Multi-Band Power Amplifier Switching for Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifier modules face reduced impedance matching and efficiency in amplification when supporting carrier aggregation (CA) due to changes in output impedance matching between the power amplifier circuit and load impedance, particularly when multiple frequency bands are used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band power amplifier module is designed with transmission input and output switches, filter circuits, and tuning circuits to adjust impedance matching between power amplifier circuits and output terminals, allowing for selective path switching and optimal impedance matching across different frequency bands, thereby maintaining efficient signal amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power amplifier circuit output terminal is connected to multiple paths for carrier aggregation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the impedance matching between the power amplifier circuit and load impedance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the output terminal connections changeable through switching elements. The power amplifier circuit output terminal can be dynamically connected to different filter circuits or paths based on the operating mode (single-band or carrier aggregation), allowing the system to adapt its configuration rather than being fixed. This resolves the contradiction by enabling good impedance matching in each specific mode while maintaining a shared power amplifier circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the output terminal of a power amplifier circuit is connected to multiple paths for carrier aggregation, then multi-band functionality is achieved, but the efficiency of amplification decreases due to impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The switching elements enable dynamic reconfiguration of the output terminal connections based on whether single-band or multi-band operation is required. In carrier aggregation mode, the output terminal is connected to multiple filter circuits through switches, achieving multi-band functionality while maintaining proper impedance matching through the switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching elements as intermediary components between the power amplifier output terminal and the filter circuits. These switches act as mediators that enable or disable specific paths, allowing the system to achieve carrier aggregation functionality while maintaining optimal impedance matching by selectively connecting the appropriate filter circuits.
3Loss of energy
If multiple power amplifier circuits are used to maintain impedance matching for each path, then amplification efficiency is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single power amplifier circuit that can serve multiple functions and multiple frequency bands through the switching mechanism. Instead of requiring separate power amplifier circuits for each band, one universal power amplifier circuit is configured to work with different filter circuits selected by the switching elements, achieving multi-band support without proportionally increasing the number of power amplifier circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple filter circuits and paths into a single system that shares a common power amplifier circuit. By combining the filter circuits and using switching elements to select appropriate paths, the system achieves carrier aggregation functionality while reducing the total number of power amplifier circuits needed compared to having separate amplifiers for each band.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band power amplifier module includes at least one transmission input terminal, at least one power amplifier circuit that receives a first transmission signal and a second transmission signal through the at least one transmission input terminal, a first filter circuit that allows the first transmission signal to pass therethrough, a second filter circuit that allows the second transmission signal to pass therethrough, at least one transmission output terminal through which the first and second transmission signals output from the first and second filter circuits are output, a transmission output switch that outputs each of the first and second transmission signals output from the at least one power amplifier circuit to the first filter circuit or the second filter circuit, and a first tuning circuit that adjusts impedance matching between the at least one power amplifier circuit and the at least one transmission output terminal.