RF Power Amplifier Adaptive Bias Circuit for AMAM Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing a satisfactory power amplifier for electronic devices with wireless communications capabilities is challenging due to issues with amplitude modulation to amplitude modulation (AMAM) distortion, which affects the efficiency and accuracy of radio-frequency signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an amplitude modulation distortion compensation circuit with adaptive bias transistors and resistors, and optionally parasitic capacitance neutralization and cascode transistors, to adjust the bias voltage based on the input signal swing, thereby reducing AMAM distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If power amplifier is designed to amplify radio-frequency signals for long-distance transmission, then transmission power is improved, but AMAM distortion increases affecting efficiency and accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission powerVSAvoidAMAM distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the bias voltage is dynamically adjusted based on the detected input signal swing. The circuit monitors the signal characteristics and automatically modifies the bias conditions to compensate for AMAM distortion, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accuracy while operating at high power levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static bias voltage into a dynamic parameter that adapts to changing signal conditions. By making the bias voltage variable rather than fixed, the circuit can optimize its operating point in real-time based on the input signal swing, thereby reducing distortion while maintaining high transmission power capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If adaptive bias transistors with large resistors are used to reduce AMAM distortion, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAMAM distortionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the bias voltage as a function of input signal swing to reduce AMAM distortion. By dynamically adjusting the bias conditions based on signal characteristics, the circuit achieves improved linearity and reduced distortion without requiring fundamentally new circuit topologies or complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate bias transistors and large resistors as mediator elements that smoothly adjust the bias voltage based on the input signal. These intermediary components act as a buffer between the signal path and the biasing network, enabling gradual adaptation of bias conditions without directly interfering with the main signal flow or requiring complex digital control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11843356B2Radio-frequency power amplifier with amplitude modulation to amplitude modulation (AMAM) compensation
Publication Date: 2023.12.12 APPLE INC
  • US11843356B2 patent drawing
  • US11843356B2 patent drawing
  • US11843356B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device may include wireless circuitry with a processor, a transceiver, an antenna, and a front-end module coupled between the transceiver and the antenna. The front-end module may include one or more power amplifiers for amplifying a signal for transmission through the antenna. A power amplifier may include an amplitude modulation distortion compensation circuit coupled to the input of the power amplifier. The compensation circuit may include adaptive biasing transistors each having a first source-drain terminal coupled to the input of the power amplifier, a second source-drain terminal coupled to a supply voltage, and a gate terminal configured to receive a control voltage via a big resistor. The control voltage can be set to a voltage level so that the adaptive biasing transistors are only turned on when the voltage swing at the input of the power amplifier is relatively large.