Transformer Envelope Modulation in RF Power Amplifier Circuits

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power amplifiers in wireless communication systems experience significant power loss and signal distortion due to the use of active devices, which result in inefficient transmission and noise introduction during envelope modulation of high frequency signals.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a power amplifier circuit utilizing a transformer as a passive device to perform envelope modulation, reducing power loss and signal distortion by mixing transformed signals with DC components, thereby controlling the envelope of the output signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If an active device is used for envelope modulation in the power voltage control circuit, then signal amplification is achieved, but power loss increases and signal distortion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal amplificationVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the active device (electronic component) with a transformer (passive electromagnetic device) for envelope modulation. The transformer uses electromagnetic induction to modulate the envelope of the power amplifier output signal, eliminating the need for active devices in this function. This substitution reduces power loss while maintaining signal amplification capability through the passive transformer coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the power amplifier and the power voltage control circuit. The transformer couples the power amplifier output signal with the modulating voltage to achieve envelope modulation without direct connection of active devices, thereby reducing power loss and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If an active device is used for envelope modulation in the power voltage control circuit, then signal amplification is achieved, but signal distortion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal amplificationVSAvoidsignal distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the active device (electronic component) with a transformer (passive electromagnetic device) for envelope modulation. The transformer uses electromagnetic induction to modulate the envelope of the power amplifier output signal, eliminating the need for active devices in this function. This substitution reduces power loss while maintaining signal amplification capability through the passive transformer coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the power amplifier and the power voltage control circuit. The transformer couples the power amplifier output signal with the modulating voltage to achieve envelope modulation without direct connection of active devices, thereby reducing power loss and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If an active device is used for envelope modulation, then signal processing is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the active device (electronic component) with a transformer (passive electromagnetic device) for envelope modulation. The transformer uses electromagnetic induction to modulate the envelope of the power amplifier output signal, eliminating the need for active devices in this function. This substitution reduces power loss while maintaining signal amplification capability through the passive transformer coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the power amplifier and the power voltage control circuit. The transformer couples the power amplifier output signal with the modulating voltage to achieve envelope modulation without direct connection of active devices, thereby reducing power loss and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach improves power efficiency by at least 10% and ensures clear output signals without distortion, as the transformer's lower resistance and higher linearity compared to active devices minimize power loss and signal distortion.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer receiving a first signal and generating a transformed signal from the first signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

generating an output signal corresponding to a mixture of the second signal and the transformed signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal mixing:

Data Source

PatentUS7616053B2Power amplifier circuit and method for envelope modulation of high frequency signal

Publication Date: 2009.11.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A power amplifier circuit includes: a transformer receiving a first signal and generating a transformed signal from the first signal; and a transistor receiving a second signal having a direct current (DC) component, and generating an output signal. The second signal and the transformed signal are mixed, via a terminal connected with the transformed signal, wherein an envelope of the output signal is controlled by the first signal.