Multi-Gain LNA Phase Tuning for Minimal Gain-Mode Discontinuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) with different gain paths experience phase shifts that can vary significantly, posing challenges in minimizing phase discontinuity between these paths, especially when switching between high and low gain modes, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phase matching sub-circuit that utilizes existing components for output impedance matching within each gain path to minimize phase shifts between different gain paths, allowing for minimal additional components and reduced circuit complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different gain paths are used for high gain and low gain modes, then gain flexibility is improved, but phase discontinuity between paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
A phase matching network is introduced as an intermediary component between the different gain paths. This network includes phase shifters and impedance matching elements that actively compensate for phase differences between the high gain path and low gain path, ensuring phase continuity while maintaining gain flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adjusts electrical parameters such as impedance values and phase shift amounts dynamically. By changing the impedance of matching networks and the phase shift introduced by compensating components, the system optimizes phase alignment between different gain paths while maintaining their respective gain characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If phase matching components are added to minimize phase shifts, then phase matching accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase matching network is merged with the existing impedance matching structures in the different gain paths. By combining phase compensation functions with impedance matching functions into unified networks, the invention reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving both phase matching and impedance matching objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The matching networks are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: impedance matching, phase shifting, and phase compensation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and circuit complexity while maintaining phase matching accuracy across different gain paths.
3Area of stationary object
If active bypass is removed to free chip space, then area is improved, but phase matching capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The active bypass component is extracted and removed from the circuit. Its phase matching function is replaced by passive matching networks that provide equivalent or superior phase alignment capability while occupying significantly less chip area, thus freeing up valuable real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex active bypass with simpler passive matching elements that achieve the same phase matching objective with reduced complexity and area. These passive components are more area-efficient while maintaining the necessary phase matching performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for a multi gain LNA architecture achieving minimum phase discontinuity between all the different active and passive gain modes that uses different LNA configurations and settings for single and multi-stage LNAs by a configurable combined output matching and phase adjusting circuitry.