Asymmetric Wilkinson Power Splitter With Integrated Impedance Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Doherty power amplifiers require significant space and suffer from insertion losses due to separate power splitters and inter-stage matching networks, which increase size and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a Wilkinson power splitter that combines power splitter and impedance matching network functions, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the overall size and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power splitter and inter-stage matching networks are used, then impedance matching between driver and final-stage amplifiers is achieved, but the overall size and component count increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power splitter and inter-stage matching networks into a single integrated circuit. The power splitter includes first and second output terminals that directly provide impedance matching to the driver and final-stage amplifiers, eliminating the need for separate matching networks and reducing overall component count while maintaining proper impedance matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The power splitter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it splits the input signal into multiple output signals while also providing impedance matching between the driver and final-stage amplifiers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated matching components.
2Reliability
If separate power splitter and inter-stage matching networks are used, then adequate impedance matching is provided, but insertion losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the matching function into the power splitter, the patent eliminates additional connection points and components that would otherwise introduce insertion losses. The direct coupling between the power splitter output terminals and the amplifier inputs reduces signal loss while maintaining impedance matching.
3Reliability
If traditional separate components are used, then functional requirements are met, but the overall amplifier size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of power splitter and matching networks into a single circuit significantly reduces the physical footprint of the amplifier. The combined circuit requires fewer discrete components and less PCB space compared to separate implementations, while maintaining all necessary functional performance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An amplifier device is presented that may include an integrated passive device (IPD). The IPD includes a substrate and a power splitter on the substrate. The power splitter includes a power splitter input terminal, a first power splitter output terminal having a first output impedance, and a second power splitter output terminal having a second output impedance that is different from the first output impedance. The power splitter is an asymmetric Wilkinson power splitter configured to receive a first signal at the power splitter input terminal, divide the first signal into a first output signal and a second output signal, output the first output signal at the first power splitter output terminal, and output the second output signal at the second power splitter output terminal.