Multi-Band Power Amplifier Circuit Without RF Switch Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifier circuits in communication modules experience significant radio-frequency signal loss due to the use of switches, leading to increased power consumption to compensate for this loss.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier circuit design that includes multiple transistors and bias circuits, along with capacitors and inductors, which allows for the amplification and switching of radio-frequency signals without the need for switches, thereby reducing signal loss and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to switch output paths for different frequency bands, then signal routing for multiple frequency bands is achieved, but radio-frequency signal loss increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching function and amplification function into a single power amplifier circuit. The power amplifier circuit directly outputs different frequency band signals through its own output stage without requiring external switches, thereby combining path selection and signal amplification into one integrated function that reduces signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The power amplifier circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it amplifies radio-frequency signals and simultaneously serves as the output switch for different frequency bands. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate switching components, reducing overall system complexity and signal loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to switch output paths for different frequency bands, then signal routing for multiple frequency bands is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching function and amplification function into a single power amplifier circuit. The power amplifier circuit directly outputs different frequency band signals through its own output stage without requiring external switches, thereby combining path selection and signal amplification into one integrated function that reduces power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power amplifier circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it amplifies radio-frequency signals and simultaneously serves as the output switch for different frequency bands. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate switching components, reducing overall system power consumption.
3Loss of energy
If output power of the power amplifier circuit is increased to compensate for switch loss, then signal loss due to switches is compensated, but power consumption of the power amplifier circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the signal path and eliminates the need for separate switching components. By having the power amplifier circuit directly output signals for different frequency bands through its integrated design, the harmful element (external switches causing loss) is removed entirely, avoiding the need for compensation.
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
The proposed solution effectively reduces radio-frequency signal loss and minimizes power consumption by integrating amplification and switching functions within the power amplifier circuit, eliminating the need for switches and their associated losses.
Implementation Method 1
A first power-supply voltage is supplied to a collector of the first transistor through the first inductor, an emitter of the first transistor is grounded, and a radio frequency signal is supplied to a base of the first transistor. A first amplified signal from the collector of the first transistor
Implementation Method 2
A first amplified signal from the collector of the first transistor is supplied to an emitter of the second transistor and an emitter of the third transistor through the capacitor
Implementation Method 3
A first power-supply voltage is supplied to a collector of the first transistor through the first inductor. A second power-supply voltage is supplied to a collector of the second transistor through the third inductor, and the second power-supply voltage is supplied to a collector of the third transistor through the fourth inductor
Implementation Method 4
When the second bias current or voltage is supplied to a base of the second transistor, a second amplified signal obtained by amplifying the radio frequency signal is outputted from the collector of the second transistor, and, when the third bias current or voltage is supplied to a base of the third transistor, a third amplified signal obtained by amplifying the radio frequency signal is outputted from the collector of the third transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A power amplifier circuit includes a first transistor; a first bias circuit that supplies a first bias current or voltage; a capacitor; a first inductor; a second inductor; a second transistor; a second bias circuit that supplies a second bias current or voltage; a third inductor; a third transistor; a third bias circuit that supplies a third bias current or voltage; and a fourth inductor.