Plural Amplifier Stages Patents (Class 455/127.3)
  • Patent number: 11942468
    Abstract: A packaged semiconductor die may include a package terminal array comprising a plurality of terminals, wherein a spacing between the plurality of terminals of the ball grid array is less than 0.5 mm. First and second high-voltage circuits of the die may output a differential signal to a first and second terminal that may exceed 15 volts, in which the first high-voltage circuit and the second high-voltage circuit are positioned symmetrically around an axis and in which the first terminal and the second terminal are located at an edge of the package terminal array. A low-voltage circuit may be coupled to a third terminal and positioned between the first high-voltage circuit and the second high-voltage circuit, wherein the low-voltage circuit comprises circuitry organized in columns aligned along an axis and having a width defined by a fraction of the terminal spacing pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksey Khenkin, Justin Richardson, Michael Robinson, David Patten
  • Patent number: 11656254
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a method is provided for measuring power using a resistive element coupled between a power amplifier and an antenna. The method includes squaring a voltage from a first terminal of the resistive element to obtain a first signal, squaring a voltage from a second terminal of the resistive element to obtain a second signal, and generating a measurement signal based on a difference between the first signal and the second signal. In some implementations, the resistive element is implemented with a power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Abdellatif Bellaouar, Arul Balasubramaniyan, Gurkanwal Singh Sahota, Muhammad Hassan, Jorge Garcia, Bhushan Shanti Asuri, Ravi Sridhara, Omar Essam El-Aassar, Chinmaya Mishra
  • Patent number: 11626844
    Abstract: An envelope tracking (ET) radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit is provided. The ET RF front-end circuit includes an ET integrated circuit(s) (ETIC(s)), a local transceiver circuit, a target voltage circuit(s), and a number of power amplifiers. The local transceiver circuit receives an input signal(s) from a coupled baseband transceiver and generates a number of RF signals. The target voltage circuit(s) generates a time-variant ET target voltage(s) based on the input signal(s). The ETIC(s) generates multiple ET voltages based on the time-variant ET target voltage(s). The power amplifiers amplify the RF signals based on the ET voltages. Given that the time-variant ET target voltage(s) is generated inside the self-contained ET RF front-end circuit, it is possible to reduce distortion in the time-variant ET target voltage(s), thus helping to improve operating efficiency of the power amplifiers, especially when the RF signals are modulated with a higher modulation bandwidth (e.g., ?200 MHz).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Marcus Granger-Jones
  • Patent number: 11265200
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decomposition of signals with varying envelope into offset components are disclosed here, that sample the time variant envelope of a single carrier (SC) or a multi-carrier (MC) band limited signal, quantizes the sampled value using Nb quantization bits and decomposes the sample into Nb in-phase and quadrature components that are combined in pairs and modulated to generate a set of Nb offset signals. The pulse shape applied in each offset signal is selected according to the spectral mask needed for the signal and to minimize envelope fluctuations in each offset signal from the set of Nb components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Paulo Carvalho, Rui Dinis, Joäo Guerreiro, Pedro Viegas, Joäo Oliveira, Joäo Madeira
  • Patent number: 11095253
    Abstract: Methods and systems for power amplification of time varying envelope signals are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals with constant envelope generated from the decomposition of the quantized version of a time varying envelope signal are individually amplified and then summed to form a desired time-varying envelope signal. Amplitude, phase and frequency characteristics of one or more of the constituent signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time varying envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying envelope signal is decomposed into in-phase and quadrature components that are quantized and decomposed into a plurality of quasi constant or constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventors: Paulo Carvalho, Rui Dinis, João Oliveira
  • Patent number: 11038543
    Abstract: Improved switched multiplexer architecture for supporting carrier aggregation in front-end applications. Front end architectures are disclosed that use two filters for a particular frequency band to allow for carrier aggregation using bands that at least partially overlap in frequency. An antenna switch module can be used to independently couple individual filters to an antenna to support a variety of carrier aggregation modes. Switches that connect to the two filters that split the particular frequency band can be configured to operate independently so as to only pass signals within a sub-band of the particular frequency band when operating in certain carrier aggregation modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Shiaw Wen Chang, Brian Blu Duverneay, Sarah Shihui Xu, David Richard Pehlke
