Integrated Low-Noise Amplifier Switching to Cut RF Area and Parasitics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio frequency (RF) amplifiers in wireless communication systems require separate modules for RF switching and low noise amplification, leading to increased area occupation and parasitic effects.

Innovation Solution

A low noise amplifier is designed with multiple gain stage circuits, amplification selection switching circuits, and driving circuits to integrate RF switching and amplification functions, eliminating the need for a separate RF switch module, thereby reducing area occupation and parasitic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate modules are used for RF switching and low noise amplification, then each module can be optimized independently, but the area occupation increases and parasitic effects are enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule optimizationVSAvoidarea occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RF switch module and low noise amplifier module into a single integrated low noise amplifier. The switching circuit is integrated within the amplifier structure, allowing both RF switching and amplification functions to be performed by one unified module, thereby reducing the overall area occupation while maintaining independent optimization capabilities through modular circuit design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate modules are used for RF switching and low noise amplification, then each module can be optimized independently, but parasitic effects are enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule optimizationVSAvoidparasitic effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the RF switch and low noise amplifier into a single module, the patent reduces the number of inter-module connections and interfaces, thereby minimizing the parasitic inductance and capacitance that would otherwise be introduced by separate module packaging and bonding. The unified structure allows for optimized signal paths with fewer discontinuities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs carefully designed matching circuits and transmission line structures as intermediaries within the integrated module to minimize parasitic effects. These intermediary elements are optimized to compensate for and reduce the impact of inherent parasitic parameters in the integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gain stage circuits are integrated with switching circuits, then RF switching and amplification are achieved in one module, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF switching and amplification integrationVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the integrated low noise amplifier into distinct functional segments: a switching circuit portion and multiple gain stage circuit portions. Each segment is independently designed and optimized for its specific function, with clear interfaces between them. This segmentation allows the complex integrated module to be managed through modular design principles, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining integration benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the number of gain stage circuits is increased to handle multiple RF signals, then amplification capability is improved, but area occupation and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-RF signal amplification capabilityVSAvoidarea occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the gain stage circuits with universal functionality to handle multiple RF signals. The switching circuit is configured to selectively connect different RF input signals to appropriate gain stages, and the gain stages themselves are designed to process various signal types. This multi-functional design allows a single integrated module to amplify multiple RF signals simultaneously without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each signal, thereby improving area efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10418949B2Low noise amplifier and radio frequency amplification method using the same

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 MAXSCEND MICROELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A low noise amplifier and a radio frequency amplification method using the low noise amplifier are provided. The low noise amplifier includes gain stage circuits, the number of which is not less than that of RF signals to be amplified, and the gain stage circuit is configured to independently amplify the RF signal when being enabled; a plurality of amplification selection switching circuits, each of which is connected to one of the gain stage circuits and is configured to, according to the RF signal, control the gain stage circuit to be enabled or disabled; a plurality of driving circuits, each of which is connected to a respective one of the plurality of gain stage circuits and is configured to, when the gain stage circuit is enabled, receive at least one RF signal amplified by the gain stage circuit and output the amplified RF signal; and at least one load circuit.