Power Amplifier Module Control Switching to Limit RF Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power amplifier modules in wireless devices face challenges in efficiently managing RF signal amplification and power consumption, particularly in switching between synchronous and asynchronous communication protocols, which can lead to interference and suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A power amplifier module with a controller that switches between synchronous and asynchronous communication protocols based on input signals, using a coupler module and switches to manage RF signal amplification, and includes a method for determining operating modes to minimize interference during RF transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a synchronous communication protocol is used to control power amplifier modules, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but interference occurs during RF transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidinterference during RF transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic protocol selection by detecting the operational state of the power amplifier module and switching between synchronous and asynchronous communication protocols accordingly. The controller dynamically adjusts the communication mode: using synchronous protocol during idle periods for efficient data transmission, and transitioning to asynchronous protocol during RF transmission to eliminate interference, thereby optimizing both productivity and harmful factor reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an asynchronous communication protocol is used to control power amplifier modules, then interference during RF transmission is minimized, but data transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference during RF transmissionVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by alternating between synchronous and asynchronous communication protocols based on the operational cycles of the power amplifier module. During non-transmission periods, synchronous protocol is activated for high-efficiency data transmission. During RF transmission periods, asynchronous protocol is activated to minimize interference. This periodic switching optimizes both data transmission efficiency and interference mitigation across different operational phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication protocols are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single controller that performs multiple functions: it can operate in both synchronous and asynchronous communication modes, detect the operational state of the power amplifier module, and switch between protocols as needed. This multi-functional approach enables the controller to adapt to different communication requirements without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each protocol, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10886955B2Parallel use of serial controls in improved wireless devices and power amplifier modules
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC
  • US10886955B2 patent drawing
  • US10886955B2 patent drawing
  • US10886955B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power amplifier module can include one or more switches, a coupler module, input signal pins, and a controller having first and second output terminals. The input signal pins can receive a voltage input/output signal, a clock input signal, and a data input signal. The controller can (i) set a mode of the one or more switches using a synchronous communication protocol in which the controller outputs a synchronous clock signal on the first output terminal and a data signal on the second output terminal, when the power amplifier module is in a first operating mode, or (ii) set a mode of the coupler module using an asynchronous communication protocol in which the controller outputs a first asynchronous control signal on the first output terminal and a second asynchronous control signal on the second output terminal, when the power amplifier module is in a second operating mode.