MIMO RF Front-End Amplifier Circuit Without RF Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RF front-end amplifier circuits are inadequate for Multiple Inputs Multiple Outputs (MIMO) scenarios due to limitations in signal processing, noise figure, and linearity, particularly when handling multiple frequency channels and signal sources, leading to signal loss and distortion.
Innovation Solution
The RF front-end amplifier circuit employs multiple low-noise amplifying modules and a voltage output module to convert input voltage signals into intermediate current signals, which are then combined to produce output voltage signals, minimizing signal loss and distortion, and achieving impedance matching without the need for RF switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-input single-output RF front-end amplifier circuits are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to MIMO scenarios is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The RF front-end amplifier circuit is divided into multiple independent low-noise amplifying modules, each capable of processing one or more input voltage signals. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple inputs and outputs simultaneously, enabling MIMO functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each low-noise amplifying module is designed with universal functionality to process multiple input voltage signals and generate multiple intermediate current signals. The modules can be configured in different arrangements to support various MIMO scenarios, making the overall system adaptable to different signal source and frequency channel combinations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple low-noise amplifying modules are used to process multiple signals, then the adaptability to MIMO scenarios is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage output module combines multiple intermediate current signals from different low-noise amplifying modules into one or more output voltage signals. This merging function consolidates the outputs from multiple parallel processing paths, reducing the overall system complexity by providing a unified output interface rather than requiring separate output circuits for each module
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate current signals serve as intermediary representations between the voltage input stage and the final voltage output stage. This intermediate current signal format allows for efficient signal combination and processing in the voltage output module, facilitating the transition from multiple inputs to multiple outputs while managing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF switches are used to handle multiple signal paths, then the adaptability is improved, but the noise figure and linearity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates RF switches from the signal processing path by using direct voltage-to-current conversion in each low-noise amplifying module. This removal of switching components prevents the introduction of additional noise and distortion, maintaining superior noise figure and linearity while still achieving flexible signal path configuration through the modular module arrangement
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
This solution enables efficient signal processing in MIMO scenarios with reduced noise figure and improved linearity, allowing for simultaneous reception of multiple signals without significant signal loss or distortion, and reduces the impact of noise and impedance characteristics across different paths.
Implementation Method 1
each of the low-noise amplifying modules is used to amplify and convert one input voltage signal into one or more intermediate current signals
Implementation Method 2
a voltage output module, connected to each of the low-noise amplifying modules and used to combine and convert the intermediate current signal output by each of the low-noise amplifying modules into the one or more output voltage signals
Implementation Method 3
a second processing unit, which achieves impedance matching at an input terminal of the low-noise amplifying module
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a Multiple Inputs Multiple Outputs RF front-end amplifier circuit, chip, and electronic device and a method for configuring signal path. The RF front-end amplifier circuit includes: at least two low-noise amplifying modules, each of which amplifies one voltage signal and converts into one or more intermediate current signals; a voltage output module, connected to each of the low-noise amplifying modules, for combining the intermediate current signal output by the low-noise amplifying module and converting them into one or more output voltage signals. The RF front-end amplifier circuit can be applied to an RF front-end with a Multiple Inputs Multiple Outputs structure.