RF Power Amplifier Interface for Multi-Mode Signal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RF power amplifier systems lack flexibility in routing RF signals between different operational modes and frequency bands, requiring separate configurations for 2G and 3G modes, which complicates chipset designs and increases complexity.

Innovation Solution

A power amplifier system with a first block configured for one mode and a second block for another mode, featuring an interface with a routing circuit that includes a switch to route RF signals between the blocks, allowing for mode-separated or frequency-separated operations using the same PA blocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate configurations are used for 2G and 3G modes, then mode-specific performance is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode-specific performanceVSAvoidchipset design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first power amplifier block is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating in both first mode (e.g., 2G) and second mode (e.g., 3G). The interface block enables this block to be selectively connected to different signal sources (first signal source for 2G, second signal source for 3G) through switching circuitry, allowing one amplifier block to serve multiple modes without requiring separate dedicated blocks for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated PA blocks are used for each mode, then mode performance is optimized, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode performanceVSAvoidnumber of PA blocks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a shared first power amplifier block that can be dynamically allocated to different modes through the interface block's switching mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated PA blocks for each mode, reducing the total number of components while maintaining optimized performance for each mode through selective connection to appropriate signal sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface block implements dynamic switching capability that allows the first power amplifier block to be reconfigured in real-time between different operational modes. The switching circuitry responds to mode selection signals, dynamically connecting the amplifier block to either the first signal source (2G) or second signal source (3G), enabling flexible resource allocation without hardware reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If mode-separated routing is implemented, then signal routing flexibility is improved, but interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal routing flexibilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface block is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first interface portion for connecting to the first signal source (2G), a second interface portion for connecting to the second signal source (3G), and switching circuitry that selectively connects these portions to the shared first power amplifier block. This modular segmentation organizes the routing functionality into manageable segments, reducing interface complexity while maintaining routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2988417B1Power amplifier interface compatible with inputs separated by mode or frequency
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP2988417B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2988417B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2988417B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Power amplifier interface compatible with inputs separated by mode or frequency. In some embodiments, a power amplifier (PA) system can include a first block (110) having a first PA configured to operate in a first mode, and a second block (120) having a second PA configured to operate in a second mode. The PA system can further include an interface (100) implemented in the first block (110). The interface (100) can be configured to be capable of routing a radio-frequency (RF) signal from a transceiver to the first PA, and also be capable of routing the RF signal to the second PA.