Balanced Power Amplifier Feed for Millimeter-Wave Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifiers for millimeter-wave signals experience significant losses due to the challenges of efficiently amplifying high-frequency signals, particularly in 5G and other wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier design featuring a first and second power amplifier coupled to a common ground, with a 180-degree phase shift between their RF outputs, forming a balanced feed to reduce losses and enable efficient signal amplification for antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If millimeter-wave signals are used for wireless communication, then bandwidth availability is improved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is divided into two separate amplifiers (first and second power amplifiers) that operate independently but are coupled to a common ground. This segmentation allows for differential signaling where the RF outputs are shifted 180 degrees relative to each other, creating a balanced feed that reduces signal loss while maintaining the benefits of millimeter-wave bandwidth availability.
2Device complexity
If a common ground is used between power amplifiers, then device complexity is reduced, but signal integrity may worsen due to potential ground loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the form of a 180-degree phase shift between the RF outputs of the two power amplifiers. This asymmetric phase relationship creates a balanced differential signal where the return current flows through the common ground in a controlled manner, preventing ground loops while maintaining signal integrity and reducing complexity.
3Loss of energy
If balanced feed configuration is implemented, then signal loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground connections of two separate power amplifiers into a single common ground structure. By combining the ground paths and utilizing the 180-degree phase-shifted RF outputs, the system achieves a balanced feed configuration that reduces signal loss without requiring separate ground structures for each amplifier, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for an antenna, comprising, a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier and a common ground between the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier, wherein a Radio Frequency, RF, output of the first power amplifier is coupled to the common ground and a RF output of the second power amplifier is coupled to the common ground.