Power Amplifier Module Control for Mixed Serial Protocols

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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

1Device complexity

If a single serial interface is used for both synchronous and asynchronous communication protocols, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to protocol switching conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface complexityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single serial interface is segmented into two distinct interfaces: a first serial interface dedicated to synchronous communication protocols and a second serial interface dedicated to asynchronous communication protocols. This segmentation eliminates protocol switching conflicts by providing dedicated communication paths for each protocol type, thereby maintaining communication reliability while managing device complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to support both synchronous and asynchronous communication protocols through separate dedicated interfaces. This universal design allows the controller to handle multiple communication types without requiring protocol switching on a single interface, resolving the contradiction between interface simplicity and communication reliability.

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If synchronous communication protocol is used for RF signal amplification control, then power consumption is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when asynchronous protocols are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprotocol adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is made dynamic by allowing the controller to selectively switch between synchronous and asynchronous communication protocols based on operational requirements. The first serial interface uses synchronous protocol for power-efficient RF signal amplification control, while the second serial interface provides asynchronous protocol capability for enhanced adaptability, enabling the system to optimize between power consumption and versatility as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If protocol switching is implemented on a single serial interface, then adaptability improves, but harmful factors increase due to interference during switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol flexibilityVSAvoidinterference during switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface is segmented into two separate serial interfaces, each dedicated to a specific protocol type. This eliminates the harmful interference that occurs during protocol switching on a single interface by providing isolated communication channels. The first serial interface handles synchronous protocols while the second handles asynchronous protocols, preventing signal conflicts and interference while maintaining protocol flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11159189B2Parallel use of serial controls in improved wireless devices and power amplifier modules
Publication Date: 2021.10.26 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC
  • US11159189B2 patent drawing
  • US11159189B2 patent drawing
  • US11159189B2 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.