High-Voltage Doherty Power Amplifier Without Impedance Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Doherty power amplifiers for RF applications suffer from increased loss and complexity due to the need for impedance transformation networks and band selection switches, which degrade transmit efficiency and increase size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage Doherty power amplification system that uses a boost DC/DC converter to generate a high-voltage supply signal, allowing the Doherty power amplifier to operate at a 50 ohm impedance without impedance transformation networks, thereby eliminating lossy components and simplifying passive component content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional Doherty power amplifiers use impedance transformation networks, then impedance matching is achieved, but loss increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from low voltage to high voltage (e.g., 5V to 12V or higher) to enable the Doherty PA to achieve proper impedance matching directly without requiring external impedance transformation networks. This parameter change fundamentally alters the impedance characteristics of the PA output, allowing it to match standard 50-ohm system impedance naturally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the impedance transformation networks and band selection switches from the system architecture. By operating at high voltage, the Doherty PA inherently provides the necessary impedance transformation function, making separate impedance matching components redundant and eliminatable, thus reducing overall system complexity and loss.
2Area of stationary object
If impedance transformation networks are used, then impedance matching is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes impedance transformation networks and band selection switches from the system by operating the Doherty PA at high voltage, which provides inherent impedance matching capability. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components and reduces overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the impedance transformation function into the Doherty PA itself through high-voltage operation. Instead of having separate impedance matching networks, the PA's high-voltage operation inherently provides the required impedance transformation, combining multiple functions into a single component.
3Loss of energy
If band selection switches are used, then multiple frequency bands are supported, but loss increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes band selection switches from the system architecture. High-voltage operation of the Doherty PA provides inherent broadband impedance matching capability, eliminating the need for switches to select between different impedance networks for different frequency bands, thus reducing loss while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the Doherty PA universally applicable across multiple frequency bands through high-voltage operation. The high-voltage design provides broadband impedance matching that works across different frequency ranges without requiring band-specific switching, giving the system multi-functionality without the associated losses.
4Adaptability or versatility
If band selection switches are used, then multiple frequency bands are supported, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes band selection switches and associated impedance transformation networks by using high-voltage operation. This extraction simplifies the system architecture while maintaining the ability to handle multiple frequency bands through the inherent broadband characteristics of the high-voltage Doherty PA.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-voltage Doherty PA is designed to be universally compatible with multiple frequency bands. The high-voltage operation provides broadband impedance matching that naturally supports different frequency ranges, making the system multi-functional without requiring complex switching mechanisms.
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 high-voltage Doherty power amplification system reduces overall loss and complexity, achieving higher efficiency and smaller die sizes, which enables more flexible power amplification system designs with reduced size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The supply system can include a boost DC/DC converter configured to generate the HV supply signal based on a battery voltage Vbatt
Data Source
AI summary
Doherty power amplifier having high supply voltage. In some embodiments, a power amplification system can include a supply system configured to provide a high-voltage supply signal, and a Doherty power amplifier having an input splitter configured to receive and split a signal into a carrier amplifier and a peaking amplifier. The Doherty power amplifier can further include a combiner configured to combine amplified signals from the carrier and peaking amplifiers to provide an output signal. The Doherty power amplifier can be configured to receive the high-voltage supply signal for operation of the carrier and peaking amplifiers. The power amplification system can further include an output path configured to couple the combiner to a filter. The Doherty power amplifier can have an impedance substantially the same as an impedance of the filter when operated with the high-voltage supply signal.