RF Tuning Module With Adaptive Impedance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices face performance limitations and current loss due to relaxed linearity requirements in communication networks, leading to suboptimal performance under varying conditions.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a power amplifier, a matching circuit, and a control circuit that adjust impedance and bias states based on the connected network, optimizing linearity and efficiency by selecting appropriate impedance values and power modes to meet specific network requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the circuit is designed to operate under any possible conditions to satisfy all communication network requirements, then the linearity performance is improved, but the current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearity performanceVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the impedance matching network adjustable rather than fixed. The network can dynamically change its impedance values based on the operating conditions and network requirements, allowing the system to optimize between linearity performance and current consumption for different scenarios such as power amplification modes or communication standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the impedance parameters of the matching network adaptively. By adjusting the impedance values of the matching network components, the system can optimize the trade-off between linearity and efficiency for different operating conditions, avoiding the need to maintain high linearity performance under all conditions which would increase current consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the impedance matching network uses fixed impedance values, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance matching network complexityVSAvoidadaptability to network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static impedance matching network into a dynamic one by introducing adjustable elements. This allows the network to adapt its impedance characteristics to different network conditions and operating modes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled adjustability rather than multiple fixed networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal impedance matching network that can serve multiple functions and adapt to different network conditions through a single adjustable structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate matching networks for different scenarios, reducing overall device complexity while improving adaptability.

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

3Reliability

If the matching network is adjusted frequently to optimize performance, then the linearity performance is improved, but the risk of damaging the power amplifier increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearity performanceVSAvoidpower amplifier damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the impedance matching network before changing the operating state of the power amplifier. This preparatory adjustment ensures that the amplifier operates under optimal conditions from the start, avoiding transient conditions that could cause damage during state transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning by carefully controlling the adjustment process of the impedance matching network. The system manages the transition process to prevent abrupt changes that could generate harmful transients, thereby protecting the power amplifier from damage while still achieving optimal linearity performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3678298B1Electronic device for tuning module for processing radio frequency signal
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3678298B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3678298B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3678298B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including a power amplifier (PA) configured to amplify a transmission signal, a matching circuit configured to be connected with the PA and to form a load impedance, a filter configured to be connected with the matching circuit, and a control circuit configured to control a state of at least one of a bias of the PA, the matching circuit, and the filter. The control circuit may identify a network to which the electronic device is connected among a first network and a second network and may operate the matching circuit in one of a first state, a second state, and a third state based on the identified network.