate bias current control.

Innovation Solution

A power amplifier system comprising a power controlling unit, current controlling unit, bias controlling unit, and current adjusting unit, which includes a voltage divider, current mirror, and bias transistors to detect and adjust bias voltage and current, ensuring that the bias current is controlled to match the driving voltage, thereby limiting the driving current and stabilizing the power amplifier operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the input control voltage is increased to improve power amplifier output, then the bias current increases, but the bias controller cannot appropriately control the bias current when it is out of the predetermined range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier outputVSAvoidbias current control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the bias controller continuously monitors the bias current and adjusts it according to the input control voltage. The bias controller includes a bias current generator that generates bias current based on the control voltage, and a bias voltage generator that adjusts the bias current to maintain it within the predetermined range, ensuring stable operation even when control voltage varies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the bias controller to adapt to varying control voltages. Specifically, the bias controller adjusts its internal reference voltages and current thresholds dynamically, allowing it to maintain appropriate bias current control across different power amplifier output levels, preventing the bias current from exceeding the predetermined range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If low control voltage is input to maintain bias current control, then the bias controller operates normally, but temporal time delay occurs before large bias current is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebias current control stabilityVSAvoidtemporal time delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the bias current through a rapid current injection mechanism. When the power amplifier is activated, a startup circuit immediately supplies a larger bias current before the bias controller fully initializes, eliminating the temporal delay. This preliminary current injection ensures the power amplifier reaches operational state without waiting for the bias controller to stabilize.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of the bias current by implementing a time-variant bias controller that adjusts its response characteristics based on the startup phase. During initialization, the bias controller operates in a fast-response mode that allows rapid bias current establishment, then transitions to a stable control mode once operational, effectively managing both the speed and stability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If the bias current is allowed to increase with control voltage, then the power amplifier can deliver higher power, but the characteristics of the power amplifier are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier outputVSAvoidpower amplifier characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control where the bias controller monitors the power amplifier's operating characteristics and adjusts the bias current accordingly. The bias voltage generator receives feedback signals from the power amplifier and dynamically adjusts the bias current to maintain optimal operating conditions, preventing characteristic deterioration even at higher power output levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite control architecture combining multiple control mechanisms: a bias current generator for basic biasing, a bias voltage generator for fine adjustment, and a control circuit that integrates both control voltages. This composite approach allows the system to maintain precise control over power amplifier characteristics across the full power range, preventing distortion and characteristic degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8816774B2Power amplifier system
Publication Date: 2014.08.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US8816774B2 patent drawing
  • US8816774B2 patent drawing
  • US8816774B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a power amplifier system including: a power amplifier; a power controlling unit providing driving voltage and driving current corresponding to a preset reference voltage to the power amplifier; a current controlling unit performing a control so that control current corresponding to applied control voltage flows; a bias controlling unit detecting current and voltage corresponding to the driving current of the power controlling unit and controlling bias current of the power amplifier according to the detected voltage; and a current adjusting unit detecting bias voltage corresponding to the bias current of the power amplifier and adjusting the driving current of the power controlling unit according to the detected bias voltage. Even though applied control voltage increases, current applied to the power amplifier is appropriately adjusted, thereby making it possible to improve characteristics of the power amplifier.