LNA Bypass Path Phase Control Across Multiple Gain States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits face challenges in efficiently managing gain and phase shift across multiple gain states, particularly in reducing power consumption and improving linearity when active elements are bypassed, and in meeting stringent phase shift requirements.
Innovation Solution
The electronic circuit design includes a first path with an amplifier and a second configurable bypass path with phase shifters, allowing for adjustable gain and phase shift configurations by serially arranging amplifiers and phase shifters, and using parallel switches to manage attenuators and switches across these paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the amplifier path is used for signal amplification, then the gain is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between the amplifier path and bypass path based on the required gain state. Parallel switches (S1, S2, S3) control the connection of attenuators to dynamically adjust the gain, allowing the system to transition from active amplification to passive bypass operation, thereby reducing power consumption when high gain is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal path is segmented into multiple parallel paths: an amplifier path (first path) and a bypass path (second path). Each path can be independently controlled through switch networks, allowing the system to select the appropriate path based on gain requirements. This segmentation enables flexible power management by activating only the necessary path.
2Use of energy by moving object
If active elements are bypassed at low gain states, then the power consumption is reduced, but the linearity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Attenuators are introduced as intermediary elements in the bypass path to match the gain levels of the amplifier path. By using programmable attenuators (L1-L6) in parallel with the amplifier, the system can achieve low gain states through passive attenuation while maintaining signal integrity and linearity, avoiding direct bypass that would cause discontinuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures that both the amplifier path and bypass path provide equivalent signal levels at all gain states through careful matching of attenuator values. This equipotential design ensures that switching between paths does not cause signal discontinuity or distortion, maintaining linearity across all operating conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If phase shifters are added to equalize path phases, then the phase shift requirement is met, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding phase shifters to every component, the patent applies phase shifters selectively only where needed to equalize the phase between the amplifier path and bypass path. This partial application approach meets the stringent phase shift requirements (e.g., within ±5 degrees) while minimizing the addition of complex components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parallel switches are used to control attenuators, then the gain states are configurable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switch control functions into a unified switch network architecture. Parallel switches (S1, S2, S3) are strategically placed to control multiple attenuators, and the switches are coordinated to work together as an integrated system. This merging approach enables multiple gain states to be achieved while reducing the total number of independent control elements compared to fully separate control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
In electronic circuits having various gain states, small gain phase shift differences required among various gain states may pose a challenging problem. The disclosed methods and devices provide solution to such challenge. Electronic circuits are described wherein a first path including an amplifier may be bypassed by a second path including only passive elements and for gain states smaller than 0 dB. In such electronic circuits, a phase shifter included in the second path can be adjusted to address the required phase shift among various gain states.