  • Patent number: 11012269
    Abstract: A device includes a digital frontend. The digital frontend is configured to digitally modulate symbols for digital signals of a plurality of channels according to a transmission protocol. Each channel is associated with at least one respective carrier frequency within a transmission bandwidth. The digital frontend is further configured to combine the digital signals to obtain a digital output signal. The device further includes an analog frontend having a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the digital output signal into an analog output signal. The analog frontend also includes a programmable gain amplifier configured to apply an analog gain to the analog output signal. The device further includes a control logic configured to determine the analog gain based on calibration data indicative of the frequency response of the analog frontend across a transmission bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: MaxLinear, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaul Shulman, Nathan Goichberg
  • Patent number: 10938351
    Abstract: An envelope tracking system having delay compensation circuitry is disclosed. The envelope tracking system includes transmit circuitry configured to receive an input transmit signal, a gain control signal, and delay compensation values. The envelope tracking system is further configured to generate an envelope tracking signal based on the input transmit signal, the gain control signal, and the delay compensation values, and generate an output transmit signal based on the input transmit signal. The envelope tracking system also includes a power amplifier configured to generate an amplified transmit signal based on the output transmit signal and an operating voltage. The envelope tracking system further includes an envelope tracking integrated circuit configured to control the operating voltage based on the envelope tracking signal. The delay compensation circuitry is configured to generate the delay compensation values based on a peak-to-average ratio of a given modulation type and the gain control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventor: Nadim Khlat
  • Patent number: 10840810
    Abstract: A voltage supply system is disclosed, comprising a boost converter configured to receive an input voltage and generate a first output voltage at a first output node, a low-voltage supply circuit configured to receive the input voltage and generate a second output voltage at a second output node, and a routing circuit configured to route the first output voltage of the boost converter to the second output node during a selected condition of the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: David Steven Ripley
  • Patent number: 10588081
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively adjusting transmit diversity parameters in a mobile communication system including a mobile device and a base station. The mobile device transmits a signal set comprised of a plurality of signals differing only in phase from one another, receive in response an input parameter for each set, and adjust the phase difference of a subsequently transmitted signal set as a function of the input parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: Sherwin Wang
  • Patent number: 10587151
    Abstract: A wireless transmission device includes an input terminal, control terminals, an amplifying circuit, a matching circuit, and an output terminal coupled to the output of the matching circuit. The amplifying circuit includes unit amplifiers and capacitive elements. Each unit amplifier includes a sub-input terminal, a sub-control terminal, and a sub-output terminal. The sub-input terminal is coupled to the input terminal, the sub-control terminal is coupled to the corresponding control terminal in the control terminals, and the sub-output terminal is coupled to the input of the matching circuit through the corresponding capacitive element in the capacitive elements in series. Each unit amplifier includes a tri-state-type class-D amplifier. The sub-output terminal of each unit amplifier is set to a low level state, a high level state, or a high impedance state based on a control signal supplied to the sub-control terminal or an input signal supplied to the sub-input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoumi Yagasaki
  • Patent number: 10554180
    Abstract: A PA module includes: a multilayer substrate having a ground pattern layer connected to a ground of a power source; amplifier transistors disposed on the multilayer substrate; a bypass capacitor having one end connected to the collector of the amplifier transistor; a first wiring line connecting the emitter of the amplifier transistor and the ground pattern layer to each other; a second wiring line connecting the emitter of the amplifier transistor and the ground pattern layer to each other; a third wiring line connecting the other end of the bypass capacitor and the ground pattern layer to each other; and a fourth wiring line formed between the amplifier transistor and the ground pattern layer and between the bypass capacitor and the ground pattern layer and connecting the first wiring line and the third wiring line to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Isao Takenaka
  • Patent number: 10541608
