Radio frequency module with envelope tracking power supply and related methods

Abstract

The present disclosure provides radio frequency (RF) modules with envelope tracking (ET) power supplies in devices and related methods. The RF module includes a plurality of transmitters, an ET output, and an ET multiplexer. Each of the transmitters includes an ET port and one or more RF outputs, and is configured to provide an RF signal to one of the one or more RF outputs and to provide an ET signal reflecting an envelope of the RF signal to the ET port. The ET multiplexer can be coupled between the ET ports of the plurality of transmitters and the ET output for selectively relaying one of the ET ports to the ET output.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 674,985, filed February 18, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to radio frequency (RF) modules with envelope tracking (ET) power supplies in devices and related methods, and more particularly to RF modules with ET multiplexers coupled between an ET module (ETM) and multiple transmitters for selectively relaying one of the transmitters to the ETM. BACKGROUND

[0004] Wireless connectivity / telecommunications functionality is essential to modern electronic devices. To implement wireless functionality, a device includes a transmitter, a power amplifier (PA), a power supply, and an antenna; when the device wishes to wirelessly transmit (upload, upstream, uplink, etc.) content (e.g., packets), the transmitter processes the content to provide an RF signal, the power supply supplies power to the PA, the PA amplifies the RF signal and feeds the antenna accordingly, and the antenna forms a corresponding output electromagnetic wave.

[0005] To implement more advanced wireless functionality, such as multi-input multi-output (MIMO), carrier aggregation (CA), and / or E-UTRAN new radio dual connectivity (ENDC), a device includes multiple transmitters, multiple PAs, and multiple antennas. Thus, how to provide multiple PAs is a major concern for modern wireless development.

[0006] An ETM operating based on ET power supply technology can be used as a power supply. For a PA amplifying an RF signal, the ETM provides time-varying power to the PA, tracking the instantaneous envelope of the RF signal. To cooperate with the ETM, a transmitter providing the RF signal for the PA to amplify will also provide an ET signal to the ETM that reflects the envelope of the RF signal, so the ETM can adjust the power provided according to the ET signal. In other words, to properly provide the PA to amplify the RF signal of the transmitter, the ETM needs the ET signal from the transmitter, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal.

[0007] ET power supply technology that utilizes ETMs to provide PAs is technically advantageous but also costly compared to other power supply technologies. Therefore, more flexible solutions are needed to improve the use of ET power supply technology. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an RF module (e.g., 100 in Figures 1a to 4a , or 200 in Figure 5a and Figure 6 ) that improves the use of ET power supply in a device (e.g., 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000 in Figure 1a , 2a , 3a, 4a, or 5a). The RF module can include a plurality of transmitters (e.g., tx1 and tx2 in Figures 1a to 4a , or tx1 to tx3 in Figure 5a and Figure 6 ), an ET output (e.g., eol in Figures 1a to 5a and Figure 6 ), and an ET multiplexer (e.g., 10 in Figures 1a to 4a , Figure 5a and Figure 6 ). Each of the transmitters (e.g., one of tx1 and tx2 in Figures 1a to 4a , or one of tx1 to tx3 in 5a and Figure 6 ) can include an ET port (e.g., one of ep1 and ep2 in Figures 1a to 4a , or one of ep1 to ep3 in Figure 5a and Figure 6 ) and one or more RF outputs (e.g., o11 to o16 or o21 to o26 in Figures 1a to 4a ; or 11a to o17, o21 to o25, o31 to o36 in Figure 5a and Figure 6 ), and can be configured to provide an RF signal (e.g., one of rf11 and rf12, rf21 and rf22 in Figures 1a to 4a , or one of rf11 to rf13, rf21, rf22, rf31, and rf32 in Figure 5a and Figure 6 ) to one of the one or more RF outputs and an ET signal (e.g., one of et1 and et2 in Figures 1a to 4a , or one of et1-et3 in Figure 5a and Figure 6 ) to the ET port, which can reflect an envelope of the RF signal. The ET multiplexer can be coupled to the ET ports (e.g., ep1 and ep2 in Figures 1a to 5a , or ep1 to ep3 in Figure 6 andFigure 1b ET outputs (e.g., o1-o3) of the RF module, and can selectively relay (e.g., conduct, pass, forward, link, electrically connect, etc.) one of the ET ports to one of the ET outputs. Figures 1a to 5a and Figure 6 eo1) of the RF module, and can selectively relay (e.g., conduct, pass, forward, link, electrically connect, etc.) one of the ET ports to one of the ET outputs.

