Shared Amplifier Transceiver Switching for TDD Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transceivers face challenges in reducing power consumption, hardware complexity, and manufacturing costs, particularly in mobile devices and base stations with multiple transmit and receive channels, as they require multiple amplifiers for both transmit and receive signals.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver design that shares a single amplifier between the transmit and receive signal paths using time division duplexing, with control circuitry to switch the amplifier between modes and adjust supply voltage, along with an adjustable attenuator and bandpass filter to optimize gain and noise figure, reducing the number of amplifiers needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple amplifiers are used for transmit and receive signals, then signal amplification performance is improved, but power consumption and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmit and receive signal paths into a single shared amplifier. The amplifier is configured to operate in transmit mode during transmission intervals and receive mode during reception intervals, eliminating the need for separate transmit and receive amplifiers. This merging reduces the total number of amplifiers, thereby decreasing power consumption and hardware complexity while maintaining signal amplification performance through mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier is designed with multi-functionality to perform both transmit and receive operations. By incorporating mode switching circuitry and control logic, the same amplifier hardware can be dynamically allocated to different functions (transmit or receive) based on operational requirements, making the system more efficient without sacrificing performance.
2Reliability
If multiple amplifiers are used for transmit and receive signals, then signal amplification performance is improved, but hardware complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple amplifier functions into a single shared amplifier unit. Instead of having separate transmit amplifiers and receive amplifiers, the system uses one amplifier with mode switching capability. This reduces the number of discrete hardware components, simplifies the overall device architecture, and lowers manufacturing costs while preserving the necessary signal amplification performance through proper mode management.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier is designed as a universal component that can serve both transmit and receive functions. This multi-functionality is achieved through integrated mode switching circuitry and control logic that dynamically configures the amplifier for the required operation, thereby reducing hardware complexity and eliminating the need for duplicate amplifier circuits.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single amplifier is shared between transmit and receive, then power consumption and hardware complexity are reduced, but signal amplification performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching to adapt the amplifier's operation to the current functional requirement. The amplifier can be rapidly switched between transmit mode and receive mode based on real-time operational demands. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that the amplifier operates optimally for the active function, maintaining signal amplification performance while reducing power consumption compared to having always-on separate amplifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between transmit and receive modes, particularly in TDD (Time Division Duplex) configurations. The amplifier is activated in transmit mode during transmission time slots and switched to receive mode during reception time slots. This periodic action allows the single amplifier to serve both functions effectively, maintaining performance requirements while reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation of multiple amplifiers.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b
AI summary
A transceiver includes a transmit signal path, a receive signal path, an amplifier, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to couple the amplifier in the transmit signal path to amplify a transmit signal during a transmit operating mode of the transceiver. Furthermore, the control circuitry is configured to couple the amplifier in the receive signal path to amplify a receive signal during a receive operating mode of the transceiver.