Multi-mode RF Power Amplifier Circuitry with Dedicated Transmit Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional multi-mode multi-band RF circuitry is bulky, costly, and power-intensive, failing to efficiently support diverse wireless communications protocols and frequency bands due to the need for specific circuitry for each mode and frequency band, leading to inefficiencies and increased size.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-mode multi-band RF communications system with a third transmit path that omits downstream switching circuitry, maximizing efficiency by avoiding insertion losses and allowing for dedicated communications bands, combined with a quadrature PA architecture that simplifies design and tolerates antenna loading changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-mode multi-band RF circuitry uses specific circuitry for each communication mode and frequency band, then it can support various communication protocols and modes, but it increases device size, cost, and power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for various communication modes and frequency bandsVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal RF power amplifier circuit that can operate in multiple communication modes (linear and non-linear) and support multiple frequency bands through a single integrated design. The circuit uses mode selection circuitry and band selection circuitry to configure the same physical circuit for different operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode and band combination.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The RF power amplifier circuit is divided into functional segments including a first RF power amplifier, a second RF power amplifier, mode selection circuitry, and band selection circuitry. Each segment can be independently configured or activated based on the required communication mode and frequency band, allowing flexible operation without requiring all components to be physically present simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-mode multi-band RF circuitry includes specific circuitry for each communication mode and frequency band, then it can maintain performance across different protocols, but it increases manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for various communication modes and frequency bandsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal RF power amplifier circuit that can operate in multiple communication modes (linear and non-linear) and support multiple frequency bands through a single integrated design. The circuit uses mode selection circuitry and band selection circuitry to configure the same physical circuit for different operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode and band combination.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functional requirements into a single integrated RF power amplifier circuit. Instead of manufacturing separate circuits for linear mode, non-linear mode, and each frequency band, the invention combines all these functions into one circuit that can be configured through control signals, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-mode multi-band RF circuitry includes specific circuitry for each communication mode and frequency band, then it can maintain performance across different protocols, but it increases power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for various communication modes and frequency bandsVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The RF power amplifier circuit employs dynamic configuration through mode selection circuitry and band selection circuitry that can switch between different operational states based on the required communication mode and frequency band. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the circuit to optimize its power consumption by activating only the necessary amplification paths and components for the current operational requirements, rather than continuously powering all possible functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal RF power amplifier circuit that can operate in multiple communication modes (linear and non-linear) and support multiple frequency bands through a single integrated design. The circuit uses mode selection circuitry and band selection circuitry to configure the same physical circuit for different operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode and band combination.

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

4Loss of energy

If the third transmit path omits downstream switching circuitry, then power efficiency is maximized, but the circuit can only operate in a dedicated communications band

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidoperation across frequency bands
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The RF power amplifier circuit is divided into functional segments including a first RF power amplifier, a second RF power amplifier, mode selection circuitry, and band selection circuitry. Each segment can be independently configured or activated based on the required communication mode and frequency band, allowing flexible operation without requiring all components to be physically present simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal RF power amplifier circuit that can operate in multiple communication modes (linear and non-linear) and support multiple frequency bands through a single integrated design. The circuit uses mode selection circuitry and band selection circuitry to configure the same physical circuit for different operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode and band combination.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9077405B2High efficiency path based power amplifier circuitry
Publication Date: 2015.07.07 QORVO US INC
  • US9077405B2 patent drawing
  • US9077405B2 patent drawing
  • US9077405B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A first transmit path, a second transmit path, and a third transmit path are disclosed. The first transmit path includes a first radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) and alpha switching circuitry, which is coupled to an output from the first RF PA. The second transmit path includes a second RF PA and beta switching circuitry, which is coupled to an output from the second RF PA. The third transmit path includes a third RF PA.