[0009] In one embodiment, the ET multiplexer can relay different ones of the ET ports (e.g., ep1 and ep2) to the ET outputs at different time intervals (e.g., as shown in Figures 1a to 4a and 1c , 2b and 2c, or 5b and 5c).

[0010] In one embodiment (e.g., as shown in Figure 5a and Figure 6 ), the RF module further includes one or more additional ET outputs (e.g., eo2 in Figures 1a to 5a , or Figure 6 and Figure 5a eo2 and eo3 in Figure 6 and Figures 1a to 5a ep2 in Figures 1a to 5a and Figures 1a to 5a ep3 in

[0011] In one embodiment (e.g., as shown in Figures 1a to 4a ), the plurality of transmitters includes a first transmitter (e.g., tx1 in Figure 5a ), the first transmitter includes a first ET port (e.g., ep1 in Figures 1a to 5a ) and a first RF output (e.g., one of o11-o16 in Figures 1a to 3a , or one of o11-o17 in Figure 4a ). The device further includes an ETM (e.g., 110 in Figure 5a ) and a first PA (e.g., one of a1, a2 and a5 in Figures 1a to 5a , one of a1 and a2 in Figures 1a to 5a , or one of a7-a11 in Figures 1a to 3a ). The ETM includes an ET input (e.g., ei1 in Figure 4a ) and a first power output (e.g., po1 in Figure 5a ), and can power the first power output according to a signal obtained from the ET input; the ET input can be coupled to an ET output of the RF module. The first PA can include a first RF input (e.g., one of i1, i2 and i5 in Figures 1a to 3a , one of i1 and i2 in Figure 4a , or one of i7-i11 in Figure 5a ) and a first power input (e.g.,Figure 1b One of pi1, pi2, and pi5, or Figure 1b One of pi2 and pi2 in the middle, or Figure 1e One of pi7 to pi11 in the first power supply (PPS) is coupled to the first RF output of the first transmitter and the first power supply output of the ETM, respectively, and can amplify the signal obtained from the first RF input by consuming power supplied from the first power supply input. During the first time interval (e.g., as shown in the image), Figure 2d , 1e (As shown in one of 2b, 2d, 3b, 3d, 4b, 4d, 5b, and 5e), the first transmitter can output to the first RF (e.g., Figure 5e , 2b o13 in 3b and 5b Figure 1b o11 in Figure 1e , 3d o12 in 4b and 4d, or Figure 5e (o17) provides the first RF signal (e.g., Figure 1b , 2b rf12 in 3b and 5b Figures 1a to 5a , 2d RF11 or in 3D, 4B and 4D Figures 1a to 5a (rf13 in the middle), and can provide a first ET signal to the first ET port (e.g., Figures 1a to 5a , 1e et1 in 2b, 2d, 3b, 3d, 4b, 4d, 5b and 5e can reflect the envelope of the first RF signal; the ET multiplexer can relay the first ET port of the first transmitter to the ET output.

