Power Efficient Transmitter With Selective Amplification Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power amplifiers in radio frequency communication devices face a tradeoff between efficiency and linearity, with LINC method being inefficient at small signal amplitudes and sensitive to impedance mismatching, particularly problematic for multiband devices that require varying dynamic range modulation.

Innovation Solution

A power efficient transmitter with three selectively activated/deactivated amplification paths and a hybrid power combiner that isolates operating paths from non-operating ones, providing high efficiency and linearity across a wide dynamic range by adjusting impedance and phase shifting signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the amplifier operates at maximum output power for high efficiency, then power efficiency is improved, but linearity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidlinearity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter is divided into multiple amplification paths (first, second, and third paths) with different amplifiers operating at different power levels. Each path can be independently activated or deactivated based on the required output power level, allowing the system to maintain high efficiency and good linearity simultaneously by selecting the appropriate path for the current operating condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the LINC method is used to achieve good linearity and high efficiency, then linearity is improved, but efficiency at small signal amplitudes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelinearityVSAvoidefficiency at small signal amplitudes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different amplification paths based on the signal amplitude. For small signal amplitudes, the third amplification path with better efficiency characteristics is activated, while for larger signals, the first and second paths are used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing efficiency at each operating point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the LINC method is used to achieve high efficiency, then efficiency is improved, but sensitivity to impedance mismatching deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidimpedance mismatching sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each amplification path is designed with specific impedance characteristics optimized for its operating range. The third amplification path is specifically designed to provide good impedance matching for small signal amplitudes, while the first and second paths are optimized for larger signals. This localized optimization of impedance characteristics resolves the sensitivity issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiband devices switch between different modulation methods for different communication systems, then adaptability is improved, but complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiband compatibilityVSAvoidtransmitter switching complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple amplification paths are designed to support different modulation formats and communication standards (GSM, 3G, LTE) simultaneously. Each path can be configured for different bandwidths and power requirements, allowing the transmitter to handle multiple bands and modes without requiring complex switching between entirely different transmitter architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8095092B2Power efficient transmitter with high dynamic range

Publication Date: 2012.01.10 INTEL CORP

AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for transistor matching. The power transmitter comprises a first, second, and third amplification path. The paths are selectively activated and deactivated to output a received signal with high efficiency and linearity. The first amplification path is configured to receive a first signal and output a first amplified signal to a first port of a output power combiner when activated and provide an impedance that results in a high reflection factor when deactivated. The second amplification path is configured to receive a second signal with 90° phase shift with respect to the first signal and output a second amplified signal to a second port of the combiner when activated and provide an impedance that results in a high reflection factor when deactivated. The third amplification path is configured to receive a third signal and output a third amplified signal to a third port of the output power combiner when activated and provide an impedance that results in an impedance that matches the output impedance when deactivated.