Split Amplifier Gain Switching for High Linearity Under Jammers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amplifiers in wireless devices face challenges in achieving configurable gain and high linearity, particularly in the presence of jammers, which can lead to signal saturation and degradation of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Innovation Solution

The implementation of split amplifiers with multiple amplifier circuits and a linearization circuit allows for configurable gain and linearity, enabling the amplifier to operate in high-gain or low-gain modes depending on signal conditions, thereby preventing saturation and maintaining high SNR.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If amplifier gain is increased to improve signal reception, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but linearity deteriorates and saturation occurs in the presence of jammers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidlinearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier is divided into multiple independent amplifier circuits (first amplifier circuit, second amplifier circuit, etc.), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different amplifier circuits based on signal conditions, thereby maintaining both high gain for good SNR and high linearity by selecting appropriate circuits for different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If configurable gain is implemented to adapt to different signal conditions, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfigurable gainVSAvoidamplifier structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier system dynamically switches between different amplifier circuits based on real-time signal conditions. The configuration changes from static to dynamic, allowing the amplifier to adapt its gain and operating mode according to the presence of jammers or normal signal conditions, thereby achieving configurable gain without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If linearization circuit is enabled to improve linearity, then resistance to jammers improves, but gain configurability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelinearityVSAvoidgain configurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier system is segmented into multiple amplifier circuits with different characteristics. Instead of using a single linearization circuit that fixes the operating mode, the system segments the amplification function across multiple circuits, allowing selective activation based on conditions. This maintains linearity when needed while preserving gain configurability through circuit selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2974004B1Split amplifiers with improved linearity
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2974004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2974004B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2974004B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

Split amplifiers with configurable gain and linearization circuitry are disclosed. An apparatus includes first (430) and second (440) amplifier circuits and a linearization circuit (420), which may be part of an amplifier. The first (430) and second (440) amplifier circuits are coupled in parallel and to an amplifier input (X). The linearization circuit (420) is also coupled to the amplifier input (X). The first (430) and second (440) amplifier circuits are enabled in a high-gain mode. One of the first (430) and second (440) amplifier circuits is enabled in a low-gain mode. The linearization circuit (420) is enabled in the second mode and disabled in the first mode. The amplifier is split into multiple sections. Each section includes an amplifier circuit and is a fraction of the amplifier. High linearly may be obtained using one amplifier circuit and the linearization circuit in the low-gain mode.