Multi-Band Power Amplifier Modules With Shared Bias Current Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication units face challenges in supporting multiple frequency bands and communication schemes while maintaining size reduction and efficiency, especially with the increasing demand for downlink carrier aggregation in 4G communication standards.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode multi-band communication unit is designed with separate power amplification modules, each including multiple power amplifiers for different frequency bands and communication schemes, along with bias current generating and converting circuits to optimize signal amplification and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple power amplifiers for different frequency bands and communication schemes are integrated into a single module, then the size of the communication unit is reduced, but the circuit complexity and interference between amplifiers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit is divided into multiple independent power amplification modules, each handling specific frequency bands or communication schemes. This segmentation reduces interference between different amplifiers while maintaining compact size through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A bias current converting circuit is introduced as an intermediary component to convert bias current from a first communication scheme to a second communication scheme. This mediator enables shared bias current generation between different communication schemes while maintaining proper current levels for each amplifier type.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple power amplifiers are integrated into a single module, then profile reduction is achieved, but interference between amplifiers of different frequency bands increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different power amplifiers for different frequency bands (GSM LB, GSM HB, 3G/4G LB, 3G/4G HB) are segregated into separate modules or clearly defined groups within modules. This physical and functional segmentation reduces electromagnetic interference between amplifiers operating at different frequency bands while maintaining a compact overall profile.
3Power
If separate bias current generation circuits are provided for each power amplifier, then amplification efficiency is improved, but the circuit scale increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bias current generating circuits for different communication schemes are merged into a shared architecture. The bias current converting circuit allows a single bias current generation source to serve multiple power amplifiers across different communication schemes by converting the current to appropriate levels, thereby reducing overall circuit scale while maintaining amplification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias current generating circuit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple power amplifiers across different communication schemes (GSM and 3G/4G). Through the bias current converting circuit, a universal bias current source can adapt to different current requirements of various amplifiers, eliminating the need for separate dedicated bias circuits for each amplifier.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communication unit that includes first and second power-amplification modules, which can be integrated. The first power-amplification module includes a first power-amplifier for a first frequency band in a first communication scheme, a second power-amplifier for a second frequency band in the first communication scheme, a third power-amplifier for a third frequency band in a second communication scheme, a fourth power-amplifier for a fourth frequency band in the second communication scheme, a first bias circuit that generates a first bias current to the first and second power-amplifiers, and a bias current circuit that converts the first bias current into a second bias current to the third and fourth power-amplifiers. The second power-amplification module includes a fifth power-amplifier for a fifth frequency band in the first communication scheme, and a second bias circuit that generates a third bias current to the fifth power-amplifier.