Self-Realigning Multi-Band Power Amplifier for Impedance Detuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power amplifier systems are inflexible and inefficient, particularly in multi-mode, multi-band operations, as they are designed for specific frequency bands and modes, and cannot adjust to changes in conditions such as impedance detuning caused by external objects, leading to reduced performance and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode, multi-band self-realigning power amplifier system that incorporates banks of transistors with different sizes and adjustable matching modules, dynamically changing the signal path based on time-varying information to maintain optimal performance across various frequency bands and modes, and incorporates a bidirectional control line for real-time adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional power amplifier systems are designed for specific frequency bands and modes, then they can achieve high performance for those specific applications, but they become inflexible and cannot adjust to changes in conditions such as impedance detuning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance stabilityVSAvoidfrequency band adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplifier system dynamically switches between different frequency bands and operational modes based on real-time conditions. The system includes multiple power amplifier circuits tuned to different frequency bands (e.g., GSM, CDMA, WiFi, WiMAX bands) and uses control logic to selectively activate the appropriate circuit, enabling the system to adapt to changing communication requirements and maintain optimal performance across diverse scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power amplifier system is designed as a multi-functional platform that can operate across multiple frequency bands and modes simultaneously. By integrating multiple PA circuits with different tuning characteristics into a single system, the invention creates a universal amplifier that can serve various communication protocols (cellular, WiFi, WiMAX) without requiring separate dedicated amplifiers for each application.

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

2Power

If power amplifier systems operate at high power levels to meet output requirements, then they achieve sufficient signal strength, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplifier system is segmented into multiple independent PA circuits, each optimized for specific frequency bands and power levels. Instead of using a single high-power amplifier that operates inefficiently across all conditions, the system divides the amplification function across several specialized circuits. The control logic selects only the necessary circuit for current operating conditions, avoiding the power consumption penalty of running high-power amplifiers when lower power suffices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters including which PA circuit is active, the frequency band being used, and the power level configuration. By adjusting these parameters based on real-time requirements (such as selecting a lower-power PA circuit when signal strength demands are low), the system optimizes the balance between output power and power consumption, improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If power amplifier systems use fixed matching networks for impedance transformation, then they achieve optimal performance for designed conditions, but they cannot compensate for impedance detuning caused by external objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidimpedance adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic impedance matching through multiple PA circuits with different inherent impedance characteristics for different frequency bands. When impedance detuning is detected or anticipated (based on the operating band and mode), the control logic selects a PA circuit whose impedance characteristics are better suited for the current conditions. This dynamic selection allows the system to maintain signal integrity even when external objects cause impedance variations in the antenna system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10630321B2Multi-mode multi-band self-realigning power amplifier
Publication Date: 2020.04.21 KYOCERA AVX COMPONENTS (SAN DIEGO) INC
  • US10630321B2 patent drawing
  • US10630321B2 patent drawing
  • US10630321B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power amplifier (PA) system is provided for multi-mode multi-band operations. The PA system includes one or more amplifying modules, each amplifying module including one or more banks, each bank comprising one or more transistors; and a plurality of matching modules, each matching module being configured to be adjusted to provide impedances corresponding to frequency bands and conditions. A controller dynamically controls an input terminal of each bank and adjusts the matching modules to provide a signal path to meet specifications on properties associated with signals during each time interval.