Switchable Multiple-Coil Transformer for Reconfigurable Amplifier Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IC amplifier systems struggle to meet the diverse requirements of different applications due to varying output power levels, impedance levels, and linearity or efficiency needs, necessitating separate chips for each application, which increases fabrication costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable amplifier system with a switchable multiple-coil transformer that can alternate between internal and external power amplifiers using embedded switches, allowing a single IC to adapt to different modes and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate chips are used for each application to meet diverse requirements, then application-specific performance is improved, but fabrication costs and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal amplifier system that can operate in multiple modes (single-ended, push-pull, Class-A, Class-AB, Class-B) using a single integrated circuit. The system uses switchable transformer windings and configurable amplifier stages to provide application-specific performance without requiring separate chips for each application, thereby reducing fabrication costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the amplifier system through electronically controlled switches that can alter the circuit topology in real-time. The transformer windings can be selectively connected or disconnected to change the amplifier's operating mode, allowing the system to adapt to different application requirements dynamically rather than being fixed for a single application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate chips are used for each application to meet diverse requirements, then application-specific performance is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal amplifier system that can operate in multiple modes (single-ended, push-pull, Class-A, Class-AB, Class-B) using a single integrated circuit. The system uses switchable transformer windings and configurable amplifier stages to provide application-specific performance without requiring separate chips for each application, thereby reducing fabrication costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the amplifier system through electronically controlled switches that can alter the circuit topology in real-time. The transformer windings can be selectively connected or disconnected to change the amplifier's operating mode, allowing the system to adapt to different application requirements dynamically rather than being fixed for a single application.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single IC is designed to handle multiple modes, then fabrication cost is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the amplifier system into distinct functional modules: a pre-power amplifier stage, a power amplifier stage, and a transformer with separately controllable windings. Each module can be independently configured through dedicated control switches, which simplifies the overall control logic despite the system's multi-mode capability. This modular segmentation reduces reconfiguration complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control switches as intermediary elements that mediate between the control logic and the amplifier components. These switches provide a standardized interface for reconfiguring the system, simplifying the control architecture by abstracting the complexity of mode switching away from the core amplifier functionality and making the system easier to manufacture and control.
4Device complexity
If internal power amplifier is used, then integration is improved, but power efficiency and cooling become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the amplifier system through electronically controlled switches that can alter the circuit topology in real-time. The transformer windings can be selectively connected or disconnected to change the amplifier's operating mode, allowing the system to adapt to different application requirements dynamically rather than being fixed for a single application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal amplifier system that can operate in multiple modes (single-ended, push-pull, Class-A, Class-AB, Class-B) using a single integrated circuit. The system uses switchable transformer windings and configurable amplifier stages to provide application-specific performance without requiring separate chips for each application, thereby reducing fabrication costs while maintaining versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a single IC to efficiently handle high data rates and stringent linearity requirements across a wide frequency range, reducing fabrication costs and enabling versatile wireless connectivity solutions with improved power efficiency and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a second coil inductively coupled to the first coil and configured to be electrically coupled to a first power amplifier, a third coil inductively coupled to the first coil and electrically coupled to a second power amplifier
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for reconfiguring an amplifier system with a switchable multiple-coil transformer are disclosed. In an example, a transformer with multiple switches is described. The transformer includes a first coil electrically coupled to a pre-power amplifier that is configured to receive an input signal, a second coil inductively coupled to the first coil and configured to be electrically coupled to a first power amplifier, a third coil inductively coupled to the first coil and electrically coupled to a second power amplifier, and a switch to alternately connect and disconnect the third coil from a ground.