Differential Power Amplifier Branching for Broadband Back-Off Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifier structures have limited bandwidth and efficiency, particularly in single-ended power combining amplifier structures, failing to meet the broadband and high-efficiency needs of modern communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier system incorporating a differential power divider, branch differential amplifying circuits with varying operating states, and a differential synthesizer to enhance efficiency and bandwidth, utilizing impedance matching and power amplifying units, and differential coupling lines to improve signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-ended power combining amplifier structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth is limited to vicinity of 25%
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier is divided into multiple parallel branches, each containing a power amplifying unit. This segmentation allows each branch to operate independently with different operating states, enabling broadband operation while maintaining structural simplicity. The differential structure further segments the signal path into positive and negative phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation by allowing different branches to operate in different states (on/off, different power levels) based on output power requirements. The impedance adjusting unit dynamically changes output impedance based on operating conditions, enabling the amplifier to adapt to varying bandwidth and efficiency requirements.
2Device complexity
If Doherty power synthesis is used, then multiple power synthesis can be realized with simple structure, but broadband characteristics are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier structure serves multiple functions: it performs power synthesis like Doherty, achieves broadband operation through differential parallel branches, and provides dynamic efficiency control through adjustable operating states. Each branch can function independently or in combination, making the structure universally applicable to various power and bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operating parameters including output impedance (adjusted by the impedance adjusting unit), operating power levels of different branches, and differential signal phases. These parameter changes enable the amplifier to achieve both simple power synthesis and broadband characteristics simultaneously.
3Loss of energy
If envelope elimination and recovery technology is used, then efficiency is improved, but product structure becomes complex requiring complex digital systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex digital processing components required by envelope elimination and recovery technology. Instead, it achieves efficiency improvement through analog/digital hybrid control of branch operating states and impedance adjustment, removing the need for complex digital systems while maintaining high efficiency during power back-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex, expensive digital processing systems with simpler control mechanisms that adjust branch operating states and impedance. This substitution uses less complex, more cost-effective components to achieve the same efficiency improvement goal.
4Device complexity
If conventional power amplifier structures are used, then structure is simple, but efficiency during power back-off is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation by allowing different branches to operate in different states (on/off, different power levels) based on output power requirements. The impedance adjusting unit dynamically changes output impedance based on operating conditions, enabling the amplifier to adapt to varying bandwidth and efficiency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different branches of the amplifier are configured with different local characteristics and operating states. One branch may operate in high-efficiency mode while another operates in linear mode, allowing each part of the system to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a power amplifier system. The system includes: a differential power divider configured to perform power distribution on an input signal and output a plurality of sub-differential signals; a plurality of branch differential amplifying circuits, wherein each branch differential amplifying circuit of the plurality of branch differential amplifying circuits is configured to amplify a corresponding sub-differential signal; and a differential synthesizer connected with the plurality of branch differential amplifying circuits and configured to perform power synthesis on the plurality of sub-differential signals to obtain a synthesized differential signal; wherein an operating state of at least one of the plurality of branch differential amplifying circuits is different from that of the other branch differential amplifying circuits of the plurality of branch differential amplifying circuits.