Transformer-Based Peak Envelope Power Amplifier Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed wireless communication transmitters, power amplifiers experience significant power loss and signal distortion due to the use of active devices like transistors for voltage control, which also lead to higher power consumption and non-linearity issues.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier circuit that classifies the envelope of an input high-frequency signal into high and low levels using a passive device like a transformer, reducing power loss and signal distortion by supplying a peak envelope as a supply voltage to the power amplification end via a transformer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an active device such as a transistor is used at the end of the power voltage control circuit for signal mixing, then the output signal can be generated, but power loss and signal distortion increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active device (transistor) from the power voltage control circuit and replaces it with a passive device (transformer). The transformer is configured to receive an envelope signal and generate a transformed signal that controls the power amplification stage, eliminating the need for the transistor-based mixing operation that caused power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the envelope signal source and the power amplification stage. This transformer mediates the control function by converting the envelope signal into a transformed signal that appropriately controls the power amplification, replacing the direct active device mixing approach.
2Power
If an active device such as a transistor is used at the end of the power voltage control circuit for signal mixing, then the output signal can be generated, but signal distortion increases due to non-linearity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the non-linear active device (transistor) from the signal path and replaces it with a linear passive transformer. The transformer provides the necessary signal transformation without introducing the non-linear distortion that occurs in active devices during mixing operations.
3Ease of operation
If an active device such as a transistor is used for voltage control in the power amplifier, then the output signal level can be controlled, but power consumption increases due to greater resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device that provides voltage control capability without the high power consumption of active devices. The transformer converts the envelope signal into a transformed signal that controls the power amplification stage, achieving voltage control through passive electromagnetic induction rather than active device resistance.
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 reduces power loss and maintains signal integrity by optimizing the load line of the transistor, improving efficiency and linearity compared to active devices, while minimizing distortion and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer which receives a first signal greater than a predetermined level of an envelope of a carrier signal to generate a transformed signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power amplifier circuit for peak envelope modulation of a high frequency signal is provided. The power amplifier circuit includes a transformer which receives a first signal greater than a predetermined level of an envelope of a carrier signal to generate a transformed signal, and a transistor which operates based on the transformed signal, receives a second signal, which is generated based on the carrier signal and has a direct current component, and amplifies the second signal according to the transformed signal to output an output signal.