# How Multi-Stage Power Amplifiers Save Battery Life in Wireless Devices

> This patent describes a clever way for electronic devices, like cell phones, to save battery power by using different amplifier circuits for strong and weak signals, making them more efficient.

- **Patent:** US 8130043
- **Original title:** Multi-stage power amplifier with enhanced efficiency
- **Owner:** Anadigics
- **Granted:** 2012
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 13
- **Field:** telecommunications, consumer_electronics, semiconductors

## What it does

This patent describes a power amplifier circuit designed to operate efficiently at different power levels. It uses at least two amplifying stages: a first amplifier stage and a second amplifier stage (Claim 1). When the device needs to send a strong signal (high power mode), the first stage is active, and an output impedance matching network helps it send power efficiently. When a weaker signal is needed (low power mode), the second stage is active, and a combination of the output and a first interstage impedance matching network ensures efficient power transfer for that stage (Abstract, Claim 1). For example, a smartphone sending a strong signal to a distant cell tower would use the high power stage, while sending a weaker signal to a closer tower would use the low power stage, conserving battery.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover single-stage power amplifiers, as the claims specify at least a 'first amplifier stage' and a 'second amplifier stage' (Claim 1).
- Does not cover power amplifiers that operate efficiently at only one fixed power level, as it focuses on switching for 'multiple output power levels' (Abstract).
- Does not cover amplifiers that do not use reconfigurable impedance matching networks to optimize power transfer for the active stage (Claim 1).
- Does not cover power amplifiers designed for non-radio frequency (RF) or microwave frequencies (Claim 10).
- Does not cover amplifiers that switch between stages but do not also reconfigure the impedance matching networks to improve efficiency for the active stage.

## The clever bit

The clever part is dynamically reconfiguring the amplifier's internal connections, specifically its impedance matching networks, when switching between different power-amplifying stages. This ensures that each stage operates at its peak efficiency for its intended power level, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach that wastes energy.

## Real-world examples

1. Cellular telephone power amplifiers (Claim 11)
2. Wi-Fi routers and access points
3. Bluetooth modules
4. Satellite communication transceivers
5. Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers

## Why it matters

Efficient power amplifiers are crucial for any device that sends wireless signals, especially mobile phones. By allowing devices to use less power when they don't need to transmit at full strength, this technology helps extend battery life. This is vital for consumer electronics where users expect long usage times between charges and reliable communication.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Multi-Stage Power Amplifiers Save Battery Life in Wireless Devices cover?

This patent describes a clever way for electronic devices, like cell phones, to save battery power by using different amplifier circuits for strong and weak signals, making them more efficient.

### Who owns patent US 8130043?

Anadigics owns this patent, granted in 2012.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on February 13, 2027, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 8130043 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 13 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

Efficient power amplifiers are crucial for any device that sends wireless signals, especially mobile phones. By allowing devices to use less power when they don't need to transmit at full strength, this technology helps extend battery life. This is vital for consumer electronics where users expect long usage times between charges and reliable communication.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover single-stage power amplifiers, as the claims specify at least a 'first amplifier stage' and a 'second amplifier stage' (Claim 1).

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8130043/multi-stage-power-amplifier-with-enhanced-efficiency

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US8130043

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._