[0012] In one embodiment (for example, Figures 1a to 4a The plurality of transmitters includes a second transmitter (e.g., Figure 5a In tx2), the second transmitter includes a second ET port (e.g., Figures 1a to 3a ep2) and the second RF output ( Figure 4a One of o21 to o26, or Figure 5a One of o21-o25 in the range). The device also includes a second PA (e.g., in...). Figure 1a One of a3 and a4 in the list. Figure 4a One of a3 to a5 in the list, or Figure 5a (a12); the second PA includes a second RF input (e.g., Figure 1a One of i3 and i4 in 3, Figure 4a One of i3 to i5, or Figure 4a i12) and second power input (e.g., Figure 1c One of pi3 and pi4 in 3 Figure 1cOne of pi3 to pi5, or Figure 1d (pi12 in the second power supply input), and can amplify the signal obtained from the second RF output by consuming power supplied from the second power supply input. The second RF input of the second PA can be coupled to the second RF output of the second transmitter. During the second time interval (e.g., as shown in the image), Figure 4e , 1d The second transmitter can output to the second RF (e.g., 2c, 2e, 3c, 3e, 4c, 4e, 5c, and 5f). Figure 1c , 2c o23 in 2e, 3c, 4e, 5c and 5f, or Figure 5c , 3e o22 in, or Figure 5a (o21) provides a second RF signal (e.g., Figure 6 , 1d rf21 in 2c, 2e, 3c, 3e, 4c and 4e, or Figure 5a and 5f (rf22 in the middle).

[0013] In one embodiment (for example, Figure 6 and Figure 5a The plurality of transmitters includes a third transmitter (e.g., Figure 6 and Figure 5a In the tx3), the third transmitter includes a third ET port (e.g., Figure 6 and Figure 5a ep3) and the third RF output ( Figure 6 and Figure 6 One of o31-o36 in the series). ET multiplexer (e.g., Figure 6 and Figure 6 20) can be coupled between the first ET port, the second ET port, the third ET port, and the ET output, for selectively relaying one of the first ET port, the second ET port, and the third ET port to the ET output.

[0014] In one embodiment (for example, Figure 6 The ET multiplexer may include a first ET switch (e.g., Figure 1a In ew1), the second ET switch (e.g., Figure 1a (ew2) and a two-to-one multiplexing unit (e.g., Figure 5aThe two-to-one multiplexing unit includes a first multiplexed input port (e.g., na1), a second multiplexed input port (e.g., nb1), and a multiplexed output port (e.g., nc1), and can selectively relay one of the first and second multiplexed input ports to the multiplexed output port. The multiplexed output port (e.g., nc1) can be coupled to an ET output (e.g., eo1). The first multiplexed input port (e.g., na1) can be coupled to a first ET port (e.g., ep1). A first ET switch can be coupled between a second ET port (e.g., ep2) and a second multiplexed input port (e.g., nb1). A second ET switch can be coupled between a third ET port (e.g., ep3) and a second multiplexed input port (e.g., nb1). The first ET switch and the second ET switch cannot be closed simultaneously.

[0015] In one embodiment (for example, Figure 1b , 2a And 5a), the second power input of the second PA (e.g., Figure 1c and 2a One of pi3 and pi4, or Figure 1c pi12 in the diagram can be coupled to the first power supply output of the ETM (e.g., po1). During the first time interval (e.g., as shown in the diagram), Figure 2d , 1e The second transmitter can be disabled (as shown in one of 2b, 5b, and 5e). During the second time interval (e.g., as shown in 2b, 5b, and 5e), the second transmitter can be disabled. Figure 2d , 1d The first transmitter can be disabled (as shown in one of 2c, 5c, and 5f), and the second transmitter may further provide a second ET signal to the second ET port (e.g., Figure 4d , 1d (et2 in 2c, 5c and 5f), the second ET signal can reflect the envelope of the second RF signal, and the ET multiplexer can relay the second ET port of the second transmitter to the ET output.

[0016] In one embodiment, during the first time interval (e.g., as Figure 2d , 3d (as shown in one of 4d), the second transmitter can output to the second RF (e.g., Figure 2a and 3d o23 in, or Figure 2a (e.g., o21) provides a second RF signal (e.g., Figure 3a and 3d (rf21 in the middle).