    Abstract: Various examples described herein are directed to a differential controller including a first regulator and a second regulator. The first regulator receives a first regulator control signal and generates a first regulator output signal. The second regulator receives a second regulator control signal and generates a second regulator output signal. A load is electrically coupled between a first regulator output and a second regulator output. The load current and voltage are based on a difference between the first regulator output and the second regulator output. A current sensor generates a load current signal that describes a load current at the load. A first amplifier generates the first regulator control using the load current signal and a control signal. A second amplifier generates the second regulator control signal using the first regulator input voltage and a common mode voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Linear Technology Holding, LLC
    Inventor: Hio Leong Chao
  • Patent number: 10419101
    Abstract: A signal coupling apparatus for transmitting transmission signals between a terminal and an antenna includes a terminal-side interface, at least one attenuation device and at least one connection signal arm for connecting the terminal-side interface with the attenuation device. At least a first transmission activity detection device is coupled with the connection signal arm for signaling purposes. The first transmission activity detection device is capable of generating a protection signal for controlling the attenuation device if a transmission power of a transmission signal is greater than a predetermined power. There is also described a method for operating such a signal coupling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Laird Dabendorf GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Nast, Raimo Jacobi, Ahmed Sayed
  • Patent number: 10411924
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for gain control in circuits. Gain applied in a circuit may be set to a baseline set gain. A first baseline parameter, associated with a first feature of a particular pattern of a signal at said baseline set gain, and a second baseline parameter, associated with a second feature of said particular pattern of the signal at said baseline set gain, may be determined. The gain is then set a current set gain, and a gain compression ratio may be determined based on one or more of said first baseline parameter, said second baseline parameter, a first current parameter associated with said first feature of at said current set gain, and a second current parameter associated with said second feature at said current set gain. Said current set gain may then be adjusted until said gain compression ratio reaches a predefined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MAXLINEAR ASIA SINGAPORE PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Nanyan Wang, Timothy Lupick
  • Patent number: 10230300
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for power conversion may include a power converter comprising a power inductor and a switch coupled to the power inductor and a predriver system for electrically driving a gate of the switch, the predriver system configured to operate in a plurality of modes including a high-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a first power supply having a first supply voltage and a low-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a second power supply having a second supply voltage significantly lesser than the first supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingjing Yu, Christian Larsen
  • Patent number: 10181828
    Abstract: Embodiments of radio frequency (RF) systems include a plurality of power amplifiers having a primary winding and a secondary winding. Each of the power amplifiers may be configured to process signals of different frequency bands. The primary winding for one power amplifier can be detuned while another power amplifier is being used in a transmit mode. By detuning the power amplifier, power coupling from the transmitting power amplifier can be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventors: Setu Mohta, Kyu Hwan An
  • Patent number: 10084438
    Abstract: A clock generator has a buffer stage circuit, a passive mixer, and a channel selecting circuit. The buffer stage circuit receives a plurality of first reference clocks having a same first frequency but different phases. The passive mixer receives the first reference clocks from the buffer stage circuit, receives a plurality of second reference clocks having a same second frequency but different phases, and mixes the first reference clocks and the second reference clocks to generate a mixer output, wherein the second frequency is different from the first frequency. The channel selecting circuit extracts a plurality of third reference clocks from the mixer output, wherein the third reference clocks have a same third frequency but different phases, and the third frequency is different from the first frequency and the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventor: Hsi-Liang Lu
  • Patent number: 10063397
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a novel adaptive equalization technique for a Serializer/Deserializer receiver is disclosed. In one approach, adjustment of AC and DC gains is performed before DFE coefficients are adjusted. Further after the equalization an electrical idle threshold may be set based on the results of the equalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Prashant Shamarao, Yonggang Chen, Brad Luis
  • Patent number: 9755672
