Low-Noise Amplifier Gain Switching for Multi-Band RF Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals face challenges in supporting multiple communication frequency bands and modes while maintaining low power consumption and high signal-to-noise ratio, particularly in amplifying signals with varying strengths, due to the need for multiple communications standards like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC.

Innovation Solution

A low noise amplifier with multiple input amplifiers and inter-stage switches, along with a configurable load circuit and driving circuit, allows for adjustable gain and impedance to accommodate different signal strengths and frequency bands, implemented in a radio frequency front-end module for mobile terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input amplifiers are used to support multiple frequency bands and communication modes, then the adaptability and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but the power consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple frequency bands and communication modesVSAvoidpower consumption of amplification units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic gain control by enabling different combinations of amplification units based on signal strength detection. The system transitions from static amplification to dynamic adaptation, selecting active amplification units according to real-time signal conditions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability across multiple frequency bands and communication modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the gain mode through selective activation of amplification units. By modifying which units are active based on signal strength, the system achieves parameter adaptation without requiring all units to operate continuously, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple input amplifiers with different gains are used to handle signals of different strengths, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity and area increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidnumber of amplification units and control circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the amplification function into multiple independent amplification units, each contributing to the overall gain. This segmentation allows selective activation of units based on signal strength requirements, achieving high signal-to-noise ratio when needed while reducing complexity by deactivating unnecessary units, thus managing device complexity through functional decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple amplification units are designed with universal functionality to handle different frequency bands and communication modes. Rather than creating dedicated amplifiers for each function, the system uses multi-functional units that can be selectively activated, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio across various operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple amplification units are activated to provide high gain for weak signals, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratio for weak signalsVSAvoidpower consumption of amplification units
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of amplification units required to achieve the desired signal-to-noise ratio, rather than always activating all units. For weak signals, multiple units are activated to provide high gain; for stronger signals, fewer units are activated, thus avoiding excessive power consumption while maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratio performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the low noise amplifier supports multiple communication standards (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC), then the adaptability is improved, but the area and power consumption requirements become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFCVSAvoidarea of amplification units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing amplification units that can operate across multiple communication standards (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC) and frequency bands. Rather than dedicating separate amplification hardware for each standard, the system uses universal amplification units that can be selectively activated based on the communication mode, thereby reducing the total area required while maintaining support for multiple standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240283414A1Low noise amplifier and corresponding radio frequency front-end module, method, and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2024.08.22 VANCHIP TIANJIN TECH
  • US20240283414A1 patent drawing
  • US20240283414A1 patent drawing
  • US20240283414A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed in the present invention are a low noise amplifier and a corresponding radio frequency front-end module, a method, and a mobile terminal. According to the low noise amplifier, high isolation among input ports is achieved by means of a plurality of groups of input amplifiers and a plurality of groups of input switch tubes, and the area occupied by a circuit is also saved. By decomposing each input amplifier into a plurality of groups of amplifying units and by means of inter-stage switches connected to the plurality of groups of amplifying units, and by controlling the turning on of different combinations of inter-stage switches, multiple different gains of the amplifier are achieved. By sharing at least one output amplifier, the high gain and high isolation of the amplifier are guaranteed, and the circuit area can be minimized.