`
`(12) United States Patent
`US 9,154,356 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`Tasic et a1.
`
`(45) Date of Patent: Oct. 6, 2015
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`LOW NOISE AMPLIFIERS FOR CARRIER
`AGGREGATION
`
`Inventors: Aleksandar Miodrag Tasic. San Diego.
`CA (US): Anosh Bomi Davicrwalla.
`San Diego. CA (US)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3.911.364 A
`4.035.?28 A
`
`10.11975 Langseth ct al.
`"11197?
`Ishikawa ct al.
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee:
`
`(*1
`
`Notice:
`
`QUALCOMM Incorporated. San
`Diego. (”.‘A (US)
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. the term Liftliis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.(T. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`CN
`CN
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(53)
`
`Appl. No.: 131590.,423
`Filed:
`Aug. 2]., 2012
`Prior Publication Data
`
`Nov. 28. 2013
`US 20131103153418.1311
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Provisional application No. 611652364. filed on May
`25. 2012.
`
`Int. (:1.
`”041'. 27/06
`”04L 2 7/26
`H030 3/20
`H03F 1/22
`[103!" 3/193
`
`(2006.01 )
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)I
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01 )
`(Continued)
`
`U.S. C 1.
`(:PC ............ HIM]. 220647001301 ]: ”031‘“ 17223
`(2013.01); [10.11’3f193 (2013.01); "(HTS/'68
`(2013.01); H0317 3/72 (2013.01): 1103ij20
`(201301)
`
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC . 11041. 2712647: 11041. 2712649; 11041. 27138:
`[[0311 7140; 11036 3120
`3751316, 317. 318, 345. 349. 340;
`4551130. 132. 136, 234.1: 3701542
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`USPC
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PA' 1‘1.€N’[‘ DOCUMENTS
`
`1523912 A
`1922795 A
`
`8.12004
`2.12007
`
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`lnlernalional Search Report and Wrillen Opinion—WTFUS20131
`042226
`ISAJI'IPO Oct. 2, 2013.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Khanh C Trail
`(74) Attorney. Agent. or Firm — Ramin Mobarhan
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) supponing carrier aggregation
`are disclosed. In an exemplary design. an apparatus includes
`first and second amplifier stages. e.g.. for a carrier aggrega—
`tion (CA) LNA or a multiple—input multiple—output (MIMO)
`1,NA. The first amplilier stage receives and amplifies an input
`radio frequency (R11) signal and provides a first output R1“
`signal to a first load circuit when the first amplifier stage is
`enabled. The input RF signal includes transmissions sent on
`mull iple carriers at different frequencies to a wireless device.
`The second amplifier stage receives and amplifies the input
`R1“ signal and provides a second output R1“ signal to a second
`load circuit when the second amplifier stage is enabled. Each
`amplifier stage may include a gain transistor coupled to a
`cascode IFHJISISIOI'.
`
`20 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`(cid:44)(cid:49)(cid:55)(cid:40)(cid:47)(cid:3)(cid:20)3(cid:19)(cid:20)
`INTEL 1301
`
`6408
`“'1
`
`6503
`, _______‘1 _ _ _ _
`
`Amplifier :
`Stage ‘1
`
`.
`
`
`I :
`
`Amplifier
`I Stage 2
`
`
`
`US 9,154,356 B2
`
`Page2
`
`(51]
`
`(56]
`
`lnt.(.:l.
`.
`H031" 3’68
`H031? 3/72
`
`(200631)
`(2006-01)
`
`References Cited
`' ‘1
`1
`." '1 "
`2
`'
`{LBPAIINI IXK'UMI'NB
`,
`113;? 2:00:
`4.1982 010011610 mil
`1211987 Masamura
`511988 Fukumura
`211988 Kojima
`1111990 33100116160111.
`[0.199. Baker
`7’11992 Mijuskovic
`31.1994 .lmmmm
`011994 Backstmm mil,
`9.11994 'I'akagi ct :11.
`211995 'I'akayamactal.
`9.19% Nakagmhi
`1011996 Mimguchietal.
`1211992 Fimuzbakhl et al.
`121.199? Sane
`611998 Saunderscta].
`811998 Portin
`911998 Seki e1 :11.
`9.1998 Ushida
`1111998 Ennki et a1.
`811999 Rich
`1211999 'l'anrook etal.
`121.1999 Shm et a1.
`2.200.] Brenner
`.12000 Brokaw
`332000 (“2111161111
`5,200.] Kroner
`512000 Ostman cta].
`2.12000 Bell. 111
`312001 Abdelgany
`612001 'l'homscn eta].
`6.2002 Bflmjani e161.
`1.2002 36110611110111
`
`133.2%: K
`43263294 A
`4.715.048 A
`4.242.503 A
`4.256.023 A
`4.969.202 A
`5050411 A
`5.128.630 A
`51291519 A
`5,321,850 A
`5.345.601 A
`5.390.342 A
`55591838 A
`5.500.304 A
`5.694.396 A
`5.092.083 A
`5.201.013 A
`5.294.159 A
`5805643 A
`51805198.) A
`5.835353 A
`5.940.452 A
`5.999.815 A
`5999 990 A
`6:020:288 A
`6.040.232 A
`6,044.254 A
`6003 901 A
`6.0691923 A
`5388348 A
`0.208.844 131
`0.249.682 131*
`614071689 B1
`0,424,683 B1
`
`45515531
`
`2.356.325 112
`2.403.508 131
`2.444.160 112
`2.454.181 B2
`7.477.106 B2
`'1.5'10.lll Bl
`2.599.025 B2
`"1.643.847 82
`2.043.848 132
`2.092.905 112
`2.228.664 B2
`2.251.513 E12"
`7.764.726 B2
`7134802“ BE
`718691528 32
`713771075 ‘31
`2.911.209 112
`7.944.298 B2
`2.949.309 B2
`2.952.398 B2
`8.022.722 132
`810551239 32
`8.063.206 132
`8'3311'23 g;
`8-
`8.090.369 B2
`3"39‘670 F“
`8-1491955 '52
`81195-1” 32
`8.208.882 132
`8.217.723 B2
`“4218‘“ 32
`8'270‘927 32
`8.290.449 B2
`8.295.228 132
`8306-494 32
`8.442.473 131*
`8.514.015 132*
`8.600.315 B2
`8.026.084 B2
`“76-148 32
`8-10610'59 '52.
