RF Transmission Circuit for Switching Between Quadrature and Polar Modulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless power amplifiers are designed for specific modulation techniques, making it difficult to implement systems that use multiple modulation techniques, requiring multiple amplifiers and increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

An integrated transmission system that supports multiple modulation techniques, including quadrature and polar modulation, using a single integrated circuit with selection logic, dual DAC arrays, and a merge component to generate an RF signal with selected modulation, reducing circuitry and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple amplifiers specific to each modulation technique are used, then support for multiple modulation techniques is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple modulation techniquesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single power amplifier that can operate with multiple modulation techniques (quadrature and polar modulation) by incorporating a reconfigurable impedance matching network. The amplifier is designed with switching elements that allow it to adapt its impedance characteristics based on the selected modulation mode, enabling one amplifier to perform multiple functions that previously required separate amplifiers for each modulation type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the impedance matching network using switching elements controlled by a selection signal. The impedance characteristics of the amplifier are dynamically adjusted based on the operating mode (quadrature or polar modulation), allowing the same hardware to adapt its properties in real-time to support different modulation techniques without requiring multiple fixed amplifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple amplifiers specific to each modulation technique are used, then support for multiple modulation techniques is achieved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple modulation techniquesVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single power amplifier that can operate with multiple modulation techniques (quadrature and polar modulation) by incorporating a reconfigurable impedance matching network. The amplifier is designed with switching elements that allow it to adapt its impedance characteristics based on the selected modulation mode, enabling one amplifier to perform multiple functions that previously required separate amplifiers for each modulation type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple modulation-specific amplifiers into a single unified amplifier structure. By merging the quadrature and polar modulation amplification paths into one reconfigurable amplifier with a dynamically adjustable impedance matching network, the system reduces component count and overall cost while maintaining support for both modulation techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a single amplifier is designed for a specific modulation technique, then amplifier performance is optimized, but adaptability to other modulation techniques is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamplifier performanceVSAvoidadaptability to modulation techniques

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the impedance matching network using switching elements controlled by a selection signal. The impedance characteristics of the amplifier are dynamically adjusted based on the operating mode (quadrature or polar modulation), allowing the same hardware to adapt its properties in real-time to support different modulation techniques without requiring multiple fixed amplifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the impedance parameters of the power amplifier by reconfiguring the impedance matching network. By adjusting the impedance characteristics (such as matching resistance and reactance values) through switching different circuit configurations, the amplifier maintains optimal performance across different modulation techniques while adapting to their specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8867665B2Communication systems and methods supporting multiple modulation techniques

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 APPLE INC

AI summary

A communication system includes a first DAC array, a second DAC array, and a merge component. The first DAC array is configured to receive a first portion of modulation signals and to generate a first RF signal according to a modulation mode. The second DAC array is configured to receive a second portion of the modulation signals and to generate a second RF signal according to the modulation mode. The merge component is configured to receive the first RF signal and the second RF signal. The merge component is also configured to generate an output RF signal according to the first RF signal and the second RF signal, wherein the output RF signal has a modulation format according to the modulation mode.