Segmented Power Amplifier Biasing for Low-Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power amplifiers that combine outputs from multiple transistors face inefficiency and reduced gain when producing low output power due to excessive current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier configuration with multiple amplifier circuits, each containing cell transistors of varying sizes and bias circuits that adjust bias current, allowing for fine control of transistor size and number to optimize current consumption and output power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple transistors are combined to produce high output power, then output power is improved, but current consumption increases excessively and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier transistor is divided into multiple cell transistors with different sizes. By selectively activating only the required number and size of cell transistors based on the desired output power level, the patent enables fine-grained control of current consumption while maintaining high output power capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of transistor activation through bias circuits that can selectively enable or disable specific cell transistors based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between output power and current consumption in real-time, rather than operating all transistors at full capacity continuously.
2Power
If multiple transistors are combined to produce high output power, then output power is improved, but efficiency in production of low output power decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different sized cell transistors within the amplifier transistor structure. Each cell transistor is optimized for specific output power ranges, allowing the system to select the most appropriate transistor size for the current operating condition, thereby minimizing energy loss and maximizing efficiency across the entire output power range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the amplifier by selectively adjusting which cell transistors are active based on the desired output power level. This parameter adjustment enables the system to operate with optimal efficiency at both high and low power levels, rather than being constrained by a fixed transistor configuration.
3Power
If all cell transistors are driven to maximize output power, then high output power is achieved, but current consumption cannot be optimized for low output power
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the amplifier transistor into multiple independently controllable cell transistors of different sizes, the patent enables selective activation of specific cells based on the required output power level. This segmentation provides the adaptability to efficiently operate across a wide range of power levels rather than being limited to a single operating point.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic control mechanism allows the amplifier to adapt its configuration in real-time by selectively enabling or disabling cell transistors based on the desired output power. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal performance whether operating at high power levels requiring multiple large transistors or low power levels requiring fewer or smaller transistors.
Data Source
AI summary
A power amplifier includes an amplifier circuit group including multiple amplifier circuits, a distributing circuit that distributes an input signal to each of the multiple amplifier circuits, and a combining circuit that combines output signals from the multiple amplifier circuits. Each of the multiple amplifier circuits includes an amplifier transistor including multiple cell transistors having different sizes and bias circuits that supply bias current to the respective cell transistors.