Multi-Branch Class-AB Power Amplifier for High-PAPR Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Class-A, Class-B, and Class-AB power amplifiers (PAs) suffer from reduced efficiency at low output powers due to high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) signals, requiring power back-off (PBO) which compromises efficiency and linearity in wireless communication systems like mmWave 5G and 6G systems.
Innovation Solution
A linear power-amplification module with multiple circuit branches, each equipped with a Class-AB PA and control circuits, adjusts input powers and biasing voltages to maintain operation within the Class-AB region, using adaptive control methods like LUT-based calibration to optimize power-division ratios and phase shifts, reducing system complexity and improving efficiency and linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Class-A, Class-B, or Class-AB power amplifiers are used to amplify signals with high PAPR, then linearity can be maintained, but efficiency greatly reduces due to power back-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power amplification function into multiple parallel Class-AB PA branches, each handling a portion of the total signal power. This segmentation allows each PA to operate at optimized power levels without requiring excessive back-off, thereby maintaining both linearity and efficiency simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control circuits that adjust the input power distribution to each PA branch in real-time based on the instantaneous signal conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize efficiency across varying output power levels while maintaining linear operation through continuous parameter adjustment
2Reliability
If power amplifiers operate at higher power back-off to maintain linearity with high PAPR signals, then linearity is preserved, but efficiency at low output powers greatly reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of multiple PAs simultaneously, adjusting both the input power levels and biasing conditions of each PA branch to optimize performance. This multi-parameter optimization enables the system to achieve high efficiency at low output powers while maintaining linearity, avoiding the need for excessive power back-off
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple circuit branches with control circuits are added to improve efficiency and linearity, then power-added efficiency and linearity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Class-AB PA branches with integrated control circuits into a unified power amplification module. By merging the control functions and sharing common components where possible, the system achieves improved efficiency and linearity while managing overall complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
A linear power-amplifier module has a splitter for splitting an input signal into a plurality split signals, a plurality of circuit branches connected to the splitter, each circuit branch for receiving one of the plurality of split signals, and an output connected to the plurality of circuit branches for combining outputs of the plurality of circuit branches and outputting an output signal. Each circuit branch is for receiving one of the plurality of split signals, each circuit branch comprises a class-AB PA operable under a biasing voltage, and one or more circuit branches each has a respective control circuit connected to an input of the class-AB PA thereof.