Power Amplifier Tournament-Tree Circuit for Difference-Frequency Distortion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave power amplifiers face challenges in maintaining low impedance at difference frequencies across a broad range, leading to distortion degradation, especially as detuning frequencies increase, and face layout and packaging constraints that hinder efficient operation and size reduction.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier design featuring a tournament-tree-shaped circuit with shunt-connected difference frequency short circuits, each comprising an inductor and capacitor in series, where resonant frequencies decrease with distance from amplifiers, allowing for uniform impedance across all transistors and preventing distortion degradation from minimum to maximum detuning frequencies without increasing package size or reducing layout flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plural difference frequency short circuits are directly connected with drain terminals, then distortion characteristics are improved, but package size increases due to mounting area restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement to three-dimensional stacking by placing difference frequency short circuits on multiple layers. Specifically, first difference frequency short circuits are arranged on a first layer and second difference frequency short circuits are arranged on a second layer, allowing vertical utilization of space to reduce package footprint while maintaining all necessary circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested arrangement where difference frequency short circuits are organized in hierarchical layers. The first and second difference frequency short circuits are positioned at different vertical levels, with each layer containing circuits that handle specific frequency ranges, creating a compact nested structure
2Reliability
If equivalent difference frequency short circuits are individually arranged for all unit transistors, then distortion characteristics are improved, but circuit loss increases and layout freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple difference frequency short circuits into shared common endpoints. Specifically, first difference frequency short circuits share a common first endpoint, and second difference frequency short circuits share a common second endpoint, reducing the total number of discrete connection points and minimizing circuit loss while maintaining effective distortion suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs difference frequency short circuits that serve multiple functions: they provide distortion suppression across different frequency ranges, enable impedance matching for multiple transistors simultaneously, and can be shared by multiple units. The circuits handle both first and second difference frequencies while serving as common reference points for multiple amplifiers
3Reliability
If plural resonance circuits are connected with matching circuit, then distortion characteristics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the difference frequency suppression function into distinct first and second difference frequency short circuits, each handling specific frequency ranges. This segmentation allows targeted optimization for different detuning frequencies while keeping each individual circuit segment relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements difference frequency short circuits with specific impedance characteristics that are optimized for their intended function. The circuits provide sufficient suppression capability for distortion without over-engineering, achieving adequate performance with moderate complexity rather than excessive precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively suppresses distortion across all detuning frequencies, enhancing high-frequency signal amplification capacity and maintaining low impedance, thus supporting increased information transmission while adhering to layout and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plural difference frequency short circuits includes an inductor and a capacitor connected in series
Implementation Method 2
a tournament-tree-shaped circuit connected with the plural amplifiers and including plural transmission lines arranged in a tournament-tree shape
Data Source
AI summary
A power amplifier includes: plural amplifiers; a tournament-tree-shaped circuit connected with the plural amplifiers and including plural transmission lines arranged in a tournament-tree shape; and plural difference frequency short circuits shunt-connected with plural nodes of the tournament-tree-shaped circuit, wherein each of the plural difference frequency short circuits includes an inductor and a capacitor connected in series, resonant frequencies of the plural difference frequency short circuits become lower as the plural difference frequency short circuits are more separated from the plural amplifiers, and the difference frequency short circuits having equivalent resonant frequencies are connected with plural nodes in the same stage among the plural nodes.