`2002.10008525 A1
`200210061223 A1
`
`3251349
`
`412008 Bchzadctal.
`2.12008 Miao
`1012008 Sahotactal.
`1112008 Banisteretal.
`[12009 Van Beznuijen cl 8].
`812009 Vagherel :1].
`1012009 Mu et a1.
`112010 08011011 ct al.
`1.12010 Robinctt cta].
`412010 Lee etal.
`612010 (:Bangetal.
`12010 151501111018 :11.
`712010 Slmlcelal.
`121201" B““.“”'-
`“.20“ 11°01‘50“
`“2”“ 1”” “"1””-
`312011 Yangetal.
`512011 Cahamllaselal.
`512011 Rnft1ugamn eta].
`512011
`31111510601111.
`12011 Lasstacta].
`“1.20“ ”PM?
`11.13011
`L1 etal.
`“5%“ $131010]
`1.2
`‘2 ~
`. "F““L
`112012 Ktlame
`3’20” 8611111111.
`412913
`“’Cd
`61.2012 Emma"
`0.12012 Leeetal.
`712012 Rajendnm eta].
`812012 7‘1““?
`1.2012 wall“ 6”"
`1012012 Keel‘u‘elal.
`1012012 Keteeha ct a1.
`“1.2012 01°
`.
`4551323
`512013 K'aukovuorl C131
`812013 £11011 ............................... 3311151
`1212013 Bouluoganm 13131.
`112014 (.1001 e121].
`3".201“ 033232“ .
`.
`“2'3” Kho‘m'l’oo‘m‘i 9“"
`112002 Uskowskyctal.
`.............. 330.51
`5.12002 Adachletal.
`
`0.422.942 Bl
`6.473 601 131
`65223.95 131
`0.535.225 132
`6.6001759 B1
`0.600902 B1
`6600.931 32
`6 052498 132
`0800222 .32
`5819541 .32
`58881888 Bl
`6:952 594 B2
`6954:4416 32
`629153.132 32
`0.985212 B2
`0982950 132
`2.013.160 .32
`1024.172 Bl
`2,039,322 132*
`2.123.891 B2
`7'142 042 131
`7:161:423 B2
`2.102 044 .32
`2.182Z239 132
`
`7‘ 187904 32
`7.212788 32
`7324231 32
`2.200.322 132
`2.283.851 132
`7.299.021 B2
`2.313.368 B2
`2,312,894 B2”
`2.333.831 132
`
`10.2002 Mtg
`1012002 Oda
`2.2003 Momma
`312003 lIatchercta].
`7.2003 Wood
`1.2003 Taguchi
`7.2003 801101101211.
`121.2003 Park et 3L
`10.2004 rmwm‘)
`1 1.2004 Deningctal'
`5.2005 Tu el :11.
`[012005 Hendin
`[0.2005 K0000:
`1.2006 Wm e1 AA
`1.12005 Yamakawaet 31‘
`1.12000 com
`3.2006 Clifford
`4.2006 Murphy et A“
`512006 Yaies ......................... 45512321
`1012006 Loke
`1112006 Iicnry
`1:120”? Paulet al.
`112002 Lictal‘
`3.12002 5101.
`
`.12002 Game), e161.
`5.12007 Weber eta].
`51200? W“
`812002 Burnscta].
`1012002 Persico cta].
`1112007 PalsSinen el :11.
`1212002 Wuelal.
`112008 Hirose ......................... 45513.02
`212008 Srinivasan 01:11.
`
`9.12002 Petgmeu el 211.
`200210132592 A1
`1112002 Hall-[1111161211.
`200210173337 A1
`12.12002 Roblnctl
`200210193108 A1
`200310076197 M 412003 ”PM"
`200310081094 A1
`512003 “11ch
`200310125040 A1
`212003 1110111611 et a1.
`200310148250 A1
`812003 Yan_elal.
`200310152915 A1
`8.12003 Al.1_(1nson 01111.
`200310126126 A1
`912003 Lemonen et al.
`200310203243 A1
`10.12003 Sugarct_al.
`200310206026 Al
`1112003 11651106110111.
`200310228851 Al
`1212003 'lanlg1lchl
`200410082290 A1
`512004 86101111118111.
`2004.10092243 A1
`512004 Hey—8111111611
`200410113246 A1
`612004 Bundle
`200410116086 A1
`012004 I-Iuttuncn
`200410121253 A1
`0.12004 Sugarctal.
`200410204104 Al
`1012004 [Iornget 8.1.
`200410219959 A1
`“”2004 Khayfal'ah “a"
`200410224643 A]
`“12004 Nah“
`200410253955 A1
`1212004 Love at al.
`200410266356 A1
`1212004 Javor at a].
`200510039060 A1
`212005 Okayasu
`200510025022 A1
`4.12005 Mach 01 a1.
`
`200510118922 A1
`200510197090 A]
`200510215264 A1
`200510231290 A1
`200510205084 Al
`200510277387 A1
`200010009122 A1
`200610023245 A1
`200010061223 A1
`
`012005 Drogielal.
