RF Transmitter Power Amplifier Sharing for Multi-Level Output

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transmitters require separate output paths and power amplifiers for each output power level, leading to increased area and cost within communication chips.

Innovation Solution

A transmitter design that utilizes a single output path with multiple power amplifiers, a parallel power combiner, a supply voltage switch, and a controller to adjust supply voltage and activate/deactivate power amplifiers to achieve various output powers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate output paths and power amplifiers are used for each output power level, then different output powers can be achieved, but the chip area and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput power levelsVSAvoidchip area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple output paths into a single shared output path that is used across different power modes. Instead of having separate amplifiers and output paths for each power level, the system uses one common path that can be dynamically configured to support multiple output power levels through voltage control and amplifier activation/deactivation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single output path and power amplifiers are designed to serve multiple functions across different power modes. The same hardware infrastructure (amplifiers, output path, combiner) is universally used for all output power levels, with the system adapting its behavior through controller management of voltage levels and amplifier activation states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate output paths and power amplifiers are used for each output power level, then different output powers can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput power levelsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple output paths into a single shared output path that is used across different power modes. Instead of having separate amplifiers and output paths for each power level, the system uses one common path that can be dynamically configured to support multiple output power levels through voltage control and amplifier activation/deactivation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single output path and power amplifiers are designed to serve multiple functions across different power modes. The same hardware infrastructure (amplifiers, output path, combiner) is universally used for all output power levels, with the system adapting its behavior through controller management of voltage levels and amplifier activation states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If multiple power amplifiers are activated simultaneously, then higher output power is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput powerVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active power amplifiers and the supply voltage level based on the required output power. The controller monitors the desired power level and activates only the necessary number of amplifiers at appropriate voltage levels, avoiding the continuous operation of all amplifiers at maximum voltage and thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters (number of active amplifiers, supply voltage level) to match the required output power demand. By varying these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed maximum settings, the system achieves the needed output power while minimizing power consumption through optimized operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design allows for multiple output powers through a single output path, reducing chip area and cost while optimizing power consumption by adjusting supply voltage and power amplifier activation.

Implementation Method 1

a parallel power combiner configured to combine outputs of the plurality of power amplifiers to generate an RF output signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4513750A1Transmitter, wireless communication module and power amplification system

Publication Date: 2025.02.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed is a transmitter. The transmitter includes a plurality of power amplifiers, each of the plurality of power amplifiers being configured to receive an RF input signal, a parallel power combiner configured to combine outputs of the plurality of power amplifiers to generate an RF output signal, a supply voltage switch configured to provide one supply voltage to the plurality of power amplifiers, the one supply voltage being selected from among a plurality of supply voltages of different voltage levels, and a controller configured to control an output power of the RF output signal by selecting the one supply voltage from among the plurality of supply voltages, and controlling whether to activate each of the plurality of power amplifiers.