Configurable Transmitter Circuit With pDA Bypass for Multi-Band RF

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern wireless communications devices face inefficiencies in supporting multiple frequency bands and standards due to conflicting RF design constraints, leading to unnecessary replication of component circuitry, which increases die area and cost.

Innovation Solution

A configurable transmitter circuit that uses a pre-driver amplifier (pDA) and driver amplifier (DA) with a bypass switch, allowing the pDA to be turned on or off based on operation mode, and the DA to be coupled to selectable off-chip connections, enabling flexible operation across multiple standards and frequency bands without replicating circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmit signal paths are provided for different standards and frequency bands, then the device can support multiple modes and frequency bands, but the die area and cost increase due to replication of component circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple standards and frequency bandsVSAvoiddie area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal transmitter architecture where a single set of TX filter and amplifier circuitry can operate across multiple frequency bands and standards. The system uses programmable frequency synthesis and configurable signal paths to make one physical implementation serve multiple communication modes (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc.), eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through programmable frequency synthesizers and switchable signal paths. The same physical circuitry can be dynamically adjusted to operate at different frequencies and modes by changing control parameters, allowing the system to adapt its behavior rather than requiring static dedicated paths for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmit signal paths are provided for different standards and frequency bands, then the device can support multiple modes and frequency bands, but the cost increases due to replication of component circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple standards and frequency bandsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal transmitter architecture where a single set of TX filter and amplifier circuitry can operate across multiple frequency bands and standards. The system uses programmable frequency synthesis and configurable signal paths to make one physical implementation serve multiple communication modes (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc.), eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate transmitter paths into a single integrated circuit implementation. By combining frequency synthesis, filtering, and amplification into one shared resource that can be programmatically configured, the design reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining multi-standard support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If different TX filter and amplifier circuitry is replicated for each standard, then each standard's specific RF requirements can be met, but the die area and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeeting RF requirements for each standardVSAvoiddie area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses programmable frequency synthesizers that can be configured with different frequency parameters and tuning values to meet the specific RF requirements of each standard. The same physical filter and amplifier circuitry can be adjusted through parameter changes (frequency, gain, tuning) to optimize performance for GSM, WCDMA, LTE, or other modes without requiring physical replication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal transmitter architecture where a single set of TX filter and amplifier circuitry can operate across multiple frequency bands and standards. The system uses programmable frequency synthesis and configurable signal paths to make one physical implementation serve multiple communication modes (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc.), eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8099127B2Multi-mode configurable transmitter circuit

Publication Date: 2012.01.17 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Method and apparatus for configuring a transmitter circuit to support multiple modes and/or frequency bands. In an embodiment, a pre-driver amplifier (pDA) in a transmit (TX) signal path is selectively bypassed by a controllable switch. The switch can be controlled based on a mode of operation of the transmitter circuit. Further techniques are disclosed for selectively coupling the output of a driver amplifier (DA) to at least one of a plurality of off-chip connections, each connection coupling the DA output to a set of off-chip components.