Multi-Amplifier Communication Circuit With Quarter-Wave Signal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices supporting high-frequency communication face challenges with high power consumption and reduced communication performance due to low amplification efficiency of amplifiers and signal attenuation, leading to insufficient signal strength.

Innovation Solution

A communication circuit with multiple amplifiers operating in different modes (class-C and class-AB) and impedance matching circuits to optimize signal transmission and reception, using a transmission line of ¼ wavelength to enhance amplification efficiency and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single amplifier is used for high-frequency signal amplification, then the device complexity is reduced, but the amplification efficiency is low and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplifier configurationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the amplification function into multiple amplifiers operating in different modes. A first amplifier operates in class-C mode for high efficiency when signal strength is sufficient, while a second amplifier operates in class-AB mode for better linearity when signal strength is weak. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high power efficiency without sacrificing communication performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different amplifier configurations based on signal conditions. A controller monitors signal strength and dynamically selects which amplifier to use or whether to combine both amplifiers. This dynamic adaptation optimizes power consumption while maintaining adequate signal quality under varying communication conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If amplifier power is increased to improve signal strength, then communication performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses partial action by selectively activating only the necessary amplifier based on communication requirements. When signal strength is adequate, only the power-efficient class-C amplifier operates. When additional signal strength is needed, the system partially activates the class-AB amplifier or combines both, avoiding full-power operation and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters by switching between different amplifier classes (C and AB) with different efficiency-characteristic profiles. The class-C amplifier provides high efficiency at lower power consumption, while the class-AB amplifier provides better linearity and signal quality. By changing which amplifier parameter set is active based on conditions, the system achieves reliable communication without excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If class-C amplifier mode is used for high efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but signal linearity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal linearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the interaction between the class-C and class-AB amplifiers. This controller monitors signal conditions and coordinates the operation of both amplifiers, switching between them or combining their outputs. The intermediary ensures that signal linearity requirements are met by activating the class-AB amplifier when needed, while maintaining power efficiency by using the class-C amplifier when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If multiple amplifiers are used to improve signal strength, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidamplifier configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a unified amplification system that can operate in multiple modes using the same hardware components. The first and second amplifiers can individually provide amplification, can be combined for higher signal strength, or can be switched between based on conditions. This universal design achieves improved signal strength and communication performance without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same amplifiers serve multiple operational purposes.

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

Data Source

PatentUS12549205B2Communication circuit for amplifying signal by using multiple amplifiers, and electronic device including same
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12549205B2 patent drawing
  • US12549205B2 patent drawing
  • US12549205B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In an electronic device and an operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments, a communication circuit of the electronic device may comprise: a first transmission chain which outputs a first transmission signal through a first antenna; a second transmission chain which outputs a second transmission signal through a second antenna; a first amplifier which is electrically connected to the first transmission chain, and amplifies the first transmission signal output from the first transmission chain; and a second amplifier which is electrically connected to the second transmission chain, and amplifies the second transmission signal output from the second transmission chain, where the second amplifier is configured to have an output end connected to an output end of the first amplifier through a transmission line, and output the second transmission signal received from the second transmission chain to the first antenna through the transmission line. Various other embodiments may be possible.