Multi-Band Power Amplifier With Programmable Harmonic Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Class F and inverse class F power amplifiers face challenges in maintaining efficiency across broad frequency bandwidths due to difficulties in maintaining harmonic terminations, leading to reduced efficiency as bandwidth increases, and existing solutions require multiple power amplifiers, increasing device cost and size.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier module with programmable harmonic termination circuits and a controller that modifies switch configurations based on harmonic frequencies, enabling support for multiple classes of operation and frequency bands using a single or reduced number of power amplifiers, and eliminating the need for output impedance matching networks in some cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If class F or inverse class F power amplifiers are used to boost efficiency, then power amplifier efficiency is improved, but maintaining harmonic terminations across broad frequency bandwidth becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic harmonic termination by using switches to reconfigure capacitor connections based on the operating frequency band. The controller dynamically adjusts which capacitors are connected to ground for second harmonic termination and which are connected in series for third harmonic termination, allowing the amplifier to maintain optimal efficiency across multiple frequency bands including LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the termination parameters (impedance values and configurations) based on the operating frequency. By switching between different capacitor configurations, the system adapts the harmonic termination parameters to match the requirements of different frequency bands, thereby maintaining both efficiency and bandwidth versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single power amplifier universal by enabling it to operate efficiently across multiple frequency bands (LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) through dynamic harmonic termination. The same amplifier circuit serves multiple functions by reconfiguring its harmonic termination network, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers for each frequency band and thereby reducing device size and cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If harmonic termination is maintained for class F operation, then power amplifier efficiency is improved, but the configuration becomes complex requiring multiple switches and capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines second harmonic and third harmonic termination functions into a single unified circuit network. The same set of capacitors and switches serves dual purposes: terminating second harmonics in parallel configurations and third harmonics in series configurations, controlled by a single controller that manages both termination functions simultaneously, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods related to multi-band power amplifier. In some embodiments, a power amplifier module includes a power amplifier having an output stage and configured to receive a signal. The power amplifier module also includes a first programmable harmonic termination circuit in electrical communication with the output stage of the power amplifier. The first programmable harmonic termination circuit includes a first plurality of capacitors and a first plurality of switches, with at least one of the first plurality of capacitors being in electrical communication with at least one of the first plurality of switches. The power amplifier module further includes a controller configured to modify a configuration of the first plurality of switches of the first programmable harmonic termination circuit based at least in part on a second harmonic frequency of the signal.