`12005 Slucksladelal.
`912005 Suhrzunzmiamel :11.
`10.12005
`[lung etal.
`1212005 C1101
`1212005 Kojimaetal.
`1.12006 Persia-001211.
`212006 Kooeial.
`3.12006 Lee ct a1.
`
`
`
`US 9,154,356 B2
`
`Page 3
`
`375.1148
`
`(56]
`
`References Cited
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`200610121937 A1
`200610128322 A1
`2005101451593 A1
`200610170503 Al
`200610189286 Al
`200610222100 :’\1
`200610234662 Al
`200610291428 A1
`200730049332 A1
`200110060080 A1
`200710072577 Al
`200710105517 A1
`200710142013 Al
`2007101717650 Al *
`200710177693 A1
`200710184801 A1
`200110197170 Al
`200110197173 Al
`200710 192204 A1
`200110202890 :’\1
`2007102427841 Al
`200710243832 A1
`200710262817 A1
`200110262871 A1
`200810004078 Al
`200810013054 .r'\1
`2008-01 17999 A1
`2003101351151 Al
`200810204148 Al
`
`200310224791 A I
`20031022 51”] Al
`200810261650 A1
`2m3,.r0297259 A1
`200910124227 Al
`200910227214 Al
`20091023716l Al
`200910243369 1“
`200910253456 A1
`200910290659 A1
`200910323779 A1
`
`2010111034094 A1
`201010040178 A1
`20l010041359 Al
`
`612006 Son
`612006 lgamshi ct 31‘
`712006 Mori 31 al.
`3.12005 Lee el a]_
`812006 Kyu el al.
`[052006 1361123121
`1012006 Diloisy
`1212006 Filipovic
`3.12007 Higllchi
`3.12007 Nishimura el al.
`312007 Roxenblil el al.
`5.12001r Chang el al.
`012007 Buckner ct 31.
`81200? Manna ct a1.
`812007 Kluge
`812007 Kugawzl e1 :11.
`812007 Boos
`812007 Gu
`3.12007
`llcrczog ct 3L
`812007 1:000!
`10.12007 Sampson at a].
`10.12007 Park et 31.
`1 112007 Ciccarelli el al.
`1 1.12007 Ymnagajn el :11.
`112008 13am“ el al.
`112008 Rick 01 3L
`512008 Kadous et a].
`612008 Ujo ct a].
`3.12003 Kim 61 :11.
`
`932003 Chang
`912008 Behmd
`1012008 Piriyapoksombut ct al,
`1212008 Mu
`512009 lshiguro
`912009 Georganlas e1 :11.
`912009 Fagg
`1012009 59111161100 JT-
`1012009 'Ioh Ct :11.
`1112009 Pctrovic ct al.
`1212009 Lcnncn
`
`212010 Tenny
`212010 Sutton (-31 211.
`212010 1.11161 al.
`
`201010210272 Al
`201010210299 Al
`20l0102 [4184 Al
`20101022 5414 A1
`
`812010 Sundstrorn et 31.
`812010 Gorbachuv
`812010 Tran el 21].
`912010 Gorbachev
`
`201010237947 A1
`201010253435 Al
`201010265875 Al
`20l010271986 Al
`201010272051 A1
`
`912010 Xiung el 21].
`1012010 Ichilsubo et a].
`1012010 31130 El :11.
`1012010 Chen
`1012010 l’u ct a].
`
`201010328155 A1
`201010330977 Al
`201110018635 Al
`
`1212010 Simic er a].
`1212010 Kadous e121].
`112011 Tasic et a].
`
`201110110463 Al
`201110122972 Al
`201110165848 A1
`201 110193625 Al
`201 110194504 A1
`201 110204973 Al
`
`512011 Chang E1 211.
`512011
`116 el 31.
`712011 Gorbachev 131 a].
`81201 1 Cam ct al.
`81201 1
`(jorokhov (:1 31.
`81201 1 H11 (-31 al.
`
`201110211533 A1
`201110217945 Al
`201110222443 Al
`201110222444 Al
`
`20] [10242999 A]
`201 [10250926 111
`201 [10208048 A1
`201110268232 A1
`201110292844 Al
`201110299434 Al
`201 [10300810 A]
`2011-0009335 1“
`201210013382I A1
`201210025352 «*1
`201210044922 A1
`201210056681 Al
`2012100571531 Al
`201210195237 A1
`20 1 2102 36 829 A 1
`2012110293265 A1
`201210294299 Al
`201210322825 A1
`201210329395 Al
`201310003017 A 1
`201310003733 A1
`2013110043946 A]
`201310051334 «*1
`2013101 14169 Al
`201310163492 Al
`201310217398 A1
`201310230080 A1
`201310231064 A1
`2013110265892 A1
`
`2013103 16669 Al
`201310316620 A1
`201310329665 Al
`201410072001 A1
`2014101 13578 A1
`201410269853 Al
`
`912011 Casaccia ct a].
`912011 Uchara et :11.
`912011 Khlat
`912011 Khlat et al.
`
`10120] 1 Pa1anki el al.
`101201 1 Wlelfeldl at :11.
`1 112011 Tuskala el al.
`1112011 Park Ct .11.
`12.12011 K1wun of al.
`1212011 qucm 01 a1.
`12120] 1 Mikhernar et a1.
`112013 P0111!"
`112012 Sankaranmayzman 81 al.
`212012 Sad“ t-‘l a“
`212012 Pan ct al.
`31201?- Lee
`313013 110113 0‘ 3L
`812012 Chan 61 51"
`912012 Talszmp at a].
`1 112012 Halkklnen et a1.
