Switchable Multi-Gain Amplifier Cores for Noise and Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face performance reductions in signal amplifiers when designed to provide multiple gain modes, as existing amplifiers often compromise on noise figure or linearity across different gain modes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a variable-gain signal amplifier with multiple switchable amplifier architectures, allowing each gain mode to utilize dedicated amplifier cores optimized for specific characteristics such as low noise figure or high linearity, and a degeneration switching block to provide tailored impedances for improved linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single amplifier architecture is used to provide multiple gain modes, then device complexity is reduced, but noise figure and linearity performance deteriorate across different gain modes
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier is divided into multiple independent amplifier architectures (first amplifier architecture and second amplifier architecture), each optimized for specific gain modes. The gain mode selector segments the signal path to direct signals to appropriate amplifier architectures based on the required gain mode, allowing each segment to operate at its optimal performance point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different amplifier architectures based on the required gain mode. The gain mode selector enables dynamic reconfiguration of the signal path, directing signals to the first amplifier architecture for first gain modes and to the second amplifier architecture for second gain modes, optimizing performance for each operating condition.
2Reliability
If different amplifier architectures are used for different gain modes, then noise figure and linearity performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple amplifier architectures are integrated into a single amplifier device, with each architecture serving specific gain modes. The gain mode selector acts as a universal control mechanism that routes signals to the appropriate amplifier architecture, allowing the system to provide multiple specialized functions within a unified device structure.
3Reliability
If amplifier cores are optimized for specific gain modes, then performance in each gain mode is enhanced, but adaptability across gain modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gain mode selector serves as an intermediary component that bridges between the signal source and multiple specialized amplifier architectures. It intelligently routes signals to the appropriate amplifier core based on the required gain mode, allowing each amplifier core to maintain its specialized optimization while the overall system remains adaptable to all gain modes through the mediating selector.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are signal amplifiers having a plurality of amplifier cores. Individual amplifier cores can be designed for particular gain modes to enhance particular advantages while reducing other disadvantages. The signal amplifier can then switch between amplifier cores when switching gain modes to achieve desired performance characteristics (e.g., improving noise figure or linearity). Examples of signal amplifiers disclosed herein include amplifier architectures with a high gain amplifier core that reduces the noise figure and a linearity boost amplifier core that increases linearity (e.g., for lower gain modes). The disclosed signal amplifiers can also have switchable reference biases to provide targeted bias current matching. The disclosed signal amplifiers can also include degeneration switching blocks for individual amplifier cores to improve signal linearity.