Amplifier Gate Switching to Cut Off Leakage Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation mobile communication systems, particularly those using mmWave bands, amplifiers in electronic devices and base stations experience leakage current even when turned off, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed amplifier structure includes a first transistor with its source terminal connected to ground, a second transistor with its gate terminal connected to ground, and a switch that controls the voltage supply to the second transistor based on the amplifier's on/off state, effectively cutting off leakage current by routing it to ground when the amplifier is turned off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the amplifier is turned off to reduce power consumption, then energy savings are achieved, but leakage current still flows causing continued power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the leakage current path from the main amplifier circuit by introducing a separate switching mechanism. The switch is configured to specifically target and remove the leakage current component without affecting the main signal path, thereby separating the harmful leakage current from the functional amplifier operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary element between the power supply and the amplifier's gate terminal. This switch acts as a mediator that can selectively connect or disconnect the leakage current path to ground, controlling the flow of leakage current independently from the main amplifier signal processing function.
2Loss of energy
If a switch is added to cut off leakage current, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leakage current suppression function with the existing amplifier structure by integrating the switch into the power supply network of the amplifier. The switch is connected to the gate terminal and can be controlled by the same control signals already present in the amplifier system, combining multiple functions into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a leakage current cutoff mechanism, a power management element, and can be controlled by existing control signals in the amplifier system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including an amplifier which includes a first transistor configured to receive an input signal through a gate terminal thereof and having a source terminal electrically connected to ground, a second transistor configured to transmit an output signal through a drain terminal thereof and having a gate terminal electrically connected to the ground, and a switch electrically connected to the gate terminal of the second transistor and configured to switch a voltage being supplied to the gate terminal of the second transistor in accordance with turn-on or turn-off of the amplifier.