Differential LNA with Power Divider for Dual Receive Chains

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile wireless communications devices face challenges in seamlessly monitoring and switching between different cellular protocols like CDMA2000 1X and EVDO, leading to inefficiencies and signal losses due to the need for frequent switching and additional components, which increase costs and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A mobile wireless communications device with a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected to a duplexer and featuring first and second receive signal chains for CDMA2000 1X and CDMA2000 1X-EVDO, respectively, utilizing a power divider to tap signal energy after amplification, minimizing signal losses and avoiding the need for additional filters and switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single receive signal chain is used for both CDMA2000 1X and EVDO protocols, then device complexity is reduced, but signal losses increase and sensitivity deteriorates due to the need for switching and additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceive signal chain configurationVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The single amplified signal is segmented into two separate signal paths using a power divider, allowing simultaneous processing of both CDMA2000 1X and EVDO protocols through dedicated receive signal chains. This eliminates switching requirements and associated signal losses while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic signal distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple protocol handlers by using a single LNA to amplify the received signal before splitting it, thereby merging the benefits of signal consolidation (reduced noise figure, improved sensitivity) with the advantages of dedicated processing paths for different protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional filters and switches are added to support multiple protocols, then protocol compatibility improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidfilter and switch components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power divider serves as a universal component that distributes the amplified signal to multiple protocol-specific receive chains simultaneously. This multi-functional approach enables the device to support both CDMA2000 1X and EVDO protocols without requiring separate filtering or switching mechanisms for each protocol, thereby maintaining protocol compatibility while minimizing additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a power divider is used to split the amplified signal, then signal losses are minimized and sensitivity is enhanced, but device complexity increases slightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal sensitivityVSAvoidpower divider component

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power divider acts as an intermediary component between the single LNA output and multiple receive signal chains. It mediates the signal distribution in a controlled manner, providing predictable signal splitting ratios and maintaining signal integrity. This intermediary approach enhances sensitivity by avoiding the signal losses associated with switching while introducing only minimal, well-characterized complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration enhances sensitivity by approximately 1 dB, reduces signal losses, and eliminates the need for costly filter elements, providing a more efficient and compact solution for monitoring and switching between different cellular protocols.

Implementation Method 1

a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected to a duplexer and having first and second differential outputs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a power divider to tap signal energy after amplification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal power division:

Data Source

PatentUS8855024B2Mobile wireless communications device including a differential output LNA connected to multiple receive signal chains

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A mobile wireless communications device may include an antenna, a wireless radio frequency (RF) receiver, a wireless RF transmitter, and a duplexer connecting the wireless RF receiver and the wireless RF transmitter to the antenna. More particularly, the wireless RF receiver may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected to the duplexer and having first and second differential outputs, a first receive signal chain for wireless communications signals having a first signal type connected to the first differential output of the LNA, and a second receive signal chain for wireless communications signals having a second signal type different than the first signal type connected to the second differential output of the LNA.