RF Amplifier Matching Circuit for Transistor Degradation Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amplifier circuits, particularly those using GaN HEMT transistors, face challenges in accurately determining and controlling the deterioration degree of their electrical characteristics, which affects their performance and lifespan, even when desired radio frequency characteristics are achieved.
Innovation Solution
A calculation device and method that calculates the deterioration degree of an amplifier circuit's electrical characteristics by using a processor to determine current and voltage values within an equivalent circuit, associating these values with deterioration data to assess the transistor's degradation, allowing for adjustments to achieve desired performance and lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radio frequency characteristic of the amplifier circuit is optimized, then the performance is improved, but the deterioration degree of the electrical characteristic cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an equivalent circuit as an intermediary model to represent the transistor's electrical characteristics. This equivalent circuit includes parameters such as current values and voltage values at predetermined portions, which serve as mediators to accurately determine the deterioration degree without directly measuring the complex transistor behavior in the optimized amplifier circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct physical measurement of transistor deterioration with a calculation-based approach using an equivalent circuit model. Instead of measuring actual transistor parameters directly, the system calculates current and voltage values in the equivalent circuit, which are then used to determine the deterioration degree through associated data.
2Reliability
If the element values of the matching circuit are adjusted to achieve desired radio frequency characteristics, then the performance is improved, but the control of deterioration degree becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of current and voltage values in the equivalent circuit before finalizing the amplifier circuit design. By calculating these parameters in advance based on the equivalent circuit model, the system can determine the expected deterioration degree and adjust element values accordingly, simplifying the overall control process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the calculated deterioration degree is used to iteratively adjust the element values of the matching circuit. The system calculates the deterioration degree based on current and voltage values, compares it with target values, and refines the element values to achieve both desired radio frequency characteristics and controlled deterioration degree.
3Measurement precision
If the deterioration degree is calculated using current and voltage values from the equivalent circuit, then the accuracy is improved, but the calculation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calculation process into distinct stages: first calculating current values in the equivalent circuit, then calculating voltage values, and finally determining the deterioration degree using associated data. This segmentation of the calculation process into manageable parts reduces overall complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A calculation device includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to; in an amplifier circuit including an input terminal to which a radio frequency signal is input, a transistor configured to amplify the input radio frequency signal, an output terminal from which the amplified radio frequency signal is output, and a matching circuit connected between the transistor and the output terminal, calculate a radio frequency characteristic of the amplifier circuit, if the calculated radio frequency characteristic of the amplifier circuit is a desired characteristic, calculate, at least one value of a current value and a voltage value at a predetermined portion within the equivalent circuit, and calculate, the deterioration degree of the electric characteristic of the transistor.