Stacked Power Amplifier Circuit With Harmonic Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifier circuits in mobile communication devices face challenges in increasing maximum output power and improving power-added efficiency, with existing solutions not adequately addressing the high power consumption and efficiency requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier circuit configuration that includes vertically connected transistors, a voltage regulator circuit, and termination and filter circuits to short-circuit or open-circuit harmonics, allowing the amplifier to operate in a class-F mode, thereby increasing output power and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If two transistors are vertically connected to increase maximum output power, then the output power is improved, but the power consumption increases and power-added efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is divided into two separate transistor stages (first transistor and second transistor) connected in series. Each transistor handles a portion of the amplification, with the first transistor amplifying the input signal and the second transistor further amplifying the output. This segmentation allows for better power distribution and reduced overall power consumption while achieving high output power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements class-F operation by controlling harmonic components of the transmit signal. Even-order harmonics are short-circuited to ground potential and odd-order harmonics are made open-circuited through specific circuit configurations. This parameter control of harmonic frequencies improves the power-added efficiency by reducing power loss in the amplifier stages.
2Use of energy by moving object
If harmonics are controlled to enable class-F operation for improved power-added efficiency, then the efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The termination circuits for harmonic control are integrated into the existing transistor stages rather than being added as separate external components. The even-order harmonic termination uses the emitter junction of the first transistor, while the odd-order harmonic termination uses the collector junction of the second transistor. This merging approach achieves class-F operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transistor structures serve multiple functions: they provide signal amplification, harmonic termination, and power output simultaneously. The emitter and collector junctions of the transistors are utilized for both their primary amplification function and for harmonic control, making the circuit elements multi-functional and reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power amplifier circuit includes a lower transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal connected to ground, and a third terminal, wherein a first power supply voltage is supplied to the first terminal, and an input signal is supplied to the third terminal; a first capacitor; an upper transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal connected to the first terminal of the lower transistor via the first capacitor, and a third terminal, wherein a second power supply voltage is supplied to the first terminal, an amplified signal is outputted to an output terminal from the first terminal, and a driving voltage is supplied to the third terminal; a first inductor that connects the second terminal of the upper transistor to ground; a voltage regulator circuit; and at least one termination circuit that short-circuits an even-order harmonic or odd-order harmonic of the amplified signal to ground potential.