`1112012 1213115111110
`1212012 (Judcm 01 al.
`12.12012
`I1ustcd 01 a].
`112013 Crudcm 01 :11.
`“2013 Gl'dfim 8} all
`12013 Hadjlchrlslus el al.
`212013 K111?“
`512013 Fernando
`612013 W002
`‘
`812013 Wmlcckl Ct .1].
`912013 Gudeln el :11.
`912013 Gudeln 61 a1.
`1012013 Fen1_21.ndo
`
`1 112013 panlcrwalla Ct 31.
`1112013
`laSlC ct al.
`1212013 Kadous ct al,
`312014 Chang el 21].
`412014 Xu
`912014 Gudem ct a1.
`
`..
`:2:
`
`CN
`EP
`01’
`
`13.1)
`131’
`EP
`EP
`
`GB
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`JP
`JP
`“3
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`FORlleGN PA'I‘EN'I‘ I.){)CUM13N'1‘S
`q
`i g 1 3:13:13); j:
`
`82%:
`
`[01789805 A
`1 164719 A1
`1370012
`
`722010
`12,1200]
`12,2003
`
`1761076 A2
`2068583 A1
`2141818 A1
`1916762 131
`
`352007
`612009
`112010
`1212010
`
`2472978 A
`05227234
`“07.130452 A
`07221684
`9022778 A
`
`3120l 1
`9:115:93
`“1995
`811995
`11.11997
`
`20000l3278 A
`20012851 14 A
`2002261880 A
`
`1] {120,00
`103001
`93-2002
`
`2008519535 A
`2009130867 A
`2011015112 A
`201 1032559 A
`2011091742 A
`2011 l [9807 A
`
`52-2003
`612009
`[12011
`41201 1
`51201 1
`61201 1
`
`
`
`US 9,154,356 B2
`
`Page 4
`
`(56]
`
`W0
`W0
`W0
`W0
`W0
`WO
`W0
`W0
`W0
`W0
`W0
`W0
`WO
`W0
`W0
`W0
`W0
`W0
`WO
`WO
`W0
`
`References Cited
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`0150636
`0237686
`2005 039060
`2005 062477 A2
`2005088847 Al
`2006050515 A2
`2006118538 A2
`2008059257 A1
`2008084539 A]
`2008092 745 A]
`2008103757
`2008145604 Al
`2010059257 AI
`2011019850 AI
`2011050729 A1
`2011092005 A]
`2011138697 A]
`2012008705 A2
`2012049529 A1
`2013036794 AI
`2013131047
`
`7:2 001
`572002
`472 005
`712 005
`9.0005
`5."2006
`11.-'2006
`572008
`779008
`8:2 008
`82008
`1232008
`5."2010
`2'2011
`572011
`8:“2011
`1172011
`1:20 12
`4:"2012
`3."2013
`9.-'2013
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`3GPP TS 36.101 V1 1.0.0. 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Tech—
`nical Specification Group Radio Access Network; L-‘volved Universal
`Terrestrial Radio Access (E-U'I'RA); User Equipment (UE) radio
`transmission and reception (Release 1 1). Mar. 2012.
`Aparin ct al..
`“A Highly-integrated tri-band.-"quad-mode SiGe
`BiCMOS RF—to—baseband and receiver
`[or wireless C DMAJ‘
`WCDMAEAMPS applications with GPS capability”. Solid—Slate Ci r—
`cuits Conference. 2002. Digest of'I'echnical Papers. 2002 IEEE Inter-
`national Feb. 3—7. 2002. Piscataway. NJ. USA. IF.F.F.. vol. 1.2002. pp.
`234—235. XP010585547, ISBN: 0—7803—7335—9.
`Broyde I'-'., et al.. “The Noise Performance of aMultiple-Input-Port
`and Multiple-Output-Port Low-Noise Amplifier Connected to an
`Array of Coupr Antennas.” International Journal ofAnlennas and
`Propagation. vol. 201 1. Article ID 438478. Jul. 18. 2011. 12 pages.
`Chen. et al. “A 5-6 G112 I-V CMUS DirectaConversion Receiver
`With an Integrated Quadrature Coupler.” IEEF. Journal OI'SOlid—State
`Circuils. vol. 42.No. 9. 2007. pp. 1963—1975.
`Chen. et al.. “A monolithic 5.9-GIIz CMOS [IQ direct-down con-
`verter utilizing a quadrature coupler and transformer—coupled
`subhaJmonic mixers.” Microwave andWireIess C umponenls Letters.
`IEEE . vol. 16. No. 4. 2006. pp. 197-199.
`Garuda, et al.. “A Multi-band CMOS RI: Front-end for 4G WiMAX
`and WI..AN Applications.” 2006 [FEE International Symposium on
`Circuits and Systes. 2006. ISCAS 2006. May 2006, 4 pages.
`Ilashemi. et al.. “Concurrent Multiband Low-\‘oise Amplifiers-
`Theory. Design. and Applications.” [FEE Transactions on Micro—
`wave Theory and Techniques. vol. 50.
`'o. 1. Jan. 2002.
`Henrik M et al.. “A Full Duplex Front End Module forWiI-'i802.11.n.
`Applications”. European MicrowaveAssociation. vol. 12, No. 4. Oct.
`2008. pp. 162—165.
`I-lwang, et al.. “A High [1P2 Direct-Conversion Receiver using Even-
`IIarmonic Reduction 'I'echnique for Cellular CDMAJ‘PCSEGPS
`applications.” IEEE Transaction on Circuits and Systems. Ocl. 2008.
