Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to methods of selectively shielded radio frequency modules. A radio frequency module can be provided with a radio frequency component and an antenna. A shielding layer can be formed over a portion of the radio frequency module such that the radio frequency component is shielded by the shielding layer and the antenna is unshielded by the shielding layer.

Abstract: A radio-frequency switch can include a switching circuit and a control circuit configured to control operation of the switching circuit. The control circuit can include a regulator configured to generate a plurality of reference voltage levels for the operation of the switching circuit, or to be in a sleep mode, based on a control signal received through a common input node. The control circuit can further include a mode detector in communication with the regulator and configured to provide a first form of the control signal to the common input node to allow the plurality of reference levels to be generated by the regulator, or a second form of the control signal to the common input node to put the regulator in the sleep mode.

Abstract: Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) with low noise figure are provided. In certain embodiments, an LNA includes a single-ended LNA stage including an input for receiving a single-ended input signal from an antenna and an output for providing a single-ended amplified signal, a balun for converting the single-ended amplified signal to a differential signal, and a variable gain differential amplification stage for amplifying the differential signal from the balun. Implementing the LNA in this manner provides low noise figure, high gain, flexibility in controlling gain, and less sensitivity to ground/supply impedance.

Abstract: Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) with low noise figure are provided. In certain embodiments, an LNA includes a single-ended LNA stage including an input for receiving a single-ended input signal from an antenna and an output for providing a single-ended amplified signal, a balun for converting the single-ended amplified signal to a differential signal, and a variable gain differential amplification stage for amplifying the differential signal from the balun. Implementing the LNA in this manner provides low noise figure, high gain, flexibility in controlling gain, and less sensitivity to ground/supply impedance.

Abstract: Front end systems and related devices, integrated circuits, modules, and methods are disclosed. One such packaged module includes a multi-mode power amplifier circuit in an interior of a radio frequency shielding structure and an antenna external to the radio frequency shielding structure. The multi-mode power amplifier circuit includes a stacked output stage including a transistor stack of two or more transistors. The multi-mode power amplifier circuit also includes a bias circuit configured to control a bias of at least one transistor of the transistor stack based on a mode of the multi-mode power amplifier circuit. The radio frequency shielding structure can extend above a package substrate. The antenna can be on the package substrate. Other embodiments of front end systems are disclosed, along with related devices, integrated circuits, modules, methods, and components thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bandgap reference generators are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a bandgap reference generator includes a low voltage bandgap reference circuit that generates a first bandgap reference voltage, a high voltage bandgap reference circuit that generates a second bandgap reference voltage, a bandgap selector circuit that outputs the first bandgap reference voltage or the second bandgap reference voltage as a selected bandgap reference voltage based on a voltage level of the power supply voltage, and a bandgap translator circuit that generates a buffered bandgap reference voltage based on the selected bandgap reference voltage.

Abstract: Methods related to controlling switches. In some embodiments, a method for controlling a radio-frequency switch can include providing or generating a control signal to allow generation of a plurality of reference levels by a regulator, or to allow the regulator to be in sleep mode. The method can further include operating the regulator based on the control signal to generate the plurality of reference voltage levels for operation of the radio-frequency switch, or to be in the sleep mode.

Abstract: An electronics package for use in a module of an electronic device has a die, and a plurality of interconnect members disposed under the die. A seal ring extends along an outer boundary of the die. A metal shield is disposed over the die, the metal shield in contact with a peripheral boundary of the die and connected to ground via the seal ring and the plurality of interconnect members. The metal shield shields the die from stray power and electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An electronics package for use in a module of an electronic device has a die, and a plurality of interconnect members disposed under the die. One or more vias extend through the die and electrically connect to the interconnect members. A metal shield is disposed over the die. The metal shield is in contact with a peripheral boundary of the die and connected to ground with the vias and the interconnect members. The metal shield shields the die from stray power and electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An electronics package for use in a module of an electronic device has a die, and a substrate disposed under and attached to the die. The substrate includes one or more redistribution layers. A plurality of interconnect members are disposed under and attached to the substrate, the interconnect members electrically connected to the die via the redistribution layers in the substrate. A metal shield is disposed over and enclosing the die, the metal shield in contact with a peripheral boundary of the substrate and connected to ground via the redistribution layers and plurality of interconnect members, the metal shield configured to shield the die from stray power and electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Honeycomb cavity waveguides are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a mobile device includes an antenna and a front-end system. The front-end system includes a radio frequency circuit that outputs a radio frequency signal, and a plurality of honeycomb cavity waveguides arranged in an array. The plurality of honeycomb cavity waveguides includes a first honeycomb cavity waveguide that guides the radio frequency signal to the antenna.

