RF Front-End Reuse of 3G/4G Paths for 2G Power Amplification

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless devices supporting 2G, 3G, and 4G standards face challenges in efficiently amplifying 2G signals, particularly in low band frequencies like GSM850 and EGSM900, due to the requirement for dedicated power amplifiers and RF blocks, which increase size and cost, and using 3G/4G linear paths for 2G amplification results in poor DC consumption and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A front-end architecture that splits a 2G signal into two 3G/4G amplification paths, one with a phase shifting circuit, and combines them using a Wilkinson combiner and impedance transformer, allowing for efficient amplification and impedance matching without dedicated 2G amplification paths, maintaining 3G/4G path performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated 2G power amplifiers and RF blocks are used, then 2G signal amplification performance is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve2G signal amplification performanceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the 3G/4G power amplifier paths perform multiple functions by enabling them to amplify both 3G/4G signals and 2G signals. The amplifier paths are designed with broadband capability and impedance transformation networks that allow them to adapt to different signal types, eliminating the need for dedicated 2G amplifiers and reducing device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the 2G signal amplification function with the existing 3G/4G amplification paths. By using a splitter to divide the 2G signal into multiple paths and then combining the amplified signals, the system merges 2G and 3G/4G functionality into a unified amplification architecture, reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If dedicated 2G power amplifiers and RF blocks are used, then 2G signal amplification performance is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve2G signal amplification performanceVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the 3G/4G power amplifier paths perform multiple functions by enabling them to amplify both 3G/4G signals and 2G signals. The amplifier paths are designed with broadband capability and impedance transformation networks that allow them to adapt to different signal types, eliminating the need for dedicated 2G amplifiers and reducing device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the 2G signal amplification function with the existing 3G/4G amplification paths. By using a splitter to divide the 2G signal into multiple paths and then combining the amplified signals, the system merges 2G and 3G/4G functionality into a unified amplification architecture, reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If 3G/4G linear paths are used for 2G amplification, then device size and cost are reduced, but DC consumption and efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidDC consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing phase shifting circuits and impedance transformation networks at specific locations within the amplification paths. These localized modifications optimize the signal characteristics for 2G frequencies without affecting the overall 3G/4G path performance, enabling efficient 2G amplification using the existing 3G/4G hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including phase shift and impedance transformation to enable 3G/4G amplifiers to efficiently amplify 2G signals. By adjusting the phase of signals in different paths and transforming impedances to match optimal values, the system achieves good DC consumption and efficiency for 2G operation without requiring dedicated 2G amplifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11323073B2Front-end for processing 2G signal using 3G/4G paths

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Front-end for processing 2G signal using 3G/4G paths. In some embodiments, a front-end architecture can include a first amplification path and a second amplification path, with each being configured to amplify a 3G/4G signal, and the first amplification path including a phase shifting circuit. The front-end architecture can further include a splitter configured to receive a 2G signal and split the 2G signal into the first and second amplification paths, and a combiner configured to combine amplified 2G signals from the first and second amplification paths into a common output path. The front-end architecture can further include an impedance transformer implemented along the common output path to provide a desired impedance for the combined 2G signal.