Reconfigurable Multi-Mode LNA for Concurrent Signal Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices face challenges in processing multiple communication signals concurrently, such as LTE-LAA and WLAN signals, due to varying signal levels and frequency bands, which require different gain control to maintain signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, while avoiding performance degradation when operating with a single signal.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable low noise amplifier (LNA) circuit with a shared coupling circuit and multiple gain configurations, including high and low gain settings, is implemented to concurrently process LTE-LAA and WLAN signals, providing impedance matching and amplification across different frequency bands, and allowing for dual subscriber identity module (SIM) dual active (DSDA) configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single LNA configuration is used to process multiple communication signals concurrently, then device complexity is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range performance deteriorate due to varying signal levels and frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The LNA circuit employs reconfigurable gain control that dynamically adjusts amplification levels based on the specific communication signal being processed. The circuit can switch between high gain and low gain modes, and between different topologies (passive, active, switched capacitor) to optimize performance for different signal conditions while maintaining a single physical circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key circuit parameters including gain level, topology configuration, and coupling method based on the input signal characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the same LNA circuit can accommodate varying signal levels and frequency bands, resolving the contradiction between simplified device structure and maintained signal quality.
2Reliability
If separate LNA circuits are used for different communication signals, then signal processing performance is optimized, but device area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LNA circuit is designed as a universal multi-functional amplifier that can process multiple types of communication signals (LTE-LAA, WLAN, etc.) concurrently. Through reconfigurable gain control and topology switching, a single circuit performs the functions that would traditionally require multiple dedicated circuits, thereby reducing device area while maintaining optimized signal processing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple LNA functions into a single integrated circuit structure. By combining high gain and low gain paths, passive and active configurations, and multiple coupling methods within one circuit, the design achieves space efficiency without sacrificing the ability to optimize performance for different signal types.
3Reliability
If high gain amplification is used for all signals, then weak signals are amplified sufficiently, but strong signals experience distortion and loss of dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The LNA circuit dynamically adjusts its gain level based on the strength of the input signal. Weak signals receive high gain amplification to ensure sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, while strong signals are routed through low gain paths to avoid distortion. This dynamic adaptation maintains both amplification quality and dynamic range across varying signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the gain parameter of the LNA circuit based on signal strength detection. By adjusting this key parameter, the circuit can handle both weak and strong signals appropriately, resolving the contradiction between sufficient amplification of weak signals and prevention of distortion in strong signals.
4Reliability
If multiple LNA configurations are implemented for different frequency bands, then frequency-specific performance is optimized, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LNA circuit is designed as a universal amplifier that can operate across multiple frequency bands (sub-1 GHz, 1 GHz to 6 GHz, etc.) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each band. The reconfigurable topology and coupling methods enable the same circuit to be optimized for different frequency ranges, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining frequency-specific performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a passive low gain low noise amplifier (LNA) configured to receive a communication signal, an active low gain LNA configured to receive the communication signal, a shared coupling circuit, outputs of the passive low gain LNA and the active low gain LNA coupled to the shared coupling circuit, an output circuit, an output of the shared coupling circuit coupled to the output circuit, and a high gain LNA configured to receive the communication signal, the high gain LNA coupled to the output circuit along a path that bypasses the shared coupling circuit.