Segmented RF Power Amplifier With Integrated Combiner Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face inefficiencies due to high power consumption and space occupation by power amplifiers and filtering circuitry, particularly when handling transmission signals with reduced output power.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier design incorporating multiple core amplifiers and a power combiner with inductive and capacitive components, which activates a reduced number of amplifiers for lower output powers and integrates filtering functionality to reduce power consumption and circuit area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a power amplifier is used to amplify transmission signals, then the output power is increased, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is divided into multiple core amplifiers (first core amplifier, second core amplifier, third core amplifier) that can be independently activated. When full output power is not needed, only a subset of core amplifiers is activated, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient output power for the transmission signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of activated core amplifiers based on the required output power level. The processor determines whether to activate one, two, or three core amplifiers depending on the transmission power requirements, optimizing the balance between output power and power consumption in real-time.
2Reliability
If filtering circuitry is added to reduce undesired signals, then the signal quality is improved, but the circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is merged with the power combiner circuit. The power combiner includes inductive and capacitive components that inherently provide filtering capability for undesired signals. This integration eliminates the need for separate filtering circuitry, reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining signal quality through effective filtering of undesired signals.
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
The solution reduces power consumption and circuit area by dynamically adjusting amplifier activation based on output power needs and integrates filtering within the power combiner, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for additional filtering circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductor having a first terminal coupled to the first core amplifier, a first capacitor coupled to a second terminal of the first inductor
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor coupled to a second terminal of the first inductor, a second capacitor coupled to a third terminal of the second inductor
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a power amplifier (PA) including circuitry to amplify and filter transmission signals in a radio frequency (RF) circuit. The PA may include multiple core amplifiers coupled to a power combiner to amplify and filter the transmission signals. For example, the PA may activate the core amplifiers to provide the transmission signals with a peak output power. Alternatively, the PA may activate a reduced number of the core amplifiers to provide the transmission signals with a reduced output power lower than the peak output power. Activating a portion of the PA when providing the transmission signals with a reduced output power may reduce a power consumption and improve power efficiency of the PA.