Pseudo Bi-Directional Amplifier With Overlapping EM Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amplifiers in transceivers, particularly in 5G mmW communication systems, face challenges in efficiently sharing resources between transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) chains due to their non-simultaneous operation in time domain duplex (TDD) systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) with a pseudo bi-directional amplifier architecture, where a power amplifier (PA) and a low noise amplifier (LNA) are connected through electromagnetic (EM) elements with overlapping windings, allowing for efficient coupling and separate amplifier cores to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate amplifier cores are used for PA and LNA, then performance is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PA and LNA into a single integrated amplifier core that operates in different time slots. The amplifier shares common components including windings, core structure, and magnetic path, while being controlled to function as PA during transmit periods and as LNA during receive periods through switching mechanisms and bias control.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier core is designed with universal functionality to serve dual purposes: power amplification during transmit mode and low-noise amplification during receive mode. This is achieved through time-division multiplexing where the same hardware infrastructure performs different functions at different times, eliminating the need for separate dedicated amplifier cores.
2Area of stationary object
If EM elements with overlapping windings are used, then area consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic elements employ nested winding structures where windings are arranged in overlapping concentric patterns. The first EM element contains windings that are partially overlapped by windings of the second EM element, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization. This nesting allows multiple magnetic paths to share common physical space while maintaining electrical isolation through appropriate winding orientation and spacing.
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
This solution enables efficient signal amplification and resource sharing between Tx and Rx chains, reducing the overall area consumption on the integrated circuit while maintaining good performance, thus addressing the challenges of existing amplifiers in TDD systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromagnetic (EM) element... and a second EM element... The first EM element comprises a first plurality of windings occupying a first common area and the second EM element comprises a second plurality of windings occupying a second common area
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), including a power amplifier (PA) connected to an antenna through a first electromagnetic (EM) element, the PA configured to receive a transmit signal from a second EM element, a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected to the first EM element and the second EM element, the power amplifier and the LNA comprising separate amplifier cores, and wherein the first EM element comprises a first plurality of interwound windings occupying a first common area and the second EM element comprises a second plurality of interwound windings occupying a second common area.