Switchable Amplifier Cores for Gain-Mode Noise and Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face performance reductions in one or more gain modes when designed to provide a plurality of gain modes, as signal amplifiers struggle to achieve desired characteristics across multiple gain modes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a variable-gain signal amplifier with multiple switchable amplifier architectures, where each gain mode utilizes a dedicated amplifier core designed for specific characteristics such as low noise figure or high linearity, allowing for selective direction of signals to targeted amplifier architectures based on the gain mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single amplifier architecture is used to provide multiple gain modes, then device complexity is reduced, but performance characteristics (linearity, noise figure) deteriorate across different gain modes
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier is divided into multiple independent amplifier architectures (first amplifier architecture, second amplifier architecture, etc.), each optimized for specific gain modes. The gain mode selector segments the signal path to direct input signals to appropriate amplifier architectures based on the required gain mode, allowing each architecture to specialize in particular performance characteristics without compromising overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier system dynamically switches between different amplifier architectures based on the selected gain mode. The gain mode selector enables real-time reconfiguration of the signal path, directing signals to the most appropriate amplifier architecture for the current operating conditions, thereby maintaining optimal performance characteristics across varying gain requirements.
2Reliability
If different amplifier architectures are used for different gain modes, then performance characteristics improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple amplifier architectures are integrated into a single amplifier device, with each architecture serving specific gain modes. The gain mode selector acts as a universal control mechanism that manages signal routing to appropriate architectures, enabling the device to provide multiple specialized functions within a unified structure without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If amplifier cores are optimized for specific characteristics (low noise figure or high linearity), then those characteristics improve, but other performance metrics may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
Each amplifier architecture is locally optimized for specific performance characteristics and gain mode requirements. The first amplifier architecture may be optimized for low noise figure in high gain modes, while the second amplifier architecture may be optimized for high linearity in low gain modes. The gain mode selector ensures that each architecture operates in its optimal performance regime, allowing local quality optimization without compromising overall adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are signal amplifiers having a plurality of amplifier cores. Individual amplifier cores can be designed to enhance particular advantages while reducing other disadvantages. The signal amplifier can then switch between amplifier cores in a particular gain mode to achieve desired performance characteristics (e.g., improving noise figure or linearity). Examples of signal amplifiers disclosed herein include amplifier architectures with a low noise figure amplifier core that reduces the noise figure and a linearity boost amplifier core that increases linearity. The disclosed signal amplifiers can switch between a first active core and a second active core for a single or particular gain mode to achieve desired signal characteristics during different time periods.