Power Amplifier Bias Circuit for Gain Dispersion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power amplifier circuits for mobile communication terminals fail to provide an adequate gain dispersion characteristic, which is essential for maintaining linearity in envelope tracking methods.

Innovation Solution

A power amplifier circuit design that includes a first transistor, a bias circuit, and an adjustment circuit. The bias circuit consists of diodes and a transistor, while the adjustment circuit uses resistors and another transistor to adjust the bias current based on a variable power supply voltage, improving the gain dispersion characteristic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional bias circuit is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the gain dispersion characteristic is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegain dispersion characteristicVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bias circuit is segmented into multiple functional blocks: a bias generation circuit with diodes and transistors, and a separate adjustment circuit with resistors and transistors. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each block to achieve the target gain dispersion characteristic of 4.5 dB while maintaining reasonable circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bias circuit employs dynamic bias adjustment where the adjustment circuit modifies bias currents based on operating conditions. The bias transistor and adjustment transistor dynamically regulate current distribution through resistor networks, enabling the gain dispersion characteristic to adapt and achieve 4.5 dB across varying power supply voltages and output power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the bias current is increased to improve linearity, then the linearity is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelinearityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit changes bias current parameters dynamically through the adjustment circuit. By modifying resistor values and transistor operating points in the adjustment circuit, the bias current is optimized to maintain linearity (gain dispersion of 4.5 dB) while adjusting power consumption based on operating conditions, avoiding constant high power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The bias circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms where the adjustment circuit monitors operating conditions and adjusts bias currents accordingly. This feedback control ensures linearity is maintained at 4.5 dB gain dispersion while preventing excessive power consumption by reducing bias current when full linearity is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed design enhances the gain dispersion characteristic by increasing the current Isub_c and extending the saturation region of the transistor, resulting in improved linearity and output power gain, with a gain dispersion of about 4.5 dB compared to 3.0 dB in comparative examples.

Implementation Method 1

a bias circuit including a first diode having an anode to which a bias control voltage or current is to be supplied, and a cathode; a second diode having an anode connected to the cathode of the first diode, and a cathode connected to ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a bias transistor having a first terminal to which a power supply voltage is to be supplied, a second terminal connected to the anode of the first diode, and a third terminal connected to the second terminal of the first transistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransistor amplification:

Implementation Method 3

an adjustment circuit including a first resistor, and an adjustment transistor having a first terminal connected to the power supply terminal via the first resistor, a second terminal connected to the anode of the first diode, and a third terminal connected to the anode of the second diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 4

an adjustment transistor having a first terminal connected to the power supply terminal via the first resistor, a second terminal connected to the anode of the first diode, and a third terminal connected to the anode of the second diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransistor current control:

Implementation Method 5

a first transistor having a first terminal to which a voltage corresponding to a variable power supply voltage is to be supplied, and a second terminal to which a radio-frequency signal is to be supplied, the first transistor being configured to amplify the radio-frequency signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransistor amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS11705874B2Power amplifier circuit
Publication Date: 2023.07.18 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US11705874B2 patent drawing
  • US11705874B2 patent drawing
  • US11705874B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power amplifier circuit includes a first transistor having a first terminal to which a voltage corresponding to a variable power supply voltage is to be supplied and a second terminal to which a radio-frequency signal is to be supplied, the first transistor being configured to amplify the radio-frequency signal, a bias circuit configured to supply a bias current or voltage to the second terminal of the first transistor, and an adjustment circuit configured to adjust the bias current or voltage in accordance with the variable power supply voltage supplied from a power supply terminal.