Feed-Forward Amplifier Control Using Input Signal Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional amplifier feedback control systems can be slow, unstable, and limited in bandwidth, leading to size, power consumption, and interference issues, while only monitoring amplitude and phase parameters, neglecting other crucial signal characteristics.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a feed-forward control circuit that analyzes input signals to generate control signals to modify amplifier operating characteristics or physical aspects, such as power level, frequency, and spectral content, to optimize output signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If feedback control circuit is used to maintain amplifier gain, then gain stability is improved, but system complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegain stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using a feed-forward control circuit that analyzes the input signal characteristics before amplification and pre-adjusts amplifier parameters accordingly. This prevents gain variations before they occur, eliminating the need for complex feedback control circuits while maintaining gain stability across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If feedback control loop is used, then gain control is achieved, but bandwidth is limited and stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegain controlVSAvoidbandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional feedback approach by implementing feed-forward control where the control signal is generated from the input signal characteristics rather than from output signal sampling. This reversal eliminates the bandwidth limitations and stability issues inherent in feedback loops while achieving precise gain control through direct input signal analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If only amplitude and phase parameters are monitored, then control simplicity is maintained, but other important signal characteristics are overlooked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidsignal characteristic information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a feed-forward control circuit that simultaneously analyzes multiple input signal parameters including amplitude, phase, frequency, and spectral content. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive signal characterization without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same control circuit processes all parameters to generate appropriate control signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10141895B2Systems and methods for optimizing amplifier operations

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 PSEMI CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems for optimizing amplifier operations are described. The described methods and systems particularly describe a feed-forward control circuit that may also be used as a feed-back control circuit in certain applications. The feed-forward control circuit provides a control signal that may be used to configure an amplifier in a variety of ways.