Multi-Mode Power Amplifier Switching for 4G/5G Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power amplifier systems for dual connectivity in 5G NR and 4G LTE require additional power amplifiers, leading to increased PCB space and cost, as they need to support simultaneous operation of both technologies without existing solutions efficiently managing the additional power amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes existing 2G power amplifiers for both 2G and 4G/5G dual connectivity applications by implementing post-PA switching to route amplifier signals to either the 2G or 4G/5G signal paths, eliminating the need for additional power amplifiers and reducing board space and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional power amplifiers are added to support dual connectivity in 5G NR and 4G LTE, then the system can simultaneously operate both technologies, but PCB space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing 2G power amplifiers perform multiple functions by using them for both 2G operations and 4G/5G dual connectivity operations. The post-PA switch enables the same power amplifier to be shared across different radio access technologies, eliminating the need for separate power amplifiers for each technology and thereby reducing PCB space while maintaining dual connectivity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the signal paths of 2G, 4G, and 5G systems by using a common power amplifier and implementing post-PA switching. This merging of previously separate power amplifier resources into a shared infrastructure reduces the total number of power amplifiers needed and consolidates PCB space requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional power amplifiers are added to support dual connectivity in 5G NR and 4G LTE, then the system can simultaneously operate both technologies, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing 2G power amplifiers perform multiple functions by using them for both 2G operations and 4G/5G dual connectivity operations. The post-PA switch enables the same power amplifier to be shared across different radio access technologies, eliminating the need for separate power amplifiers for each technology and thereby reducing PCB space while maintaining dual connectivity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the signal paths of 2G, 4G, and 5G systems by using a common power amplifier and implementing post-PA switching. This merging of previously separate power amplifier resources into a shared infrastructure reduces the total number of power amplifiers needed and consolidates PCB space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to a multi-mode power amplifier system. A first power amplifier is configured to provide a radio frequency signal associated with a different radio access technology in a first mode than in a second mode. A second power amplifier is configured to be active in the first mode such that the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are concurrently active in the first mode. A switch can electrically connect the output of the first power amplifier to different radio frequency signal path in the first mode than in the second mode. Related methods, power amplifier modules, and wireless communication devices are disclosed.