Distributed output matching network for a radio frequency power amplifier module

A multi-band wireless mobile device comprising:

• first and second antennas configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals, the first antenna associated with a first transmit path and the second antenna associated with a second transmit path;
• a transmit/receive switch configured to pass a radio frequency output signal to the first antenna for transmission;
• and
• a radio frequency power amplifier module including an input terminal configured to receive a radio frequency input signal in the first transmit path, an output terminal configured to provide an amplified version of the radio frequency input signal, a first semiconductor die including an amplifier circuit configured to amplify the radio frequency input signal for transmission by the first antenna, a first partial output matching network residing on the first semiconductor die and configured to step up an output impedance of the amplifier circuit to a percentage of an input impedance of the first antenna, and a second partial output matching network and filter circuit electrically connected between the first semiconductor die and the output terminal and configured to concurrently step up an output impedance from the percentage to the input impedance of the first antenna and block signals received at the output terminal from propagating backwards through the first transmit path, the signals received at the output terminal radiating from the second antenna.

A method to reduce intermodulation in a radio frequency output signal in a multi-band wireless mobile device, the method comprising:

• receiving along a first radio frequency path at an input to a power amplifier circuit a radio frequency input signal having a first fundamental frequency in a band of operating frequencies;
• amplifying the radio frequency input signal to provide an amplified version of the radio frequency input signal for transmission by a first antenna in the first radio frequency path, an amplifying circuit configured to amplify the radio frequency input signal implemented on a first semiconductor die;
• stepping up an output impedance of the power amplifier circuit to a percentage of an input impedance of the first antenna with a first partial output matching network residing on the first semiconductor die;
• and
• stepping up an output impedance of the first partial output matching network from the percentage to the input impedance of the first antenna and concurrently blocking signals having a second fundamental frequency received by the first antenna when the first antenna is transmitting.