Low-Noise Amplifier Impedance Switching for Multi-Band RF Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio frequency modules face inefficiencies due to idle low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) in different frequency bands, leading to wasted resources and increased size, particularly when designed for maximum requirements across multiple scenarios, making them unsuitable for small-sized devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of impedance adjustment networks in low-noise amplifiers allows them to switch between impedance states, enabling reuse across different frequency bands, thereby reducing the number of amplifiers needed and optimizing chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate LNAs are designed for different frequency bands to meet maximum requirements, then coverage of frequency bands is improved, but quantity of LNAs increases and chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LNA universal by adding an impedance adjustment network that can switch between different impedance states, enabling the same LNA to serve multiple frequency bands (both MHB and LB) rather than requiring separate dedicated LNAs for each band
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic impedance adjustment capability through an impedance adjustment network with switching circuitry that can dynamically change the LNA's input and output impedance to match different frequency band requirements, transforming a static single-band LNA into a dynamic multi-band LNA
2Reliability
If separate LNAs are designed for different frequency bands, then matching of impedance for each band is improved, but utilization of LNA decreases and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance adjustment network enables a single LNA to universally match impedance across multiple frequency bands by switching between pre-configured impedance states, ensuring reliable impedance matching for both MHB and LB operations while eliminating the need for separate dedicated LNAs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameters of the LNA dynamically through the impedance adjustment network, which modifies input and output impedance values to match different frequency band requirements, allowing the same LNA to maintain reliable performance across multiple bands
3Reliability
If maximum requirement is designed for each use scenario, then performance in each scenario is improved, but size of radio frequency module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LNA with impedance adjustment network serves as a universal amplifier that can operate at maximum performance levels in both MHB and LB scenarios by dynamically adjusting its impedance, replacing multiple scenario-specific LNAs and reducing the overall module size
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio frequency module, a low-noise amplifier, and an electronic device. The radio frequency module includes: N first low-noise amplifiers coupled between a signal input port and a signal output port, where an input impedance and an output impedance of the first low-noise amplifier match a first frequency band; and M second low-noise amplifiers coupled between the signal input port and the signal output port, where the second low-noise amplifier includes an impedance adjustment network, and the impedance adjustment network can adjust an input impedance and an output impedance of the second low-noise amplifier, so that the input impedance and the output impedance of the second low-noise amplifier match different frequency bands. In this way, the second low-noise amplifier can be reused between different frequency bands such as an LB band and an MHB band, thereby increasing utilization of the low-noise amplifier, so that when a maximum use scenario of the radio frequency module is unchanged, a quantity of required low-noise amplifiers is smaller, and a chip area is smaller.