Switchable Transformer Amplifier for Non-Contiguous Frequency Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices face inefficiencies in amplifying signals across multiple frequency bands due to the need for wideband transformers, which consume power maintaining high gain for unused frequency bands, especially when bands are non-contiguous.

Innovation Solution

A switchable transformer configuration that switches between two passbands, each covering a specific frequency band, allowing the amplifier to adjust its inductance and resonance frequencies based on the active frequency band, reducing power consumption by only using the necessary bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wideband transformer is used to amplify signals across multiple frequency bands, then the amplifier can cover all required frequency bands, but power consumption increases due to maintaining high gain for unused frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer uses switchable inductors that can dynamically change their inductance values based on the active frequency band. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the transformer to adapt its characteristics to match only the currently active frequency band, rather than maintaining fixed wideband characteristics that consume power across all bands simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer modifies its electrical parameters (inductance values) by switching between different inductor configurations. Each frequency band has optimized inductance values, and the system changes these parameters dynamically to match the active band, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability across multiple bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a wideband transformer is used to maintain high gain across all frequency bands, then signal amplification is maintained for all bands, but power is wasted on unused bands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal amplification qualityVSAvoidpower waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer dynamically switches between different inductor configurations to match the active frequency band. This ensures that the transformer maintains optimized high gain characteristics for the currently active band while disabling or reducing gain for inactive bands, thereby eliminating power waste without compromising signal amplification quality for the active band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the inductance parameters of the transformer based on the active frequency band. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the transformer maintains optimal amplification performance for the active band while minimizing power consumption for inactive bands, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the transformer continuously maintains high gain for all frequency bands, then all bands are always ready for transmission, but power efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for transmissionVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer uses dynamic switching of inductor configurations to quickly adapt to different frequency bands when needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain readiness for transmission by rapidly reconfiguring for the active band without continuously maintaining high gain across all bands, thereby improving power efficiency while preserving operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes inductance parameters to match the active frequency band only when required. This on-demand parameter adjustment maintains transmission readiness by ensuring the transformer is optimized for the current band while avoiding continuous power consumption across all bands, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration increases power efficiency by reducing power consumption by using only the required bandwidth for active frequency bands, enhancing the amplifier's performance in multi-band wireless communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor, a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12132455B2Amplifier with switchable transformer

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

In certain aspects, an apparatus includes a first amplifier having a first output and a second output, and a transformer. The transformer includes a first switchable inductor coupled between the first output and the second output, a first capacitor coupled in parallel with the first switchable inductor, a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor, a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the second switchable inductor, a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor, and a third capacitor coupled in parallel with the third switchable inductor.