`
`Jones W. W.. et al.. “Narrowband interference suppression using
`filler—bank analysisn’synthesis tech niques”. Military Communications
`Conference, 1992. MILCOM ‘92. Conference Recor d. Commtmi-
`cations Fusing Command. Control and Intelligence. IEEE San
`Diego. CA. USA. Oct. 11 14. 1992. New York. NY. USA, IEEE. US.
`Oct.
`1 l.
`1992. pp.
`898—902. Km10060840. 001:
`10.1 1097’
`MII.COM.1992.243977. ISBN: 978—0—7803—0585—4.
`Jussi R ct al.. “A Dual-Band R17 Front-13nd for WCDMA and GSM
`Applications“, IL-‘L-‘L'I. Journal Solid-State Circuits. 2001. vol. 36. No.
`8. pp. 1198—1204.
`lIighly Linear Receiver l-‘ront-Ijnd Adopting
`Kim.
`'1'.W.. et al..
`MOSI‘E'I‘ 'l'ransconductance Linearization by Multiple Gated 'l'ran-
`sistors. IEEF. Journal of Solid—State Circuits. Uni led Slates. IEEE.
`Jan. 1.2004. vol. 39. No. I. pp. 223—229.
`Lai. C .M..et al.. "Compact router transceiver architecture for carrier
`aggregation systems“. Microwave Conference (EUMC). 2011 41st
`European. IEEE. Oct. 10. 2011. pp. 693—696. XP032072825. ISBN:
`978-1-61284-235-6 dte whole document.
`Lee et al.. “Development of Miniature Quad SAW filter bank based
`on PCB substrate". [FEE Inll Frequency Control Syrnp. pp. 146—149.
`2007.
`
`MSM6000 Chipset Solution. Qualcomm Incorporated. 2003.
`MSM6500 Chipset Solution. Qualcomm Incorporated. 2004.
`Pi lschi M. et al.. "High Performance Microwave Acoustic Compo—
`nents for Mobile Radios". Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS). 20091131511
`International. EPCOS AG. Munich. Germany. vol. 1. Sep. 20-23.
`2009.
`QuaJcoinm Europe: “II'E Implementation Impact due to 4C—HSDPA
`Operation”. 3GPP Draft; RI-094067 ,UL" ._Impl
`Impact
`.4C.
`HSDPA. 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Mobile Com—
`petence Centre ; 650. Route des I.ucioles; F—0692l Sophia—Antipolis
`Cedex ; France. No. Miyazaki; Oct. 12. 2009, XP050388547.
`[retrieved on Oct. 6. 2009].
`Rahn D.G.. et al.. “A fully integrated mulliband MIMO WIAN
`transceiver RI‘IC.” IEEL“ J. Solid-State Circuits. 2005. vol. 40 (8).
`1629-1641.
`Sever et' al. “A Dual—Antenna Phase—Array Ultra—Widehzmd CMOS
`Transceiver”. IEEE Communications Magazine [0n1ine] 2006. vol.
`44. Issue 8, pp. 102-110. See pp. 104-107.
`'I'asic A. et al.. “Design of Adaptive Multimode R1; l‘ront-lind Cir-
`cuits”. IEEE Joiu-naI of %Iid—Slale Circuits. vol. 42. Issue 2. Feb.
`2007 pp. 313-322.
`Winternit'z. et a] .. “A GPS Receiver for High-Altitude Satellite Navi-
`gation.” IF.F.F. Joumal ofSelected Topics in Signal Precessi ng. vol. 3.
`No. 4. pp. 541—556, Aug. 2009.
`Philips: “Capabilities of multi-transceiver LIL-‘8". 3GPP Draft;
`R [—103913. 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Mobile
`Competence CenLre; 650. Route des I.ucioles; F—0692l Sophia—
`Antipolis Cedex; l‘rance. vol. RAN WGI. No. Dresden. Germany;
`Jun. 22. 2010. XP050449298. [retrieved on Jun. 22. 2010] the whole
`document.
`Kevin W el al.. “3G.“4G Multimode Cellular Front End Challenges”.
`Part 2: Architecture Discussion. R1"MD® White Paper. 2009. 9
`pages.
`“IIMTS Pioocell Front End Module”. CTS Corp. 8 pages. 201 1 via
`archiveorg-‘web.
`
`‘3 cited by examiner
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 1?
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`9.:.
`
`959mm
`
`“.OE
`
`cozfim8mm
`
`Jill-III
`I'll-Illi'
`
`92
`
`F2
`
`03
`
`E996
`
`5:350
`
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`2
`
`
`
`
`2.3.9::0UPI1N.OE
`"_n_u______u5______muunu__H,u.3.5-591"_.236:2""vcmméfl"m22th30235952:0=o=mm2mm<.5250
`
`3:;UN.OE
`
`
`
`3.3.5.5hIS8EMN0E
`7uuuu_u_u1________,m____u_u_2_.ucmmfimf"_.ucmmfiS"_Nucmm.264.__Fucmm.26..._wnacho2mm92mm5cos—«9584‘52.50
`Al.|la_|l______u_u_
`
`
`28.5:23-2223,23
`
`
`
`lllllllllllllllll_fllllll'llll'll'lll—rll'lll'llllllllll"l
`
`B.%US“.ONQ‘l
`
`1wu_n___M____uu1______9.,uunuu_wu.ucmmfimf"n.ucmmfifi"_vcmméfl“3:90ucmmE23205:o=mm9mm<
`
`
`
`
`.52th353.5%:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`22:8mzozmzcoo:05:30.3452509.3.955
`
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 3 of]?
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`0')
`
`aUC2(
`
`Dx(
`
`D1
`
`Transmit
`Circuits
`
`,
`.
`
`Data
`Processor.Jr
`Controller
`
`00
`E.Fl-
`'
`CD
`
`03
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 4 0f 17
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`440
`
`4903
`
`LNA
`
`Switches!
