Beamforming Low-Noise Amplifier With Variable Capacitance Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-noise amplifiers for beam-forming systems face challenges with high insertion loss and size constraints, particularly in integrated phased array systems, and increased power consumption due to the need for additional amplification.
Innovation Solution
A low-noise amplifier design incorporating first and second transistors with a variable capacitance circuit that selectively changes capacitance to alter the phase of the output signal, reducing insertion loss and amplification gain variation, and is compact in size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If passive elements are used in phase shifters, then linearity is maintained without DC power consumption, but insertion loss increases and device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase shifter and low-noise amplifier into a single integrated device where the amplifier's transistors perform both amplification and phase shifting functions. The variable capacitance circuit is integrated within the amplifier structure, allowing phase adjustment without requiring separate passive phase shifter components that would introduce insertion loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier transistors are designed to perform multiple functions: signal amplification, phase shifting through variable capacitance control, and beam-forming operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated phase shifter components, reducing overall device complexity and insertion loss while maintaining the ability to adjust phase without DC power consumption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If passive elements are used in phase shifters, then linearity is maintained, but device size becomes large making chip integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting functionality is merged into the amplifier circuit by utilizing variable capacitance circuits integrated with the amplifier transistors. This integration eliminates the need for large separate passive phase shifter components, reducing the overall device area while maintaining linearity through the careful design of the variable capacitance implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variable capacitance circuits that change electrical parameters (capacitance values) to achieve phase shifting without requiring physical size changes. By controlling capacitance values through voltage or other electrical means, the system achieves phase adjustment functionality in a compact form factor suitable for chip integration while preserving signal linearity.
3Measurement precision
If active elements are used in phase shifters, then gain and accuracy improve with high integration level, but power consumption increases when additional low-noise amplifiers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifter and low-noise amplifier functions into a single device, eliminating the need for separate additional amplifiers. The amplifier transistors provide both the necessary gain and phase shifting accuracy, reducing power consumption by removing redundant active components while maintaining high integration level suitable for chip implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier transistors are designed to perform multiple functions including signal amplification, precise phase shifting through variable capacitance control, and beam-forming operations. This multi-functional design achieves the required phase shifting accuracy and gain without requiring additional dedicated components, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high integration density.
4Power
If conventional amplifiers are used, then amplification function is provided, but device size is large and insertion loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase shifter and amplifier into a single integrated device where the same transistor structures perform both functions. This integration reduces device size by eliminating separate component layouts, interconnections, and associated parasitic elements, while maintaining the required amplification gain through optimized transistor design and configuration.
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 solution reduces the size of RF chips, minimizes power consumption, and maintains stable amplification gain across a range of phase shifts, enhancing the efficiency and integration of beam-forming functions in wireless communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
A variable capacitance circuit connected to a gate of the second transistor selectively changes its capacitance based on a capacitance control signal applied thereto according to beam-forming information. The changed capacitance correspondingly causes a phase change in the output signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-noise amplifier in a receiver supporting a beam forming function may selectively change a phase shift for beam steering. The low-noise amplifier may include first and second transistors and a variable capacitance circuit connected to a gate of the second transistor. The variable capacitance circuit may selectively change capacitance thereof based on a capacitance control signal applied thereto according to beam-forming information, where the changed capacitance correspondingly causes a phase change in an output signal of the low-noise amplifier. A similar scheme may be employed for amplifiers in transmit signal paths to steer a transmit beam.