RFFE LNA Constant-Phase Attenuator for Gain-Path Phase Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) with phase-shifting circuitry face a discontinuity in phase at the output due to differences in phase between the high gain active path and the low gain passive path, leading to inaccuracies in signal processing by downstream circuits.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of phase-shifting circuitry in the low gain path of the LNA, which shifts the phase of the signal within the low gain path to match the phase of the signal within the high gain path, thereby resolving the discontinuity in phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase-shifting circuitry is added to the low gain path to match phases, then phase continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A phase-shifting circuit is introduced as an intermediary component in the low gain path to adjust and match the phase of signals passing through this path with the phase of signals in the high gain path, thereby resolving the phase discontinuity problem without fundamentally changing the amplifier's core structure
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-shifting circuit incorporates tunable capacitors that can be dynamically adjusted to optimize phase matching across different operating conditions and frequencies, allowing the circuit to adaptively maintain phase continuity rather than relying on fixed phase shift values
2Measurement precision
If tunable capacitors are used for phase adjustment, then phase matching precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit utilizes capacitors with adjustable parameters (tunable capacitors) that can change their capacitance values to optimize phase matching precision across different operating conditions, frequencies, and signal levels, rather than relying on fixed capacitor values that would compromise precision across varying conditions
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 solution ensures that the output signal from the low gain path has a phase that approximately matches the output signal from the high gain path, improving the accuracy and efficiency of signal processing in wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
the phase-shifting circuitry is configured to shift a phase of an input signal within the low gain path such that the phase of an output signal at the output of the amplifier from the low gain path approximately matches a phase of the output signal at the output of the amplifier from the high gain path
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to devices, wireless communication apparatuses, methods, and circuitry implementing a low noise amplifier (LNA) with phase-shifting circuitry to achieve a continuous phase at the output of the LNA. One aspect is an amplifier including a high gain active path comprising active circuitry, and a low gain path comprising passive circuitry and phase-shifting circuitry. In one or more aspects, the phase-shifting circuitry is configured to shift a phase of an input signal within the low gain path such that the phase of an output signal outputted from the low gain path approximately matches a phase of an output signal outputted from the high gain active path. In at least one aspect, a gain of the high gain active path is higher than a gain of the low gain passive path.