Multi-Band Power Amplifier Module Layout for Low-Interference Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication units face challenges in supporting multiple frequency bands and communication schemes while maintaining size reduction and efficiency, especially with the increasing demand for downlink carrier aggregation in 4G communication standards.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode multi-band communication unit is designed with separate power amplification modules, each including multiple power amplifiers for different frequency bands and communication schemes, along with bias current generating and converting circuits to optimize signal amplification and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple power amplifiers for different frequency bands and communication schemes are integrated into a single module, then the size of the communication unit is reduced, but signal interference between amplifiers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of communication unitVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplification module is divided into multiple independent amplification units, each handling specific frequency bands and communication schemes separately. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently, reducing signal interference while maintaining compact integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bias current converting circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between power amplifiers operating on different communication schemes. This mediator converts bias currents between schemes, enabling coexistence of different amplifiers while preventing harmful interactions and signal interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power amplifiers for multiple communication schemes are integrated, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple communication schemesVSAvoidcomplexity of power amplification module

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplification module is designed with universal bias current generating circuits that can serve multiple power amplifiers operating on different communication schemes. This multi-functionality approach allows a single bias current source to support both W-CDMA and LTE schemes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bias current converting circuit changes the parameters of bias current to adapt between different communication schemes. By adjusting current parameters dynamically, the system supports multiple schemes without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each scheme, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If separate bias current generating circuits are provided for each power amplifier, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of power amplificationVSAvoidnumber of bias current generating circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple bias current generating circuits are merged into a single shared bias current generating unit that serves all power amplifiers. This consolidation maintains reliability by providing dedicated bias current paths through the converting circuit while reducing the total number of circuits, thereby decreasing device complexity and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bias current converting circuit acts as an intermediary that enables a single bias current generating circuit to reliably serve multiple power amplifiers. It converts and distributes appropriate bias currents to different amplifiers based on their specific requirements, maintaining reliability while avoiding the need for separate generating circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9642103B2Power amplification module for multiple bands and multiple standards

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a communication unit that includes first and second power-amplification modules, which can be integrated. The first power-amplification module includes a first power-amplifier for a first frequency band in a first communication scheme, a second power-amplifier for a second frequency band in the first communication scheme, a third power-amplifier for a third frequency band in a second communication scheme, a fourth power-amplifier for a fourth frequency band in the second communication scheme, a first bias circuit that generates a first bias current to the first and second power-amplifiers, and a bias current circuit that converts the first bias current into a second bias current to the third and fourth power-amplifiers. The second power-amplification module includes a fifth power-amplifier for a fifth frequency band in the first communication scheme, and a second bias circuit that generates a third bias current to the fifth power-amplifier.