    Abstract: Described embodiments provide an integrated power supply and modulator system. The system includes a magnetic regulation stage, a switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage, and at least one output switching stage. The switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage is coupled to an output of the magnetic regulation stage, and maintains a substantially ratiometric set of voltages with respect to a reference potential. The magnetic regulation stage includes an inductor and at least two switches to selectively couple the inductor to two or more of (a) an input of the magnetic regulation stage, (b) a first voltage node of the switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage, and (c) a second voltage node of the switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage. The output switching stage selectively couples at least two voltages from the switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage to an output of the system in response to control signals. The system may include startup circuitry, feedback/feedforward circuitry, and control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Eta Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Perreault, Wei Li, Yevgeniy A. Tkachenko, Joel L. Dawson
  • Patent number: 9698838
    Abstract: A receiver system includes a blocker detector circuit configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) input signal and detect an existence of a blocker therein, and further configured to output a blocker detection signal indicative of the existence of the blocker. The receiver system further includes a configurable receiver circuit configured to receive the RF input signal and the blocker detection signal, and selectively configure the configurable receiver circuit between a first mode wherein the configurable receiver circuit exhibits first linearity characteristics, and a second mode wherein the configurable receiver circuit exhibits second, different linearity characteristics based on the blocker detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Shreyas Sen, Ritesh Bhat, Yanjie Wang, Stefano Pellerano, Christopher Hull, Farhana Sheikh
  • Patent number: 9543915
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for stacked active RF circuits implemented as amplification stages in high gain phased array antenna systems. Stacked active RF circuits may be implemented, for example, as an amplification stage of an element electronic circuit. Stacked active RF circuits may be implemented, for example, as a second amplification stage to maintain amplification in a high gain phased array antenna system. In one example, a system comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of substrate layers and one or more input ports and output ports. A plurality of amplification stages comprising a plurality of amplifiers, attenuators, and phase shifters are integrated within the plurality of substrate layers, the amplification stage coupled between the input and output ports. One or more monitor circuits are coupled to the plurality of amplification stages. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Jacob C. Killens, Mark W. Steeds
  • Patent number: 9515621
    Abstract: Multimode radio frequency (RF) amplifier systems and techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multimode radio frequency (RF) amplifier system has a first RF amplifier and a second RF amplifier. The first RF amplifier may support a first RF communication standard. The second RF amplifier may support a second RF communication standard. The first RF amplifier includes an auxiliary circuit. The auxiliary circuit may provide a service or a utility to a second RF amplifier. For example, the auxiliary circuit may generate a supply voltage to power the second RF amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Wayne Hietala, Jeffery Peter Ortiz, David Halchin, Jackie Johnson, Wendel Charles
  • Patent number: 9432950
    Abstract: A communications apparatus. The RF signal processing device is capable of supporting carrier aggregation and configured to process RF signals. The baseband signal processing device is configured to process baseband signals. The processor is configured to control operations of the RF signal processing device and the baseband signal processing device. The processor further receives a power control signal from a peer communications apparatus, obtains an assigned transmission power which is assigned by the peer communications apparatus for the communications apparatus to transmit a reference signal according to information carried in the power control signal, determines a spectral efficiency estimation value of the communications apparatus and directs the RF signal processing device to transmit the reference signal with a reduced transmission power which is smaller than the assigned transmission power when the spectral efficiency estimation value is smaller than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Ju-Ya Chen, Chia-Hao Yu, Yu-Chuan Lin, Yi-Chun Wei, Yi-Jung Chiang
  • Patent number: 9219452
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a dual mode receiver that includes an RF splitter configured to operate in two modes, wherein in a first mode a single low noise amplifier is active to receive an RF input signal, and in a second mode two low noise amplifiers are active to receive the RF input signal. The receiver further includes a programmable degeneration component operably coupled to the RF splitter, and configured to provide a first performance characteristic in the first mode, and a second, different performance characteristic in the second mode, wherein the first and second performance characteristics influence an input impedance of the RF splitter to be substantially the same in the first and second modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Stockinger, Umut Basaran, Josef Schmal, Ashkan Naeini
