Parallel Output Stage Amplifier Control for RF Power Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power amplifier systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and maintaining performance across varying power modes, particularly in RF communication devices, leading to inefficient battery usage and heat generation.

Innovation Solution

An output stage circuit assembly with multiple parallel output stage amplifiers and a controller that dynamically adjusts the number of amplifiers on or off based on voltage supplying and power management modes, optimizing power consumption by selectively turning off amplifiers in lower power modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple output stage amplifiers are operated simultaneously to maintain high performance, then signal amplification quality is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal amplification qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The output stage amplifiers are divided into multiple independent units (first, second, third, and fourth amplifiers) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of amplifiers based on power mode, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining signal quality through selective operation of amplifier segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active amplifiers based on power mode (low, medium, high). The controller selectively turns amplifiers on or off according to the required power level, making the system adaptable to different operating conditions and optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If all output stage amplifiers are kept on to ensure sufficient amplification capacity, then signal transmission performance is maintained, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission performanceVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the amplification function across multiple independently controllable units, the system can activate only the necessary subset of amplifiers for each power mode, reducing unnecessary power consumption and extending battery life while maintaining adequate amplification capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by adjusting the number of active amplifiers according to power mode. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between amplification performance and power consumption, thereby extending battery life without compromising signal transmission performance below acceptable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If multiple amplifiers operate at full power to meet high demand, then output power is sufficient, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput powerVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of amplifiers into independently controllable units allows the system to distribute the amplification load across fewer active units when high power is needed, rather than running all amplifiers at full power simultaneously. This reduces the cumulative heat generation while maintaining sufficient output power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic adjustment of active amplifier count based on power mode allows the system to optimize the balance between output power and heat generation. By activating only the necessary number of amplifiers, the system maintains required output power while minimizing thermal output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If the number of amplifiers is reduced to lower power consumption, then battery life is extended, but signal amplification quality may degrade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal amplification quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Segmentation into multiple independently controllable amplifiers allows the system to maintain signal amplification quality by activating sufficient units for each power mode. The segmented architecture ensures that even with fewer active amplifiers, the remaining units can collectively provide adequate amplification performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12609661B2Output stage circuit assembly for power amplifier system with improved power management

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Examples of the disclosure include an output stage circuit assembly for a power amplifier system, the output stage circuit assembly comprising a plurality of output stage amplifiers connected in parallel to each other, each output stage amplifier of the plurality of output stage amplifiers configured to amplify an input signal of the output stage circuit assembly when turned on, and a controller configured to determine a number of output stage amplifiers to be turned off based on at least one of a voltage supplying mode for the power amplifier system or a power management mode of a device in which the power amplifier system is embedded, and to control the plurality of output stage amplifiers to be turned on or off according to the determined number of output stage amplifiers to be turned off.