Power Amplifier Psat Control for Wi-Fi STR Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF communication systems face challenges in managing saturated output power of power amplifiers during simultaneous transmit and receive operations, particularly in Wi-Fi 5 GHz and Wi-Fi 6 GHz frequency bands, leading to increased out-of-band noise and reduced system performance.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit is implemented to adjust the saturated output power of the power amplifier by using a control signal, allowing the power amplifier to operate at a higher saturated output power level during simultaneous transmission and reception, thereby reducing out-of-band noise and improving linearity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the power amplifier operates at high saturated output power during simultaneous transmit and receive operations, then the transmit signal strength is improved, but out-of-band noise increases and interferes with the receive signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaturated output powerVSAvoidout-of-band noise
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the power amplifier's saturated output power based on operational mode. The control circuit detects whether the system is in simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) mode or nominal mode, and dynamically switches the Psat level accordingly. During STR operations, the system operates at a first Psat level that reduces out-of-band noise, while during nominal operations, it switches to a second, higher Psat level for maximum transmit power capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the saturated output power parameter of the power amplifier based on operational conditions. By detecting STR mode through control signals from the system controller, the system adjusts the Psat parameter to an optimized level that balances transmit power requirements with receive signal quality, thereby reducing out-of-band noise interference during critical simultaneous operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the power amplifier operates at nominal saturated output power level, then out-of-band noise is reduced, but transmit signal strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveout-of-band noiseVSAvoidtransmit signal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power amplifier's saturated output power based on operational mode detection. When STR mode is detected through control signals, the system switches to a first Psat level optimized for low out-of-band noise. When nominal mode is detected, the system switches to a second, higher Psat level that provides maximum transmit signal strength, thus optimizing performance for each operational scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the saturated output power level of the power amplifier according to operational conditions. The control circuit receives mode indication signals and changes the Psat parameter accordingly - using a lower level during STR operations to minimize noise and a higher level during nominal operations to maximize transmit power capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the power amplifier saturated output power is increased for better transmit performance, then transmission quality is improved, but linearity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmit signal strengthVSAvoidlinearity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the saturated output power to maintain optimal linearity during critical operations. By detecting STR mode and switching to a first Psat level, the system ensures that the power amplifier operates in a more linear region, preserving signal fidelity and reducing distortion during simultaneous transmit and receive operations, while allowing higher power operation during nominal mode when linearity constraints are less critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the saturated output power parameter to optimize linearity performance. During STR operations, the control circuit adjusts Psat to a level that maintains better linearity characteristics, reducing signal distortion and improving transmission quality. During nominal operations, the system can tolerate higher Psat levels where linearity is less critical, thus providing flexibility to optimize for different performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250193811A1Control of saturated output power of a power amplifier for simultaneous transmit and receive operation
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC
  • US20250193811A1 patent drawing
  • US20250193811A1 patent drawing
  • US20250193811A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Power amplifiers with saturated output power (Psat) control for simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a front-end system includes a low noise amplifier for amplifying a receive signal and a power amplifier for amplifying a transmit signal. The power amplifier receives a control signal for adjusting Psat from a STR control circuit, which can be part of a Wi-Fi system controller. During normal operation, the control signal sets the power amplifier to operate with a first or nominal Psat level. However, during one or more STR operating scenarios, the control signal is used to increase the power amplifier's PSAT from the nominal Psat level to a second or increased Psat level in which the power amplifier operates with reduced out-of-band noise and heightened linearity.