Multipath LNA Architecture for Multiband RF Receiver Agility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) for mobile communication face increasing complexity due to the need to support multiple frequency bands and amplifier paths simultaneously, requiring rapid design changes while minimizing device size and cost.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a radio frequency (RF) receiver with current gain blocks and output loads that can be selectively connected to support multiple frequency bands, allowing for easier modifications and size reduction by using one LNA per simultaneous output, enabling band agility and step-variable gain for low Noise Figure and high linearity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple amplifier paths are used to support multiple frequency bands simultaneously, then the receiver can support carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple frequency bandsVSAvoidamplifier path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LNA is designed with a universal architecture that can operate in multiple modes (single-band, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity) using the same hardware components. The current gain blocks and output loads can be selectively connected to handle different operating modes without requiring separate amplifier paths for each frequency band, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple amplifier paths are used to support multiple frequency bands simultaneously, then the receiver can support carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple frequency bandsVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple amplifier paths are merged into a single LNA architecture where current gain blocks and output loads are shared resources. The selective connection mechanism allows the same hardware to serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously through carrier aggregation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated amplifier paths for each band, thus reducing the overall device area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If rapid design changes are made to support new frequency bands, then the receiver can adapt to new standards, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveband agilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The LNA incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through selective connection mechanisms that allow the same hardware to be dynamically assigned to different frequency bands and operating modes. This dynamic architecture enables band agility without requiring physical redesign or additional components for each new frequency band, thus maintaining manufacturing cost efficiency while supporting rapid standard evolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11539334B2Compact architecture for multipath low noise amplifier

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 PSEMI CORP

AI summary

Methods and devices used in mobile receiver front end to support multiple paths and multiple frequency bands are described. The presented devices and methods provide benefits of scalability, frequency band agility, as well as size reduction by using one low noise amplifier per simultaneous outputs. Based on the disclosed teachings, variable gain amplification of multiband signals is also presented.