Power Amplifier Choke Harmonic Trap Circuit Branch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifiers face challenges in efficiency due to the complexity and lossiness of higher harmonic terminations, particularly in on-chip designs, where the realization of 2nd and 3rd harmonics is problematic, leading to inefficiencies and size constraints, and the use of only the 2nd harmonic may not fully exploit harmonic reduction benefits.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier design incorporating a matching network with a choke and harmonic trap circuit branch that combines inductances and capacitors to provide both choke and harmonic trap functions in the same circuit branch, utilizing auto-transformers to reduce component size and number, and allowing for better load balancing and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate choke and harmonic trap circuits are used, then harmonic termination is effective, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the choke and harmonic trap functions into a single integrated circuit branch. The series LC circuit provides both the DC blocking choke function and the harmonic trapping function simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining effective harmonic termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The series LC circuit branch serves multiple functions: it acts as a DC blocking choke for the transistor, provides harmonic trapping at specific frequencies through resonance, and maintains AC ground reference. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the power amplifier.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for choke and harmonic trap, then functional performance is maintained, but area and size constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the choke and harmonic trap into one series LC circuit branch, the patent significantly reduces the area required on the circuit board or integrated chip. Instead of allocating space for separate choke inductors, trap inductors, and trap capacitors, all functions are achieved within a single compact circuit topology.
3Loss of energy
If higher harmonics (3rd and above) are terminated, then efficiency improves, but component losses and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements harmonic trapping for the most significant harmonics (2nd and 3rd) using simple series LC circuits, rather than attempting to terminate all higher harmonics. This partial approach captures the majority of efficiency benefits while avoiding the excessive complexity and losses that would result from terminating all harmonics up to higher orders.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances efficiency by reducing the number and size of components, improving load balancing, and minimizing space requirements, while maintaining effective harmonic termination, thus improving power amplifier performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductance; a second inductance; and a first capacitor, wherein the first inductance has a first terminal coupled to said node and a second terminal coupled to a first terminal of the second inductance
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor, wherein the first inductance has a first terminal coupled to said node and a second terminal coupled to a first terminal of the second inductance
Implementation Method 3
The first circuit branch may include an auto-transformer coupled to provide the first inductance and the second inductance. When an auto-transformer is used, there may be some coupling between the first inductance and the second inductance
Data Source
AI summary
A power amplifier. The power amplifier includes a plurality of parallel coupled transistors. Each transistor has a control terminal coupled to receive a signal to be amplified and an output terminal coupled to a node. The power amplifier also includes a matching network having an input coupled to the node and an output coupleable to a load. The power amplifier further includes a first circuit branch forming a choke and harmonic trap of the power amplifier. The first circuit branch includes a first inductance, a second inductance and a first capacitor. The first inductance has a first terminal coupled to the node and a second terminal coupled to a first terminal of the second inductance. A second terminal of the second inductance is coupled to AC ground. The first capacitor is coupled in parallel with the second inductance.