`
`Duplexers
`
`Input
`Matching
`Circuit
`
`Carrier
`
`Aggregation
`(CA)
`
`FIG. 4A
`
` Load
`Circuit
`
`
`
`
`
`RFout1
`
`Vout‘l for
`Carrier
`Set 1
`
`Input
`Matching
`Circuit
`
`n___________________
`
`RFout2
`
`
`
`Vout2 for
`Carrier
`Set 2
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 5 of]?
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`510
`
`
`
`, _______ 1.520: _______ .l
`540x
`ILOi
`
`'--_d-__'
`5323
`
`I
`
`Input
`p
`RXini
`: Voul1 for
`
`Matching
`I Carrier
`Circuit
`:
`Set 1
`
`:l
`
`I :
`
`: '
`
`
`
`Circuit
`
`Input
`Matching
`
`m
`g
`5’3‘
`(D
`5!."
`UC
`31
`(DX
`
`3
`
`Input
`Matching
`‘
`1
`chm
`
`Input
`MatChm
`Circuit
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`Load
`Circuit
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`(0whS
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`63__auuII.ruuuuuuuO9.5%.
`
`5Nmmfiw___‘235m@9533u"555:3
`
`8%
`
`30..
`
`meme
`
`“53
`
`€86“Soho
`
`i.)
`
`move
`
`U:285
`
`,mmCEBmE
`
`{aGE
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 7 am
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`I .
`
`I II I I I I
`
`|
`I
`
`:
`'
`.
`I
`
`Input
`Matching
`I
`
`I
`
`Saturation
`:
`Saturation
`Region
`I
`Region
`
`
`'
`652b
`I
`
`
`
`
`6523
`
`FIG. 68
`
`Non-CA Mode
`
`
`
`
`
`Input
`Matching
`
`' ' ‘ 'Cfirfiit'
`
`Saturation
`
`
`
`Region
`
`6523
`
`FIG. 60
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`--fi------>L.I,8m.6.8%833%w«SEN.
`1owmoowmom_r----.x------>L._r--
`
`
`
`58%$9.
`
`5u38u"£3"v8
`
`M"$8""$8“e____mm_98$__$8_0%m8
`____________
`
`8%8%
`
`$333
`
`:85:3583
`
`1-)
`
`0____C_
`
`59:km
`
`1llllllllllllllll_1llllllllllllllll__by__.’_____u38u"£8"_'__'__'.__.i_____"£3"umgn7.____Em“525H_mcEBmE
`
`nGE
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 9 of]?
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`890b
`
`Load
`Circuit
`
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 10 of 17
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`RFin
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 11 0f 17
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`Circuit
`
`Input
`Matching
`
`Tunable
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`0
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`t.3m?082new?mom“:mNEW.|Esoum1)
`
`
`
`
`M,_IIIIIIJflII__IIIIIIJhIL_IIIIIIJflII__IIIIIIJhIL
`
`2________m_Em?__DES__$3“__$68_________m_Em?__new?__ammo“__mam?__________________T__T__T__T_________H.u#88).u"mommo>"“mommo>""Emma.)“
`
`___0&2____fie_".IvRm?"H.IInul...ammo““n.Iv"_.III__.III__.AII__.ll!_________________________w“________Mu___«ENE“___EEK
`
`Q)
`‘3'-
`
`5.5
`LL
`
`qlllllllllllJ—IllllllllllJ—IllllllllllJ—IllllllllllJ
`
`
`
`8%“.mom?“
`
`08..
`
`80..
`
`:85H525
`
`$2
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`
`
`Mm___OIllfilllh.lllllllIllfllnlh
`
`8m:mom:
`
`
`
`
`
`fizoumsauna.r;
`
`
`
`qomhhmomhfi
`
`omOJ
`
`omOJ
`
`
`
`330:0330:0
`
`
`
` 7..__i_nunmg:n0___B___au_u.M_n_ha"“mvmhh"___"mmmhh____n.u_umunJ.J.u6,£395988).“mmommo>Somme).
`
`
`
`
`
`{2‘GE
`
`I._IIIIIIIIIIIII.___n}r____
`
`mow:
`
`EEK
`
`NEH—N—
`
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`O
`
`Szoum
`
`novhh
`
`nomhh
`
`Um04
`
`£3020
`
`mamhv
`
`umOA
`
`:so:o
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`________a:_at._0_44_11_fl_nu_h_Co_____5_mm_2_cm,ImNSoum
`
`ovomwo‘;
`
`lllfill.
`
`pmummo?_
`
`bcmhh
`
`gummy)._
`
`oomhh
`
`IIIflII—I
`
`nmummo)
`
`
`
`m:.OE
`
`.Illfillh
`lllllnunfillh
`
`nomfih
`
`mouwh
`
`aEmmo?_
`
`mumfih"_mmmfifi"__"mmommo>mEmma?
`
`mmmhh“_____
`
`uuuuuuuuuuuuI._____
`
`Frzmm
`
`mc_¢~m
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`a0
`
`:soum
`
`6,«58¢
`
`5m2
`
`Nf0HAwhS
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`an:
`
`novhh
`
`meow“
`
`umOJ
`
`:85
`
`momhh
`
`umOJ
`
`:85
`
`mwummo>
`
`nvommo>
`
`$885,
`
`nmommo>
`
`
`
`9Emmy)m.Emmo>
`
`
`
`02‘.0E
`
`mmmh“
`
`mvmfiv
`
`wc_mmm
`
`
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 16 of]?
