Multi-Mode Power Amplifier Voltage Switching for High Backoff Efficiency

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power amplifiers face inefficiencies when switching between different power modes, such as low efficiency in low power modes and high backoff operations, and implementing multiple power amplifiers results in output power loss, high area, and increased cost.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode power amplifier that can switch between high, middle, and low power modes efficiently, supporting multiple wireless communication interfaces like Bluetooth and WiFi on a single core, with symmetrical voltage domains and a single PA design to maintain high efficiency and reduce area and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power amplifiers are implemented to support different power modes, then power mode coverage is improved, but output power loss occurs and device area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower mode coverageVSAvoidoutput power loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A single power amplifier core is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different power modes (high power mode and low power mode) through dynamic voltage domain switching. The amplifier can operate in high voltage domain for high power modes and switch to low voltage domain for low power modes, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers for different power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power amplifier implements dynamic switching between different voltage domains (high voltage domain and low voltage domain) based on the required power mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to efficiently handle varying power requirements without the drawbacks of static multi-amplifier configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power amplifiers are implemented to support different power modes, then power mode coverage is improved, but device area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower mode coverageVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single power amplifier core is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different power modes (high power mode and low power mode) through dynamic voltage domain switching. The amplifier can operate in high voltage domain for high power modes and switch to low voltage domain for low power modes, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers for different power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple power amplifiers into a single unified amplifier structure. By combining high voltage domain operation and low voltage domain operation in one amplifier core, the design achieves multi-power mode support while minimizing device area occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power amplifier operates in low power mode with high backoff, then power mode versatility is improved, but efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower mode versatilityVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplifier implements dynamic switching between different voltage domains (high voltage domain and low voltage domain) based on the required power mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to efficiently handle varying power requirements without the drawbacks of static multi-amplifier configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating voltage parameter dynamically based on the power mode requirement. By switching between high voltage domain and low voltage domain, the amplifier optimizes its efficiency for each power mode, avoiding the high backoff inefficiency that occurs when a single amplifier operates across all power modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12580535B2Apparatus, system, and method of a multi-mode power amplifier

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 INTEL CORP

AI summary

For example, an apparatus may include an input to receive an input signal in a first voltage domain; a multi-mode power amplifier switchable between a plurality of power modes to generate an output signal based on the input signal; and an output to provide the output signal. For example, the multi-mode power amplifier may be configured to provide the output signal in the first voltage domain at a first power mode, and to provide the output signal in a second voltage domain at a second power mode. For example, a maximal voltage of the second voltage domain may be at least two times a maximal voltage of the first voltage domain.