Doherty-Integrated Transceiver Switch Circuitry for Low-Loss Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transceiver switch circuitry in 5G mm-wave transceivers face issues with high insertion loss, low linearity, and limited bandwidth, which affect transmitter efficiency and receiver sensitivity, and are non-linear when operating with large voltage swings, compromising adjacent channel leakage ratio and error vector magnitude.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver switch circuitry integrated into a Doherty PA structure, utilizing existing transmission lines and amplifiers to minimize additional loss, with impedance transformers and switches configured to isolate the receiver from high voltage levels, ensuring low insertion loss and linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional transceiver switch circuitry is used in 5G mm-wave transceivers, then the basic Tx/Rx isolation function is achieved, but high insertion loss and low linearity occur, affecting transmitter efficiency and receiver sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transceiver switch circuitry with the Doherty Power Amplifier structure by integrating the TRX switch into the PA output stage. The switch is combined with impedance matching networks and transmission lines to form a unified circuit that performs both amplification and signal routing functions, eliminating the need for separate discrete switch components that would introduce additional loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: the Doherty PA provides power amplification with load modulation for high PAE, the TRX switch provides Tx/Rx isolation and signal routing, and the impedance matching networks provide both PA output matching and antenna matching. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and minimizes overall insertion loss.
2Power
If high power levels are delivered by power amplifier in CMOS technology, then high output power is achieved, but voltage levels at peak output power become too high for thin oxide gates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies load modulation technique where the output impedance of the power amplifier is dynamically changed based on the signal amplitude. At low power levels, the amplifier presents a high impedance for efficient power addition, while at high power levels the impedance is reduced to limit voltage swings at the output, protecting the CMOS devices from excessive voltage stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an impedance matching network as an intermediary between the power amplifier and the antenna. This network includes transmission lines with specific impedance values that transform the high impedance output of the PA to the 50 ohm antenna impedance, while also providing voltage scaling to protect the CMOS output stage from high voltage levels.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Doherty PA structure with load modulation is used, then power added efficiency at average output power levels is improved, but impedance matching becomes complex requiring quarter wavelength transmission lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impedance matching functions into the existing Doherty PA structure by using the same quarter-wavelength transmission lines that are already required for load modulation to also serve as the impedance matching networks for both the PA output and antenna connection. This eliminates the need for separate discrete matching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission lines in the Doherty PA structure perform dual functions: they provide the necessary phase shift and impedance transformation for load modulation to achieve high PAE, and simultaneously serve as the impedance matching networks for both the amplifier output and antenna interface. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall circuit design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If transceiver switch circuitry is added to isolate receiver from high voltage levels, then receiver protection is achieved, but additional insertion loss is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the TRX switch circuitry directly into the power amplifier output stage, merging the isolation function with the existing PA structure. The switch is implemented as part of the PA output network rather than as a separate discrete component, which minimizes the additional insertion loss that would otherwise be introduced by separate switch components and their associated parasitics.
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 integrated transceiver switch circuitry improves efficiency and power output by reusing DPA components, maintaining low insertion loss and linearity, while providing wide bandwidth and integrated filtering, suitable for mm-wave transceivers.
Implementation Method 1
a receive arrangement connected between the antenna port and the receiver port, the receive arrangement comprises a receiver quarter wavelength, λ/4, impedance transformer
Data Source
AI summary
Transceiver switch circuitry having an antenna port, a receiver port and two transmitter ports. The transceiver switch circuitry is configured to be operable in a reception mode to allow reception signals at the antenna port to be forwarded to the receiver port, and in a transmission mode to allow transmission signals, having a center frequency with a wavelength λ, at the first transmitter port and the second transmitter port to be forwarded to the antenna port for transmission. The transceiver switch circuitry includes a receive arrangement comprising having a receiver λ/4 impedance transformer and a receiver switch circuitry configured to ground the first λ/4 impedance transformer at the receiver port in the transmission mode; and a transmit arrangement having three transmitter impedance transformers and a first and second transmitter switch circuitry configured to virtually ground a second side of the first λ/4 impedance transformer in the reception mode.