  • Patent number: 9160377
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an amplifier module which may comprise a transmit path including a first amplifier and a second amplifier. The exemplary amplifier module may further include a transformer coupled between the first amplifier and the second amplifier and switchably configured for coupling the first amplifier in series with the second amplifier in a first mode and coupling the first amplifier to bypass the second amplifier in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Chang-Ho Lee, Woonyun Kim, Minsik Ahn, Jeongwon Cha, Yunseo Park, Aristotele Hadjichristos
  • Patent number: 9131442
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for reducing power consumption in a wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus includes an antenna, a Radio Frequency (RF) module, a first amplifier, an external power amplifier, and a controller. The RF module converts a baseband transmission signal to an RF signal. The first amplifier amplifies power of the RF signal inside the RF module. The external power amplifier amplifies power of an output signal of the first amplifier. When a transmission power level of a transmission signal is equal to or less than a maximum output level of the first amplifier, the controller controls to transmit the transmission signal amplified by the first amplifier via the antenna. When the transmission power level of the transmission signal is equal to or greater than the maximum output level of the first amplifier, the controller controls to transmit a transmission signal amplified by the external power amplifier via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Yun Hwang, Jin-Woo Roh
  • Patent number: 9107170
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a signal detection module and a power adjustment module. The signal detection module detects a received signal quality of a first wireless communication system. The power adjustment module is coupled to the signal detection module, and adjusts an output power in a second wireless communication system according to the received signal quality, so as to enlarge service coverage of the electronic apparatus in the second wireless communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chin-Yu Wang, Chih-Yu Huang, Te-Mu Chen, Wen-Pin Liao
  • Patent number: 9106476
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to provide streaming video content from a user device. A location is identified for the user device. Available networks to deliver the streaming video content are identified based on the location of the at least one user device. Network preference for delivery of the streaming video content is identified. The method also includes selecting an optimal network for delivering the streaming video content based on the location of the at least one user device, the available networks and the network preference for delivery of the streaming video content. The method may also include providing the streaming video content using the optimal network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Jack Jianxiu Hao, Ishan Awasthi, Yuhui Qian, John F. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 9078211
    Abstract: A communication device is disclosed that efficiently manages power. In one embodiment, this communication device includes a first (main) transmitter including a first low band amplifier and a first high band amplifier; a second (MIMO) transmitter including a second low band amplifier and a second high band amplifier; a first power manager in communication with the first low band amplifier and with the second high band amplifier; a second power manager in communication with the first high band amplifier and with the second low band amplifier; and a control system in communication with the first transmitter, the second transmitter, the first power manager, and the second power manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Nadim Khlat
  • Patent number: 9026067
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring, communicating with, and reconfiguring power amplifier systems. A communications link is provided in field-deployed PA systems, for enabling remote communication with appropriate digital components such as microprocessors or other communications-capable portions of the power amplifier systems. The communications link permits operating parameters of the PA to be monitored and sent back to a remote terminal such as a web server or other computer mainframes via any suitable wired or wireless connection including internet, Ethernet, wireless, WiFi, WiMAX, cellular, local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Bluetooth, and so forth. The communication is bi-directional, so that the remote host can download to the PA updates, cMobile operators and/or other service providers can reduce significant operating and capital expenses related to their radio networks maintenance and PA replacement by practicing this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Dali Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shawn P. Stapleton, Albert S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9020453
