Power Amplifier Bias Interruption Under Over-Voltage Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable communication devices can be damaged by over-voltage conditions due to inconsistencies in the charging or power source, particularly affecting the power amplifier, which requires protection to prevent damage.

Innovation Solution

A system for power amplifier over-voltage protection that includes a power amplifier, a bias circuit, and a power amplifier over-voltage circuit which interrupts the bias signal when the system voltage exceeds a predetermined value, ensuring the power amplifier is disabled to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power amplifier is continuously connected to the power source, then the device can operate without interruption, but the power amplifier is vulnerable to over-voltage damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier protectionVSAvoidover-voltage damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a power amplifier over-voltage circuit as an intermediary component between the power source and the power amplifier. This circuit includes a bias circuit that provides a bias signal to the power amplifier, and an over-voltage detection mechanism that interrupts the bias signal when excessive voltage is detected, thereby protecting the power amplifier from over-voltage damage while allowing continuous operation under normal conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary protection by continuously monitoring the voltage level through the bias circuit before over-voltage damage can occur. The over-voltage circuit is configured to detect voltage exceedance of a predetermined value and interrupt the bias signal in advance, preventing damage before it happens rather than responding after damage occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If an over-voltage protection circuit is added, then the power amplifier is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier protectionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the over-voltage protection function with the existing bias circuit that is already necessary for power amplifier operation. The over-voltage detection and interruption functionality is integrated into the bias circuit architecture, allowing the protection mechanism to share components and circuitry with the normal biasing function, thereby minimizing additional complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bias circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: providing normal bias operation during standard conditions and performing over-voltage detection and interruption when voltage exceeds predetermined levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated protection circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8644777B2System and method for power amplifier over-voltage protection
Publication Date: 2014.02.04 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC
  • US8644777B2 patent drawing
  • US8644777B2 patent drawing
  • US8644777B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for power amplifier over-voltage protection includes a power amplifier configured to receive a system voltage, a bias circuit configured to provide a bias signal to the power amplifier, and a power amplifier over-voltage circuit configured to interrupt the bias signal when the system voltage exceeds a predetermined value, while the system voltage remains coupled to the power amplifier.