Transformer Doherty Power Amplifier Without Balun Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transformer-based Doherty power amplifiers face challenges with high losses and large chip-area requirements due to the use of baluns and additional transformers, which degrade gain and efficiency in millimeter-wave applications.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier arrangement utilizing a single transformer with a power divider to drive the main and auxiliary amplifiers separately, eliminating the need for a balun and reducing losses by using a Wilkinson power divider or a power divider with two transmission lines, which reduces chip size and loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a balun and additional transformers are used in transformer-based Doherty power amplifiers, then the amplifiers can operate at millimeter-wave frequencies, but losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balun and additional transformers from the traditional Doherty power amplifier structure, retaining only the essential transformer needed for impedance transformation. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces energy losses while maintaining the core functionality of the amplifier at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the balun and additional transformers into a single integrated transformer structure that performs both impedance transformation and signal combining. This merging eliminates the need for separate balun and transformer components, reducing total loss while simplifying the overall device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If a balun and additional transformers are used in transformer-based Doherty power amplifiers, then the amplifiers can operate at millimeter-wave frequencies, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the balun and additional transformer components from the circuit, significantly reducing the total chip area required. Only the essential transformer remains, which occupies minimal space while still enabling millimeter-wave operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple discrete components (balun and transformers) into a single integrated transformer structure, consolidating their functions into one compact unit that reduces overall chip footprint while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
3Power
If a balun and additional transformers are used in transformer-based Doherty power amplifiers, then the amplifiers can operate at millimeter-wave frequencies, but gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balun and additional transformers that introduce insertion losses, thereby improving the overall gain of the amplifier. The simplified structure with fewer components reduces signal attenuation and improves power efficiency at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple components into a single transformer, reducing the cumulative losses associated with multiple discrete components. This merging improves gain by eliminating redundant interfaces and reducing total insertion loss while maintaining the necessary impedance transformation.
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 achieves reduced loss, smaller chip size, increased output power, and higher efficiency compared to traditional transformer-based Doherty power amplifiers, while maintaining load modulation and extended bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
The output of the main amplifier is connected to a first terminal of a transformer's primary winding. The output of the auxiliary amplifier is connected to a first terminal of a secondary winding of the transformer.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein relate to a power amplifier arrangement (100) comprising a main amplifier (101) comprising an output connected to a first terminal (110) of a primary winding (105) of a transformer (125). A second terminal (113) of the primary winding (105) is connected to ground (115). The power amplifier arrangement (100) comprises an auxiliary amplifier (103) comprising an output connected to a first terminal (120) of a secondary winding (108) of the transformer (125). A second terminal (118) of the secondary winding (108) is connected to a load (130).