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`0mm“
`
`wmmh
`
`as:
`
`\(a
`
`mm“
`
`mmmfi
`
`:2
`
`OWN“
`
`mhmfi
`
`“NF
`
`ONEGE
`
`9.:GE
`
`gFGE
`
`cows
`
`mmmfi
`
`vmmh
`
`wmw
`
`mm“
`
`no)
`
`\l‘
`
`baa5
`
`N
`
`$3Em“
`
`emu“
`
`ENEGE
`
`m2.GE
`
`UUE/
`
`meh
`
`vvmh
`
`ON“GE
`
`Hwmhmvwh
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 6, 2015
`
`Sheet 17 0f 17
`
`US 9,154,356 32
`
`Enable first and second amplifier
`stages in a first/CA mode
`
`1312 “d
`
`1314
`
`Enable the first amplifier stage
`and disable the second amplifier
`
`stage in a second/non-CA mode
`
`when the second amplifier stage is enabled
`
`1316
`
`Amplify a first input RF signal with the first
`amplifier stage to obtain a first output RF
`signal when the first amplifier stage is
`enabled, the first input RF signal comprising
`transmissions sent on multiple carriers at
`different frequencies to a wireless device
`
`Amplify the first input RF signal or a second
`input RF signal with the second amplifier
`stage to obtain a second output RF signal
`
`1318
`
`End
`
`FIG. 13
`
`
`
`US 9,154,356 B2
`
`1
`LOW NOISE AMPLIFIERS FOR CARRIER
`AGGREGATION
`
`CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119
`
`The present Application for Patent claims priority to Pro-
`visional U.S. Application Ser. No. 6])652064, entitled
`“LOW NOISE AMPLIFIERS FOR CARRIER AGGREGA—
`
`TION,” filed May 25, 2012, assigned to the assignee hereof.
`and expressly incorporated herein by reference.
`
`If]
`
`1 3A(.‘KGROU N | )
`
`FIG. 13 shows a process for receiving signals in a wireless
`system.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
`description of exemplary designs of the present disclosure
`and is not intended to represent the only designs in which the
`present disclosure can be practiced. The term “exemplary” is
`used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or
`illustration.” Any design described herein as “exemplary" is
`not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
`over other designs. The detailed description includes specific
`details for the purpose ofproviding a thorough understanding
`ofthe exemplary designs of the present disclosure. It will be
`apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary designs
`described herein may be practiced without these specific
`details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices
`are shown in block diagam form in order to avoid obscuring
`the novelty of the exemplary designs presented herein.
`LNAs supporting carrier aggregation are disclosed herein.
`These [..NAs may have better performance and may be used
`for various types of electronic devices such as wireless com-
`munication devices.
`
`FIG. 1 shows a wireless device 110 communicating with a
`wireless communication system 120. Wireless system 120
`may be a Long Tenn Evolution (l; [‘13) system, a Code Divi-
`sion Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Global System for
`Mobile Communications (GSM) system. a wireless local area
`network (WLAN) system, or some other wireless system. A
`CDMA system may
`implement Wideband CDMA
`(WCDMA), cdm a2000. or some other version of( .‘DMA. For
`simplicity, FIG. I shoWs wireless system 120 including two
`base stations 130 and 132 and one system controller 140. In
`general. a wireless system may include any ntunber of base
`stations and any set of network entities.
`Wireless device 110 may also he referred to as a user
`equipment (UH). a mobile station, a temtinal, an access ter-
`minal. a subscriber unit. a station. etc. Wireless device 110
`may be a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a wireless
`modem, a personal digital assistant
`(FDA), a handheld
`device, a laptop computer, a smartbuok, a netbook. a cordless
`phone, a wireless local loop (WI..[.) station, a Bluetooth
`_ device. etc. Wireless device 110 may be capable of commu—
`nicating with wireless system 120. Wireless device 110 may
`also be capable of receiving signals from broadcast stations
`(e.g., a broadcast station 134), signals from satellites (e.g.. a
`satellite 150) in one or more global navigation satellite sys—
`tems (GNSS), etc. Wireless device 110 may support one or
`more radio technologies for wireless communication such as
`Ififli, cdma2000, WCDMA, GSM, 802.1 1, etc.
`Wireless device 110 may support carrier aggregation,
`which is operation on multiple carriers. Carrier aggregation
`_ may also be referred to as mu [ti—carrier operation. Wireless
`device 1 It! may be able to operate in low-band from 698 to
`960 megahertz (MI [2), mid-band from 1475 to 2170 Mllz.
`andfor high-hand from 2300 to 2690 and 3400 to 3800 Mllz.
`Low—band, mid—band, and high—band refer to three groups of
`bands (or band groups), with each band grotlp including a
`number of frequency bands (or silnply, “bands“JI. l'iach band
`may cover up to 200 M112 and may include one or more
`carriers. Each carrier may cover up to 20 MHz in LTE. LTE
`Release 1] supports 35 bands, which are referred to as LTE»r
`UMTS bands and are listed in SGPP TS 36.101. Wireless
`device 110 may be configured with up to 5 carriers in one or
`two bands in I.fl‘l.". Release 1 l .
`
`1. Field
`
`The present disclosure relates generally to electronics, and
`more specifically to low noise amplifiers (I..NAs).
`11. Background
`A wireless device (e.g., a cellular phone or a smartphone)
`in a wireless communication system may transmit and receive
`data for two—way communication. The wireless device may
`include a transmitter for data transmission and a receiver for
`
`data reception. For data transmission, the transmitter may
`modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal with data to
`obtain a modulated RF signal. amplify the modulated RF
`signal to obtain an amplified RF signal having the proper
`output power level. and transmit the amplified RF signal via
`an antenna to a base station. For data reception. the receiver
`may obtain a received RF signal via the antenna and may
`amplify and process the received RF sigial to recover data
`sent by the base station.
