mmWave Low-Noise Amplifier Bypass Architecture for Linearity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional amplifiers face challenges in achieving high linearity and low power consumption, particularly when processing mmWave RF signals, leading to signal degradation and increased noise figure due to input attenuation.

Innovation Solution

An amplifier design with multiple stages and configurable bypass paths allows selective bypassing of stages based on gain mode, reducing power consumption and maintaining linearity across varying signal strengths and frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional amplifiers operate at high current levels to achieve high linearity, then signal processing consistency is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelinearityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier dynamically switches between different gain modes (high gain and low gain) based on signal strength conditions. In low gain mode, the amplifier uses reduced current levels while maintaining acceptable linearity through optimized circuit design, thereby reducing power consumption during scenarios where high linearity is not critical

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier changes operating parameters (current level, gain setting) based on signal conditions. By detecting signal strength and appropriately selecting between high gain and low gain modes, the amplifier adjusts its operational state to balance linearity requirements with power consumption constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If input attenuation is applied to reduce signal strength for processing, then signal level range compliance is improved, but noise figure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal level range complianceVSAvoidnoise figure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attenuating the input signal before amplification (which increases noise figure), the amplifier inverts the approach by providing high gain amplification first and then applying attenuation at the output stage. This ensures the signal is properly amplified before any attenuation is applied, minimizing noise figure degradation while still achieving the required output signal level range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier is divided into multiple stages with different functions: a high gain amplification stage followed by an attenuation stage. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function - the first stage for maximum gain with minimal noise, and the second stage for signal level adjustment - thereby achieving overall signal level compliance without excessive noise figure penalty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12451848B2Amplifier with low-gain architecture for mmWave radio frequency (RF) signals

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication that support low noise amplification of mmWave radio frequency (RF) signals. In a first aspect, a low noise amplifier includes a first stage amplifier; a second stage amplifier; a configurable first stage bypass coupled between a first input and a first output of the first stage amplifier; and a configurable second stage bypass coupled between a second input and a second output of the second stage amplifier. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.