Asymmetric RF Power Amplifier Paths for Wider Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency power amplifiers face challenges in increasing bandwidth and power-added efficiency (PAE) while dealing with parasitic capacitance and signal losses, especially as communication protocols shift from 3G to 5G and require broader signal bandwidth and higher operating frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates at least two different amplifier paths with an asymmetric power combination circuit, where each amplifier path amplifies the radio frequency signal and the asymmetric power combination circuit combines these signals to generate a combined radio frequency signal. This configuration includes impedance circuits that are complex conjugate matched and variable impedance elements controlled by a detection and control circuit to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple radio frequency amplifier stage circuits of the same structure are connected in parallel to increase output power, then the output power increases, but the bandwidth and power-added efficiency (PAE) cannot be increased and parasitic capacitance effects and signal losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier is divided into multiple parallel amplifier paths (first, second, and third amplifier paths) with different structures. Each path processes the same input signal independently, allowing the system to achieve higher output power while maintaining bandwidth and PAE through structural diversity rather than simple replication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric amplifier paths where each path has different circuit configurations, impedance values, and component arrangements. This asymmetry prevents parasitic capacitance effects from accumulating in the same manner and reduces signal losses by distributing different signal characteristics across paths optimized for their specific configurations
2Speed
If the signal bandwidth and operating frequency are increased to meet 5G communication requirements, then the data transmission rate increases, but the circuit design becomes more challenging due to parasitic effects and signal losses
Solution Approach 1:
Each amplifier path is designed with local optimizations tailored to its specific function and frequency range. The different amplifier paths have locally adapted circuit configurations, impedance matching networks, and component selections that are optimized for their specific operating conditions, reducing the need for complex global circuit design adjustments when increasing bandwidth and frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency power amplifier includes an input terminal, at least two amplifier paths, an asymmetric power combination circuit, and an output terminal. The input terminal receives a radio frequency signal. Each of the amplifier paths is coupled to the input terminal. Each of the amplifier paths amplifies the radio frequency signal to generate a corresponding amplified radio frequency signal. The asymmetric power combination circuit is coupled to the amplifier paths and combines the amplified radio frequency signals generated by the amplifier paths to generate a combined radio frequency signal. The output terminal outputs the combined radio frequency signal. Each of the amplifier paths generates the corresponding amplified radio frequency signal simultaneously, and a reverse isolation of each of the amplifier paths is better than about 35 dB.