Abstract: Polyphase power amplifiers for load insensitivity are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a polyphase transmit system includes an intermediate frequency transceiver including a first complex mixer that outputs a plurality of intermediate frequency transmit signals of different phases, and an intermediate frequency to radio frequency module including a second complex mixer that generates a plurality of radio frequency transmit signals of different phases based on the plurality of intermediate frequency transmit signals, and a polyphase power amplifier that receives the plurality of radio frequency transmit signals and outputs an amplified radio frequency signal. The polyphase transmit system further includes an antenna that transmits the amplified radio frequency signal.

Abstract: Packaged modules for use in wireless devices are disclosed. A substrate supports integrated circuit die including at least a portion of a baseband system and a front end system, an oscillator assembly, and an antenna. The oscillator assembly includes an enclosure to enclose the oscillator and conductive pillars formed at least partially within a side of the enclosure to conduct signals between the top and bottom surfaces of the oscillator assembly. Components can be vertically integrated to save space and reduce trace length. Vertical integration provides an overhang volume that can include discrete components. Radio frequency shielding and ground planes within the substrate shield the front end system and antenna from radio frequency interference. Stacked filter assemblies include passive surface mount devices to filter radio frequency signals.

Abstract: Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) with low noise figure are provided. In certain embodiments, an LNA includes a single-ended LNA stage including an input for receiving a single-ended input signal from an antenna and an output for providing a single-ended amplified signal, a balun for converting the single-ended amplified signal to a differential signal, and a variable gain differential amplification stage for amplifying the differential signal from the balun. Implementing the LNA in this manner provides low noise figure, high gain, flexibility in controlling gain, and less sensitivity to ground/supply impedance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for signal conditioning of radio frequency signals are provided. In certain embodiments, a mobile device includes a transceiver configured to output a differential transmit signal and to receive a single-ended receive signal, and a front end system. The front end system includes a transmit balun, a differential transmit amplifier configured to amplify the differential transmit signal to generate an amplified differential transmit signal provided to a first winding of the transmit balun, a differential receive amplifier configured to amplify a differential receive signal received from the first winding to generate an amplified differential receive signal, and a receive balun configured to convert the amplified differential receive signal into the single-ended receive signal.

Abstract: Methods related to controlling switches. In some embodiments, a method for controlling a radio-frequency switch can include providing or generating a control signal to allow generation of a plurality of reference levels by a regulator, or to allow the regulator to be in sleep mode. The method can further include operating the regulator based on the control signal to generate the plurality of reference voltage levels for operation of the radio-frequency switch, or to be in the sleep mode.

Abstract: Apparatus and the methods for stacked power amplifiers are provided. In certain embodiments, a mobile device includes a transceiver that generates a first radio frequency input signal and a second radio frequency input signal, and a front end system including a stacked power amplifier that receives power from a power high supply voltage and a power low supply voltage. The stacked power amplifier includes a first power amplifier that amplifies the first radio frequency input signal and a second power amplifier that amplifies the second radio frequency input signal. The first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are electrically connected in a stack between the power high supply voltage and the power low supply voltage and operate with a shared DC bias current.

Abstract: Circuits and devices related to switch controller. In some embodiments, a radio-frequency module can include a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components, and a switching circuit implemented on the packaging substrate. The radio-frequency module can further include a control circuit configured to control operation of the switching circuit. The control circuit can include a regulator configured to generate a plurality of reference voltage levels for the operation of the switching circuit, or to be in a sleep mode, based on a control signal received through a common input node. The control circuit can further include a mode detector in communication with the regulator and configured to provide a first form of the control signal to the common input node to allow the plurality of reference levels to be generated by the regulator, or a second form of the control signal to the common input node to put the regulator in the sleep mode.

Abstract: Packaged modules for use in wireless devices are disclosed. A substrate supports integrated circuit die including at least a portion of a baseband system and a front end system, an oscillator assembly, and an antenna. The oscillator assembly includes an enclosure to enclose the oscillator and conductive pillars formed at least partially within a side of the enclosure to conduct signals between the top and bottom surfaces of the oscillator assembly. Components can be vertically integrated to save space and reduce trace length. Vertical integration provides an overhang volume that can include discrete components. Radio frequency shielding and ground planes within the substrate shield the front end system and antenna from radio frequency interference. Stacked filter assemblies include passive surface mount devices to filter radio frequency signals.

Abstract: Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) with low noise figure are provided. In certain embodiments, an LNA includes a single-ended LNA stage including an input for receiving a single-ended input signal from an antenna and an output for providing a single-ended amplified signal, a balun for converting the single-ended amplified signal to a differential signal, and a variable gain differential amplification stage for amplifying the differential signal from the balun. Implementing the LNA in this manner provides low noise figure, high gain, flexibility in controlling gain, and less sensitivity to ground/supply impedance.