RF Power Amplifier With High-Voltage Supply for Direct 50-Ohm Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio-frequency (RF) power amplifiers require impedance transformation circuits to match impedances, leading to increased loss and complexity, especially in multi-band operations, and efficiency is compromised due to envelope tracking systems which add cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power amplification system that uses a boost DC/DC converter to generate a high-voltage supply, allowing power amplifiers to operate with an impedance of approximately 50 Ohms, eliminating the need for impedance transformation circuits and band selection switches, and operates as an average power tracking system to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If impedance transformation circuits are used to match impedances in RF power amplifiers, then impedance matching is achieved, but loss increases by at least 0.5 dB and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter of the power amplifier from low voltage to high voltage (e.g., 10V or higher). This parameter change enables the PA to achieve sufficient impedance matching (approximately 50 Ohms) directly without requiring external impedance transformation circuits, thereby reducing loss by at least 0.5 dB while maintaining reliable impedance matching
2Reliability
If impedance transformation circuits are used to match impedances in RF power amplifiers, then impedance matching is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the supply voltage parameter to high voltage operation, the patent enables the power amplifier to achieve proper impedance matching inherently, eliminating the need for separate impedance transformation circuits and band selection switches. This simplifies the overall device architecture and reduces complexity while maintaining reliable impedance matching across multiple bands
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage power amplifier design allows a single PA to handle multiple frequency bands without requiring band selection switches or separate impedance transformation circuits for each band. The high voltage operation provides universal functionality across multiple bands, reducing device complexity
3Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking systems are used to improve efficiency, then power efficiency is enhanced, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the supply voltage parameter from low voltage to high voltage operation. This parameter change enables the power amplifier to achieve better efficiency through direct high-voltage operation combined with average power tracking, eliminating the need for complex envelope tracking systems while maintaining enhanced efficiency performance
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 configuration reduces loss by at least 0.5 dB and 0.3 dB respectively, and achieves higher overall efficiency compared to envelope tracking systems, while allowing for smaller PA dimensions and simplified design.
Implementation Method 1
The supply system can include a boost DC/DC converter configured to generate the HV supply signal based on the battery voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Radio-frequency amplification systems, devices and methods. In some embodiments, an amplification system can include a supply circuit configured to provide a high supply voltage in an average power tracking mode. The amplification system can further include an amplifier configured to operate with the high supply voltage and provide an impedance that substantially matches an impedance of a component coupled to an output of the amplifier. The amplification system can further include a signal path configured to route an amplified signal from the output of the amplifier to the component, with the output path being substantially free of an output matching network.