Beamforming Low-Noise Amplifier With Integrated Phase Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-noise amplifiers for beam-forming systems face challenges with high insertion loss and size constraints, particularly in integrated phased array systems, and increased power consumption due to the need for additional amplification.
Innovation Solution
A low-noise amplifier design incorporating first and second transistors with a variable capacitance circuit that selectively changes capacitance to alter the phase of the output signal, reducing insertion loss and amplification gain variation, and is compact in size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a phase shifter composed of passive elements is used to change the phase of a signal, then linearity is maintained without consuming DC power, but insertion loss is relatively large and the size is large making integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase shifter and low-noise amplifier into a single integrated circuit where the amplifier compensates for the insertion loss of the passive phase shifter elements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining linearity and reducing energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The low-noise amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: amplifying the input signal to compensate for phase shifter insertion loss, and providing beam-forming capability through variable capacitance control, thereby addressing multiple requirements with a single device
2Device complexity
If a phase shifter composed of active elements is used to achieve satisfactory gain and accuracy, then integration level is high, but power consumption increases due to the need for additional low-noise amplifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifter and low-noise amplifier functions into a single integrated circuit, eliminating the need for separate amplifier components and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high integration level
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs both phase shifting and signal amplification functions simultaneously, with the variable capacitance circuit enabling beam-forming capability, thereby reducing the number of separate components and power consumption
3Power
If conventional low-noise amplifiers are used in beam-forming systems, then signal amplification is achieved, but insertion loss is high and the size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier is divided into two stages: a first amplifier circuit for initial signal amplification and a second amplifier circuit for further amplification and phase adjustment, allowing compact layout while achieving required gain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a variable capacitance circuit that controls phase shift through capacitance variation rather than traditional inductive or resistive elements, enabling compact size while maintaining amplification performance
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 solution reduces the size of RF chips, minimizes power consumption, and maintains stable amplification gain across a range of phase shifts, enhancing the efficiency and integration of beam-forming functions in wireless communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
The variable capacitance circuit may selectively change its capacitance to cause a corresponding phase change in the output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A low-noise amplifier in a receiver supporting a beam forming function may selectively change a phase shift for beam steering. The low-noise amplifier may include first and second transistors and a variable capacitance circuit connected to a gate of the second transistor. The variable capacitance circuit may selectively change capacitance thereof based on a capacitance control signal applied thereto according to beam-forming information, where the changed capacitance correspondingly causes a phase change in an output signal of the low-noise amplifier. A similar scheme may be employed for amplifiers in transmit signal paths to steer a transmit beam.