Multi-Mode Amplifier Module With Shunt Switching and Impedance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amplifier modules in wireless communication devices face inefficiencies due to the use of series switches, which result in signal loss and degradation, especially at high output power levels, as they introduce resistance in the output path.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a PA module design that avoids series switches by using shunt output switches and parallel power amplifiers, allowing for high power mode operation without signal loss and enabling efficient impedance matching across different operating modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If series switches are used in the output path to enable multiple operating modes, then the amplifier module can switch between different power levels, but signal loss and degradation occur especially at high output power levels due to resistance introduced by the switches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple operating modesVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional series switch architecture by using shunt (parallel) switches instead. Rather than placing switches in series with the output path where they introduce resistance, the switches are placed in parallel paths that can bypass or include amplifiers without being in the direct signal flow path, thereby eliminating the resistance-induced signal loss while maintaining mode switching capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the amplifier module into multiple parallel amplifier paths (e.g., first power amplifier, second power amplifier, driver amplifier paths) with individual shunt switches for each path. This segmentation allows independent control of each amplifier path, enabling flexible combination of amplifiers to achieve different power levels without requiring series switching of a single signal path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If series switches are used to bypass amplifiers for high power mode operation, then the amplifier module can operate in bypass mode, but the series switches introduce resistance that degrades signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh power mode operationVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the bypass architecture by using shunt switches that connect amplifier paths in parallel rather than using series switches to bypass amplifiers. The shunt switches allow amplifier paths to be connected or disconnected from the parallel network without being in series with the output signal, eliminating resistance-induced signal degradation while enabling high power mode operation through parallel amplifier combination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If series switches are used in the output path, then mode switching can be implemented, but impedance matching becomes difficult across different operating modes due to the switches' resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switchingVSAvoidimpedance matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the switching topology from series to shunt configuration, placing switches in parallel paths rather than in series with the output. This inversion removes the resistance element from the signal path, allowing impedance matching networks to operate without the complicating factor of switch resistance, thereby simplifying impedance matching across different operating modes while maintaining mode switching capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the shunt switch network and impedance matching networks to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the shunt switches enable both mode switching and maintain proper impedance matching across all modes, while the impedance matching networks are configured to work effectively with the parallel amplifier architecture, achieving universal performance across different operating modes without requiring mode-specific matching adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8102205B2Amplifier module with multiple operating modes

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An amplifier module with multiple operating modes is described. In an exemplary design, the amplifier module includes an amplifier (e.g., a power amplifier), a switch, and an output circuit. The amplifier receives and amplifies an input signal and provides an amplified signal in a first mode. The switch is coupled to the output of the amplifier and bypasses the amplifier and provides a bypass signal in a second mode. The output circuit is coupled to the amplifier and the switch. The output circuit performs output impedance matching for the amplifier in the first mode. The output circuit also (i) receives the amplified signal and provides an output signal in the first mode and (ii) receives the bypass signal and provides the output signal in the second mode. The amplifier is enabled in the first mode and disabled in the second mode.