Multi-Band Power Amplifier Module With Bias Isolation

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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

VSEngineering 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 signal interference between amplifiers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of communication unitVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplification module is divided into multiple independent amplification units, each dedicated to specific frequency bands and communication schemes. Each unit contains its own power amplifier, bias current generating circuit, and control circuitry, allowing them to operate independently without interfering with each other while maintaining a compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A signal switching unit is introduced as an intermediary component that routes signals between different amplification units and the antenna. This switching unit isolates the amplification units from each other, preventing signal interference while enabling flexible signal routing for different frequency bands and communication modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If separate power amplification modules are used for different frequency bands, then signal interference is reduced, but the size and complexity of the communication unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidcomplexity of communication unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple amplification units that support different frequency bands and communication schemes are merged into a single integrated power amplification module. This consolidation reduces the overall number of separate components, simplifies the device structure, and maintains compact size while preserving the isolation benefits of separate amplification paths through internal design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power amplification module is designed with universal functionality to support multiple communication schemes (2G, 3G, 4G) and multiple frequency bands simultaneously. The module can dynamically activate different amplification units based on the required communication standard and frequency band, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated modules for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If a single power amplifier is used for multiple frequency bands, then the device size is reduced, but the amplification performance and efficiency for each band deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of power amplification moduleVSAvoidamplification performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each amplification unit within the module is optimized with local quality specifically tailored to its designated frequency band and communication scheme. The bias current generating circuits, matching networks, and amplifier parameters are customized for each unit's specific operating conditions, ensuring optimal amplification performance and efficiency for each frequency band while maintaining a compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9918289B2Power amplification module for multiple bands and multiple standards

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 MURATA MFG CO LTD

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.