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system or transmitter includes one or more power amplifiers and a controller that is configured to adjust amplitudes and phases of RF input signals of the one or more power amplifiers and supply voltages applied to the one or more power amplifiers. In embodiments where multiple power amplifiers are used, a combiner may be provided to combine outputs of the power amplifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ETA Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Briffa, Joel L. Dawson, John E. DeRoo, Krenar Komoni, David J. Perreault, Oguzhan Uyar
  • Patent number: 9014647
    Abstract: Methods for directional coupler termination impedance control are provided. In one embodiment, a method for termination impedance selection of a directional coupler in a power amplifier module is provided. The method includes determining at least one of a power mode or a frequency band of operation of the power amplifier module. The method further includes selecting a termination impedance of the directional coupler based on the determination using at least one switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A Kitching, David K Homol, Gary W Sadowniczak, Ryan M Pratt
  • Patent number: 8989683
    Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing an ultra-wideband, multi-channel solid-state power amplifier architecture. In some embodiments, the architecture includes a power divider which splits an input signal and delivers that split signal to a plurality of downstream channel chipsets. Each channel chipset is configured to amplify a sub-band of the original full-band input signal and to provide the resultant amplified sub-band for downstream use, such as for transmission by an antenna operatively coupled with that channel. In the aggregate, the amplified sub-bands provide coverage of the same ultra-wideband frequency range of the original input signal, in some cases. In some embodiments, the architecture provides high radio frequency (RF) power with good amplifying efficiency and ultra-wide instantaneous frequency bandwidth performance in a small-form-factor package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Actis, Robert J. Lender, Jr., Steven Rajkowski, Bernard J. Schmanski
  • Patent number: 8983406
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a harmonic termination circuit that is separate from a load line. In one embodiment, the load line is configured to match an impedance at the power amplifier output at a fundamental frequency of the power amplifier output and the harmonic termination circuit is configured to terminate at a phase corresponding to a harmonic frequency of the power amplifier output. According to certain embodiments, the load line and the harmonic termination circuit can be electrically coupled to the power amplifier output external to a power amplifier die via different output pins of the power amplifier die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Guohao Zhang, Hardik Bhupendra Modi, Dinhphuoc Vu Hoang
  • Publication number: 20150050901
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an amplifier module which may comprise a transmit path including a first amplifier and a second amplifier. The exemplary amplifier module may further include a transformer coupled between the first amplifier and the second amplifier and switchably configured for coupling the first amplifier in series with the second amplifier in a first mode and coupling the first amplifier to bypass the second amplifier in a second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Chang-Ho Lee, Woonyun Kim, Minsik Ahn, Jeongwon Cha, Yunseo Park, Aristotele Hadjichristos
  • Patent number: 8954018
    Abstract: A tunable wideband distribution circuit for transmitting a wireless signal over a transmission line is disclosed. The tunable wideband distribution circuit may include a programmable gain buffer, wherein the gain of the programmable gain buffer is based at least in part on a frequency of the wireless signal. The tunable wideband distribution circuit may also include a tuning element configured to modify an effective impedance of the transmission line based at least on the frequency of the wireless signal, wherein the tuning element is electrically coupled to the transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Intel IP Corporation
    Inventors: Curtiss Roberts, Rizwan Ahmed, Lillian Lent
  • Patent number: 8942652
    Abstract: An envelope tracking power supply and transmitter control circuitry are disclosed. The transmitter control circuitry receives a first envelope power supply control signal and a second envelope power supply control signal. The envelope tracking power supply operates in one of a group of operating modes, which includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode. During both the first operating mode and the second operating mode, a first envelope power supply signal is provided to a driver stage based on the first envelope power supply control signal. During the first operating mode, a second envelope power supply signal is provided to a final stage based on the first envelope power supply control signal. However, during the second operating mode, the second envelope power supply signal is provided to the final stage based on the second envelope power supply control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Michael R. Kay, Philippe Gorisse
  • Patent number: 8942313
