RF Matching Network for Harmonic Rejection and Signal Symmetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radio-frequency power amplifiers face challenges in supporting multiple communication standards and frequency bands due to mismatch and asymmetry between differential signals, which degrades output performance and requires improved impedance transformation and symmetry adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A matching network circuit and method for adjusting symmetry of differential signals in a radio-frequency power amplifier, which detects power at the symmetry node, generates control signals to adjust phase and amplitude differences, and uses impedance tuning and matching to achieve odd and even harmonic rejection, ensuring better output performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If differential mode operation is used for common mode noise suppression, then noise suppression is improved, but the ability to support multiple communication standards and frequency bands is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommon mode noiseVSAvoidsupport for multiple communication standards and frequency bands
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The matching network employs dynamically adjustable impedance transformation ratios that can be changed based on the operating mode (differential or common) and frequency band requirements. This allows the same circuit to adapt to different communication standards while maintaining noise suppression capabilities through mode-selectable impedance transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The matching network is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides common mode noise suppression through differential mode operation, supports multiple frequency bands through adjustable impedance transformation, and maintains signal integrity across different operating conditions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between noise suppression and versatility.

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

2Reliability

If matching networks are used to provide impedance transformation for multiple frequency bands, then output impedance is improved, but mismatch and asymmetry between differential signals degrades performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput impedanceVSAvoidsymmetry of differential signals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a detection circuit that monitors the symmetry of differential signals and generates control signals to adjust the matching network parameters. This feedback mechanism automatically compensates for mismatch and asymmetry, maintaining high output impedance performance while correcting signal symmetry issues in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The matching network uses adjustable impedance transformation ratios that can be dynamically changed based on detected signal characteristics. By modifying the impedance transformation parameter in response to detected asymmetry, the system maintains both high output impedance and signal symmetry across multiple frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If variable capacitors are used to adjust RF signal output, then signal matching is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF signal matchingVSAvoidmatching network structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The matching network is divided into multiple stages, each with its own variable capacitor for independent adjustment. This segmentation allows for finer control of impedance transformation at different frequency points, improving overall matching performance while organizing the complexity into manageable, modular sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3174198B1Matching network circuit and radio-frequency power amplifier with odd harmonic rejection and even harmonic rejection and method of adjusting symmetry of differential signals
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP3174198B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3174198B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3174198B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A matching network circuit (10) for RF power amplifier circuit capable of odd harmonic rejection and even harmonic rejection in the differential mode and the common mode, respectively. The matching network circuit (10) includes a differential mode filter (C1) with a differential resonant frequency and a passive component (L1) coupled to a virtual short circuit node (B) at the differential mode filter, wherein a common mode filter with a common resonant frequency includes the differential mode filter (C1) and the passive component (L1). As a result, two notch filters with different resonant frequencies are utilized for the common mode and the differential mode, respectively.