Programmable Amplifier Topology for Linearity-Power Tradeoffs

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amplifier topologies in wireless receivers and transmitters face challenges in balancing the tradeoff between high linearity and low power consumption, with NMOS topologies providing high linearity but high current consumption, and CMOS topologies offering lower current but limited linearity, leading to undesirable performance in certain conditions.

Innovation Solution

A programmable amplifier topology that includes an NMOS and CMOS amplification path with programmable switches to dynamically switch between modes, allowing for high linearity in NMOS mode and low current consumption in CMOS mode, with optional configurations for intermediate NMOS sliced and enhanced linearity modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If NMOS topology is used for amplification, then linearity is improved, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelinearityVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier topology is made dynamically reconfigurable between NMOS and CMOS modes using programmable switches. This allows the system to adapt its operating characteristics in real-time, selecting NMOS mode when high linearity is required and CMOS mode when low current consumption is prioritized, thus resolving the static tradeoff between these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the amplifier by switching between different transistor configurations (NMOS-only vs. CMOS). This parameter change enables the system to achieve both high linearity and low current consumption at different times, depending on the communication requirements, effectively managing the contradiction between these two performance metrics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If CMOS topology is used for amplification, then current consumption is reduced, but linearity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent consumptionVSAvoidlinearity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier topology is made dynamically reconfigurable between NMOS and CMOS modes using programmable switches. This allows the system to adapt its operating characteristics in real-time, selecting NMOS mode when high linearity is required and CMOS mode when low current consumption is prioritized, thus resolving the static tradeoff between these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier circuit is designed with universal functionality to operate in multiple modes (NMOS mode and CMOS mode) within the same hardware structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to satisfy different performance requirements without requiring separate amplifier circuits, achieving both low current consumption and high linearity capabilities in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If fixed amplifier topology is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different communication standards deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamplifier structureVSAvoidsupport for communication standards

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier incorporates programmable switches that enable dynamic reconfiguration between NMOS and CMOS modes, allowing adaptation to different communication standards and operating conditions. This dynamic capability provides versatility without significantly increasing hardware complexity, as the reconfiguration is achieved through control logic rather than multiple physical circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier circuit is designed with universal functionality to operate in multiple modes (NMOS mode and CMOS mode) within the same hardware structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to satisfy different performance requirements without requiring separate amplifier circuits, achieving both low current consumption and high linearity capabilities in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250300683A1Programmable amplifier topology

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

In some aspects, a programmable amplifier may comprise an n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) amplification path and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) amplification path. In some aspects, the NMOS amplification path may include a first NMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor that are connected in parallel between an input and an output. In some aspects, the CMOS amplification path may include a p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS) transistor connected in parallel with the first NMOS transistor between the input and the output. In some aspects, the programmable amplifier may further comprise a plurality of switches that are programmable to switch the PMOS transistor off in a first mode, such as an NMOS mode or a high linearity mode, and to switch the second NMOS transistor off in a second mode, such as a CMOS mode or a low current mode. Numerous other aspects are described.