    Abstract: An open loop envelope tracking system calibration technique and circuitry are proposed. A radio frequency power amplifier receives a modulated signal. An envelope tracker power converter generates a modulated power amplifier supply voltage for the radio frequency power amplifier based on a control signal derived from the modulated signal. A first output power and a second output power of the radio frequency power amplifier are measured when the control signal is respectively delayed by a first delay period and a second delay period. A sensitivity of the output power of the radio frequency power amplifier is near a maximum near the first delay period and the second delay period. The first delay period and/or the second delay period are adjusted until the first output power substantially equals the second output power. The first delay period and the second delay period are used to obtain a calibrated fine tuning delay offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Karl Francis Horlander
  • Patent number: 8913972
    Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software related product for antenna clustering for multi-antenna aperture selection (MAAS), e.g., in LTE wireless systems, using multi-core DSP processing with sub-optimum selection of N out of M of antenna signals and minimizing the performance degradation due to the sub-optimal antenna/antenna signal selection. Assigning each DSP core (machine) to N/K antennas (i.e., to antenna signals) having a similar property (e.g., polarization) and a same tier, the selection of N out of M using a predefined criterion (e.g., best SINR) is reduced to selecting N/K out of M/K which reduces the computation complexity by a factor of K, where K is a number of the DSP cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks Oy
    Inventors: Yehuda Luz, Philip Fleming, Shirish Nagaraj
  • Patent number: 8913970
    Abstract: An electronic device may contain wireless circuitry that transmits and receives radio-frequency signals through antenna structures. Power amplifier circuitry may amplify the radio-frequency signals that are being transmitted. An adjustable voltage supply may supply an adjustable power amplifier bias voltage to the power amplifier circuitry. The power amplifier circuitry may include multiple power amplifiers each of which may handle signals transmitted using a different cellular telephone standard. For each cellular telephone standard, multiple modulation schemes may be supported. Some modulation schemes may have greater power amplifier linearity requirements than others. Control circuitry can adjust the adjustable power amplifier bias voltage in real time to select an optimum power amplifier bias voltage based on the current cellular telephone standard, modulation scheme, power amplifier gain state, and operating frequency in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Fraidun Akhi, Vusthla Sunil Reddy
  • Publication number: 20140357208
    Abstract: A radio frequency transmitter includes: power amplifier stages having paired output terminals, where a pair of output terminals is coupled to a respective amplifier stage. A power combining arrangement includes: first paired input terminals, second input terminals, such that each input of the first paired input terminals is coupled to the same second input terminal; and a power transfer circuit coupling the second input terminals. A first pair of cross coupled bond wires couples a pair of amplifier stage output terminals with a different second input terminal via terminals of different pairs of the first paired input terminals; and a second pair of cross coupled bond wires overlays the first pair of cross coupled bond wires and couples a further pair of amplifier stage output terminals with a different second input terminal via terminals of different pairs of the first paired input terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventor: Ming-Da Tsai
  • Patent number: 8897730
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) circuit having a high-power mode and a low-power mode. The RF PA circuit may include a high-power amplifier to provide an amplified RF signal on a first path, and a low-power amplifier to provide an amplified RF signal on a second path. The first path and second path may intersect at a junction node. A switch may be coupled between the low-power amplifier and the junction node to switch the circuit between the high-power mode and the low-power mode. A matching circuit may be coupled on the second path to match an output impedance of the low-power amplifier to a junction impedance of the junction node at a fundamental frequency of the RF signal, and to present an open circuit at a third harmonic of the RF signal. The matching circuit may facilitate high efficiency for the RF PA circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140335805
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system or transmitter includes one or more power amplifiers and a controller that is configured to adjust amplitudes and phases of RF input signals of the one or more power amplifiers and supply voltages applied to the one or more power amplifiers. In embodiments where multiple power amplifiers are used, a combiner may be provided to combine outputs of the power amplifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Mark A. Briffa, Joel L. Dawson, John E. DeRoo, Krenar Komoni, David J. Perreault, Oguzhan Uyar
  • Patent number: 8880014
