Two-Stage LNA Feedforward Path for Wideband Receiver Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-stage low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) face reduced performance and fail to meet network operating parameters in larger bandwidth applications like Wi-Fi 7 and 320 MHz bandwidth operating modes, necessitating additional circuitry that increases area, cost, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage LNA with a feedforward path and adjustable impedance circuitry is introduced, allowing the amplified RF input signal to bypass the second gain stage directly to the mixer, enhancing flexibility and performance across varying input powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-stage LNA is used to offer increased flexibility and operation across multiple operating modes, then gain and noise performance are improved, but performance is reduced in larger bandwidth applications and additional dedicated circuitry is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between series and parallel configurations of the second LNA stage through control circuitry that responds to input signal power levels. At low input powers, the second stage operates in series to provide high gain; at high input powers, it switches to parallel to improve linearity and bandwidth handling capability, thus adapting to different operating conditions
2Reliability
If additional dedicated off-chip wideband LNA is added to handle additional modes, then performance in large bandwidth applications is improved, but area, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing two-stage LNA structure multi-functional by enabling it to operate in different configurations (series and parallel) to handle both traditional and large bandwidth applications. The second LNA stage can function as either a gain-enhancing series stage or a linearity-improving parallel stage, eliminating the need for dedicated wideband LNA circuitry
3Reliability
If additional dedicated off-chip wideband LNA is added to handle additional modes, then performance in large bandwidth applications is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry dynamically activates or deactivates the second LNA stage based on input signal power levels and bandwidth requirements. At high input powers where the second stage would be less effective, it can be deactivated to reduce power consumption while maintaining performance through the feedforward path
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communications that support enhanced two-stage low-noise amplifiers with feedforward circuitry. In a first aspect, a receiver circuit includes a two-stage low-noise amplifier (LNA) configured to amplify a radio frequency (RF) input signal and output a combined amplified RF input signal to a mixer. The two-stage LNA includes a first gain stage configured to amplify the RF input signal and output the amplified RF input signal to a second gain stage of the two-stage LNA and to the mixer via a feedforward path, and includes the second gain stage configured to amplify the amplified RF input signal received from the first gain stage. The two-stage LNA further includes feedforward circuitry in the feedforward path and configured to provide the amplified RF input signal from the first gain stage to the mixer. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.