`A wireless device may support carrier aggregation, which
`is simultaneous operation on multiple carriers. A carrier may
`refer to a range of frequencies used for communication and
`may be associated with certain characteristics. For example, a
`carrier may be associated with system information describing
`operation on the carrier. A carrier may also be referred to as a
`component carrier (CC), a frequency channel. a cell. etc. It is
`desirable to efficiently support carrier aggregation by the
`wireless device.
`
`BRIEF I.)lZS(.‘RIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`I shows a wireless deviCe communicating with a
`FIG.
`wireless system.
`FIGS. 2A to 2D show four examples ofcarrier aggregation
`(CA).
`FIG. 3 slloWs a block diagram ofthe wireless device in FIG.
`
`1.
`
`FIGS. 4A and 4B show a receiver supporting intra—band
`CA.
`
`FIGS. 5A and SB show a receiver supponing intra-hand
`(7A and inter-band CA.
`FIGS. 6A to 6C show an LNA with inductive degeneration
`and cascode shutofi'.
`FIG. 7 shows an INA with inductive degeneration, cas-
`code shutoff. and resistive feedback.
`FIG. 8A shows an INA with a separate input attenuation
`circuit for each amplifier stage.
`FIG. 8B shows an LNA with a shared input attenuation
`circuit for two amplifier stages.
`FIG. 9 shows an INA with a tunable input matching cir-
`cuit.
`
`FIGS. 10 to 11C show several exemplary designs of a
`multiple—input multiple—output (MIMO) LNA.
`FIGS. 12A to 1 213 show six exemplary designs of a ttuiable
`input matching circuit.
`
`15
`
`2f]
`
`25
`
`30
`
`40
`
`50
`
`60
`
`
`
`US 9,154,356 B2
`
`3
`In general, carrier aggregation (CA) may be categorized
`into two types—intra—band CA and inter—band CA.
`Intra—
`band CA refers to operation on multiple carriers within the
`same band. Inter—band CA refers to operation on multiple
`carriers in different bands.
`FIG. 2A shows an example of contiguous intra-band CA.
`In the exatnple shown in FIG. 2A. wireless device 110 is
`configured with four contiguous carriers in the saute band,
`which is a band in low—band. Wireless device 110 may receive
`transmissions on multiple contiguous carriers within the
`same band.
`
`FIG. 2B shows an example of non-contiguous intra-band
`CA. [11 the example shown in FIG. 213, wireless device III) is
`configured with four non—contiguous carriers in the same
`band. which is a band in low~band. The carriers may be
`separated by 5 MHz, 10 MHZ, or some other amount. Wire—
`less device 110 may receive transmissions on multiple non-
`contiguous carriers within the same band.
`FIG. 2C shows an example of inter-band CA in the same
`band group. In the example shown in FIG. 2C, wireless device
`110 is configured with four carriers in two bands in the same
`band group. which is low-band. Wireless device 110 lnay
`receive transmissions on multiple carriers in different bands
`in the same band group (e.g., low-band in FIG. 2C).
`FIG. 2D shows an example of inter—band CA in difi'erent
`band groups. In the example shown in FIG. 2D, wireless
`device 110 is configured with four carriers in two bands in
`different band groups, which include two carriers in one band
`in low—band and two additional carriers in another band in
`
`tnid—band. Wireless device 110 may receive transmissions on
`multiple carriers in difi'erent bands in difi'erent band groups
`(e.g., low-band and mid-band in FIG. 21)).
`FIGS. 2A to 2|) show four examples ofcarrier aggregation.
`Carrier aggregation may also be supported for other combi—
`nations ofbands and band groups. For example, carrier aggre—
`gation may be supported for low—band and high—band, tnid—
`band and high-band, high-band and high-band, etc.
`FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary design of
`wireless device 110 in FIG. I. In this exemplary design.
`wireless device 110 includes a transceiver 320 coupled to a
`primary antenna 310, receivers 322 coupled to a secondary
`antenna 312. and a data processori'controiler 380. Transceiver
`320 includes multiple (K) meeivers 3301.10 to 33tlak and inn]-
`tiple (K) transmitters 3600 to 360k to support multiple bands.
`carrier aggregation, multiple radio technologies, etc. Receiv—
`ers 322 include multiple (M) receivers 330330 to 3301')»: to
`suppon multiple bands, carrier aggregation. multiple radio
`technologies, receive diversity, MIMO transmission, etc.
`In the exemplary design shown in FIG. 3. each receiver 330
`includes input circuits 332, an LNA 340, and receive circuits
`342. For data reception, antenna 310 receives signals from
`base stations andr’or other transmitter stations and provides a
`received RF signal, which is routed through switchestduplex—
`ers 324 and provided to a selected receiver. The description
`below assumes that receiver 330m;- is the selected receiver.
`
`is passed
`Within receiver 330nm the received RF signal
`through input circuits 332cm, which provides an input RI"
`signal to an LNA 3400a. Input circuits 332m: may include a
`matching circuit. a receive filter. etc. LNA 340cm amplifies
`the input RF signal and provides an output RI" signal. Receive
`circuits 342m: amplify, filter, and downconvert the output RF
`signal from RF to baseband and provide an analog input
`signal to data processor 380. Receive circuits 332cm may
`include mixers. a filter. an amplifier. a matching circuit, an
`oscillator, a local oscillator [1.0) generator, a phase locked
`loop (Pl ..I). etc. [Each remaining receiver 330 in transceiver
`
`S
`
`If]
`
`15
`
`2f]
`
`25
`
`30
`
`_
`
`40
`
`50
`
`60
`
`4
`
`320 and each receiver 330I in receivers 322 may operate in
`similar manner as receiver 3