    Abstract: Disclosed are CMOS-based devices for switching radio frequency (RF) signals and methods for biasing such devices. In certain RF devices such as mobile phones, providing different amplification modes can yield performance advantages. For example, a capability to transmit at low and high power modes typically results in an extended battery life, since the high power mode can be activated only when needed. Switching between such amplification modes can be facilitated by one or more switches formed in an integrated circuit and configured to route RF signal to different amplification paths. In certain embodiments, such RF switches can be formed as CMOS devices, and can be based on triple-well structures. In certain embodiments, an isolated well of such a triple-well structure can be provided with different bias voltages for on and off states of the switch to yield desired performance features during switching of amplification modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Homol, Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 8868138
    Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a low-power state in a mobile handset. The method includes shifting from an active state to a low-power idle state by blocking power of modules for a mobile communication function and decreasing a frequency of a control clock when an inactive request of the mobile communication function is received; shifting from the low-power idle state to a low-power access state by increasing the frequency of the control clock when an additional service request is received; shifting from the low-power access state to the low-power idle state if an additional service request is not received any more; shifting from the low-power idle state to a suspension state by suspending the control clock when request is not received for predetermined time; and shifting from the suspension state to the low-power idle state when the input interrupt and the timer interrupt occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hoo-Sung Lee, Seong-Su Park, Byung-Jo Kim, Sung-Rae Cho
  • Patent number: 8856857
    Abstract: This technique relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, and a program that can demodulate transmitted signals with high accuracy. A receiving device of this disclosure includes: an amplifying unit that amplifies a received signal; an adjusting unit that adjusts gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with power of the signal; a demodulating unit that demodulates the amplified signal; and a detecting unit that detects an interval from the signal, information having the same content continuously appearing in the interval. The adjusting unit restricts the process of adjusting the gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with a result of the detection of the interval. This disclosure can be applied to receiving devices that receive broadcast signals compliant with DVB-C2 via a CATV network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Kobayashi, Naoki Yoshimochi
  • Publication number: 20140273897
    Abstract: A power supply for a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier that amplifies an RF input signal into an RF output signal and a method of operation in the power supply. The power supply comprises a first power converter to convert an input voltage to the power supply into a first supply voltage of the RF power amplifier. The power supply comprises a second power converter to receive the input voltage and the first supply voltage and to selectively convert either the input voltage or the first supply voltage into at least a portion of a second supply voltage of the RF power amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: QUANTANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Serge Francois Drogi, Marcus Charles Mertsching, Luigi Panseri
  • Patent number: 8838050
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power amplifier for time division multiple access. The power amplifier for time division multiple access includes: power amplifiers power-amplifying input transmission signals and outputting the amplified signals; a power control unit using a time division multiple access type to control amplification of the power amplifiers; a switching unit formed at output terminals of the power amplifiers and the power control unit and outputting the amplified signals to an antenna based on a switching pass determined by the power control unit; and a timing control unit formed at an input terminal of the power control unit and determining turn-on time of a second signal by a level of an output signal generated by comparing a first signal with reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae Seok Jang, Youn Suk Kim, Ki Joong Kim, Sung Jae Yoon, Chul Hwan Yoon
  • Patent number: 8823451
    Abstract: Disclosed is a high-frequency signal processing device capable of reducing transmission power variation and harmonic distortion. For example, the high-frequency signal processing device includes a pre-driver circuit, which operates within a saturation region, and a final stage driver circuit, which operates within a linear region and performs a linear amplification operation by using an inductor having a high Q-value. The pre-driver circuit suppresses the amplitude level variation of a signal directly modulated, for instance, by a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit. Harmonic distortion components (2HD and 3HD), which may be generated by the pre-driver circuit, are reduced, for instance, by the inductor of the final stage driver circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoumi Yagasaki