Programmable Transmitter Amplifier Class Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transmitters lack flexibility in operating classes and output power settings, requiring different circuit designs for various applications, which limits their adaptability and efficiency across different RF transmitter applications.

Innovation Solution

A transmitter is programmed to select from multiple amplifier operating classes and output power levels, allowing it to communicate signals to an antenna based on the chosen settings, thereby enabling a single integrated circuit to handle diverse applications with varying efficiency, linearity, and power control requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different circuit designs are used for various applications, then performance requirements for different applications are met, but device complexity and design overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance requirementsVSAvoidcircuit design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single transmitter circuit that can operate in multiple amplifier classes (A, B, AB, C) and support various output power levels through programmable control. The circuit includes selectable switching elements and biasing mechanisms that allow one design to fulfill multiple application requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each application type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including programmable amplifier class selection and output power adjustment. The circuit can switch between different operating modes and power levels based on real-time requirements, allowing adaptive optimization of performance without requiring multiple fixed-design circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single transmitter design is used for all applications, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different applications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit designVSAvoidapplication adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter is designed with universal functionality to support multiple amplifier classes (A, B, AB, C) and various output power levels through integrated programmable control. This allows a single circuit design to adapt to different application requirements including power efficiency needs, linearity requirements, and output power specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs programmable parameter control including amplifier class selection signals and output power level settings. By changing operational parameters through software or control signals rather than hardware modifications, the single design achieves high adaptability across different applications while maintaining design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If amplifier class is fixed, then circuit design is simplified, but efficiency and performance optimization for different applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit designVSAvoidamplifier efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier class is made dynamically selectable through programmable control mechanisms. The circuit includes switching elements and biasing circuits that can be configured to operate in class A, B, AB, or C mode based on efficiency requirements. This dynamic capability allows optimization of power efficiency without increasing fundamental circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier operating class is controlled through programmable parameters including biasing voltages and switching signals. By changing these parameters, the circuit can optimize efficiency for different applications (e.g., class C for maximum efficiency in non-linear applications, class A for linear performance) while maintaining a unified circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8712344B2Transmitter having a programmable amplifier operating class
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 SILICON LABS CP INC
  • US8712344B2 patent drawing
  • US8712344B2 patent drawing
  • US8712344B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transmitter is adapted to be programmed to select an amplifier operating class for the transmitter out of a plurality of amplifier operating classes. The transmitter is also adapted to operate according to the selected amplifier operating class to communicate a signal to an antenna.