Steerable Beamforming Communication Module Using GaN Power Amplifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-frequency wireless communication systems, such as 5G and WiGig, face inefficiencies and increased thermal requirements due to the use of CMOS technology, which results in lower system performance and larger transmission ranges, especially in 5G systems, where multiple power amplifiers are needed to achieve desired output power and transmission range.
Innovation Solution
The design employs non-CMOS technologies like GaAs and GaN for critical components, co-integrating dies and devices on different substrates within a package to enhance performance and reduce thermal requirements, utilizing beam steering with a single power amplifier and phase shifters to improve power utilization and reduce losses, and integrating passive components on organic substrates to minimize costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If CMOS technology is used for high-frequency wireless communication systems, then manufacturing cost and integration are improved, but system performance and thermal efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two parts: CMOS circuitry for baseband processing and non-CMOS circuitry (GaAs, GaN) for RF power amplification. This segmentation allows each technology to operate in its optimal frequency range, with CMOS handling lower frequencies and non-CMOS handling higher frequencies up to 100 GHz, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges CMOS and non-CMOS circuitries within a single communication device, creating a hybrid architecture. The CMOS portion handles signal processing while the non-CMOS portion handles power amplification, combining the advantages of both technologies to achieve both ease of manufacture and high system performance.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple power amplifiers are used to achieve desired output power and transmission range, then transmission range is improved, but thermal requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the power amplifier from CMOS to non-CMOS (GaAs, GaN) technology. This parameter change enables a single non-CMOS power amplifier to achieve the same or better output power and transmission range that would otherwise require multiple CMOS power amplifiers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining transmission range.
3Loss of energy
If beam steering is implemented with single power amplifier and phase shifters, then power utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase shifters as intermediary components between the single non-CMOS power amplifier and the antenna array. These phase shifters enable beam steering by adjusting the phase of signals directed to different antenna elements, allowing efficient power utilization through directional transmission without requiring multiple power amplifiers.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include a communication module that includes a die having a transceiver and a phase shifter die that is coupled to the die. The phase shifter includes a power combiner and splitter. The communication module also includes a substrate that is coupled to the phase shifter die. The substrate includes an antenna unit with steerable beam forming capability for transmitting and receiving communications.