RF Amplifier Self-Oscillation for In-Situ Front-End Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-volume testing of radiofrequency front-end modules is challenging due to the inability to generate high-frequency radiofrequency test stimuli cost-effectively, and existing solutions do not allow independent qualification of transmission and reception paths without expensive equipment or probes.

Innovation Solution

Reconfiguring the low-noise amplifier or power amplifier as an oscillator to generate a radiofrequency signal for self-testing, allowing the signal to propagate through the integrated circuit and measuring characteristics such as antenna connection impedance and path gains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If indirect testing solutions using digital signals are used, then testing cost is reduced, but testing precision for radiofrequency performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting costVSAvoidradiofrequency performance testing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier under test generates its own radiofrequency test signal by being reconfigured as an oscillator, eliminating the need for external expensive RF signal generators. The amplifier tests itself by propagating its generated signal through the circuit components and measuring the output signal characteristics, thereby achieving both cost reduction and adequate measurement precision for RF performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If reconfiguring amplifier as oscillator is used, then radiofrequency signal generation capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiofrequency signal generation capabilityVSAvoidcircuit reconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier circuit is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing it to switch between its normal amplification function and oscillator function based on testing requirements. This is achieved through controllable feedback paths and biasing conditions that can be changed via control signals, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without permanent structural modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: normal signal amplification during operation and self-oscillation during testing. By integrating oscillator functionality into the existing amplifier structure using shared components and control mechanisms, the invention achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated test equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If in-situ self-testing is implemented, then testing time is reduced, but measurement precision for component characteristics may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting timeVSAvoidcomponent characteristic measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier is pre-configured with oscillator capability and feedback paths during manufacturing, so that during testing, only a simple mode switch is needed to begin self-testing. The test signal generation, propagation, and measurement occur in a single integrated sequence within the device itself, eliminating the need for external equipment setup and reducing overall testing time while maintaining measurement precision through direct in-circuit measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables cost-effective, in-situ self-testing of radiofrequency integrated circuits by generating a radiofrequency signal for testing and characterizing components, including antenna connections and path qualities, without the need for expensive test equipment or probes.

Implementation Method 1

said amplifier is configured so as to perform an oscillator function in a self-test mode of the integrated circuit, to generate a radiofrequency signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Data Source

PatentUS11808785B2Radiofrequency integrated circuit and corresponding test method

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A radiofrequency transmission/reception integrated circuit includes at least one radiofrequency signal amplifier (PA, LNA), the at least one amplifier being configured, in operational mode, so as to perform a function of amplifying a radiofrequency signal applied at input, wherein the amplifier is configured so as to perform an oscillator function in a self-test mode of the integrated circuit, to generate a radiofrequency signal on at least one of the input or the output of said amplifier. A self-test method for such an integrated circuit is also provided.