[0017] In one embodiment (for example, Figure 2a , 3a In addition to 4a), the device may also include a second power source (e.g.,Figure 3a 130 in the middle, Figure 2a and 4a (120 in the middle). The second power supply includes a second power supply output (e.g., Figure 4a po3 in, or Figure 2a and 4a The second power supply output can be coupled to the second power supply input (po2 in the second power supply), and can supply power to the second power supply input. The second power supply output of the second power supply can be coupled to the second PA (e.g., po2 in the second power supply). Figure 4a and 3a One of a3 and a4 in the a3 or a4, or Figure 2a The second power input (e.g., one of a3 to a5) Figure 3a and 3a One of pi3 and pi4, or Figure 3a One of pi3 to pi5 in one embodiment (e.g., Figure 3d The second power source can be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0018] In one embodiment (for example, Figure 2a and 4a The RF module also includes a second ET output (e.g., eo2) coupled to a second ET port (e.g., ep2). The second power supply may be a second ETM, which may further include a second ET input (e.g., eo2) coupled to the second ET output of the RF module. Figure 2a and 4a (ei2 in the second ET input), and can supply power to the second power supply output according to the signal obtained from the second ET input. During the first time interval (e.g., as in the second ET input), Figure 2a and 4d As shown in one example), the second transmitter may further provide a second ET signal (e.g., et2) to the second ET port, which may reflect the envelope of the second RF signal.

[0019] In one embodiment (for example, Figure 2a The device also includes a power switch (e.g., Figure 2a One of W3 and W4 in the configuration). The power switch can be coupled to the first power output of the ETM (e.g., Po1) and the second power output (e.g., ...). Figure 2a The second power output of the 130) (e.g., Figure 2d po3) and the second PA (e.g., Figure 2d The second power input (e.g., a3 or a4) in the middle. Figure 2d Between pi3 or pi4 in the first power supply, and selectively relaying one of the first power supply output and the second power supply output to the second power supply input. During the first time interval (e.g., as shown in the image), Figure 2cAs shown), power switch (e.g., Figure 2c w4) can output the second power of the second power source (e.g., Figure 2c The second power input (e.g., pi4) of the second PA (e.g., a4) is relayed to the second power input (e.g., pi4) of the second PA (e.g., a4). During the second time interval (e.g., as... Figures 1a to 5a As shown), power switch (e.g., Figure 6 w4) can output the first power supply of the ETM (e.g., Figures 1b to 1e The second power input (e.g., pi4) of the second PA (e.g., a4) is relayed to the second power input (e.g., pi4) of the second PA (e.g., a4), and the ET multiplexer can relay the second ET port (e.g., ep2) to the ET output (e.g., eo1).

[0020] In one embodiment (for example, Figure 1a and Figures 1a to 4a Each transmitter (e.g., one of TX1 to TX3) may further include a digital front-end (DFE, e.g., one of CA1 to CA3) for processing the content signal (e.g., one of S1 to S3) to form a preliminary transmitting signal (e.g., another of SA1 to SA3) and a pre-tracking signal (e.g., any of SC1 to SC3) that tracks the envelope of the preliminary transmitting signal; an RF circuit coupled to the DFE (e.g., one of CB1 to CB3) for processing the initial transmitting signal to form an intermediate transmitting signal (e.g., one of SB1 to SB3); an internal amplifier coupled to the RF circuit (e.g., one of U11 to U13, U21 to U22, and U31 to U32) for amplifying the intermediate transmitting signal to form an RF signal; an ET circuit coupled to the DFE (e.g., one of CD1 to CD3) for processing the pre-tracking signal to form an intermediate tracking signal (e.g., one of SD1 to SD3); and an ET digital-to-analog converter (ET) coupled between the ET circuit and the ET port. A DAC (such as one of ce1 to ce3) converts the intermediate tracking signal into an ET signal.

[0021] The object of this invention is to provide a method (e.g., as...) Figure 5a (as shown in one of 2b to 2e, 3b to 3e, 4b to 4e, and 5b to 5f), for improving equipment (e.g., Figures 1a to 5a , 2a The use of ET power supplies in 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000 (among others, 3a, 4a, or 5a). The device includes an RF module (e.g., Figures 1a to 3a 100 in, or Figure 4a 200 in the middle), ETM (for example, Figure 5aof 110), a first PA (e.g., Figures 1a to 3a one of a1, a2 and a5 in Figure 4a one of a1 and a2 in Figure 5a one of a7 to a11 in Figures 1a to 4a a3 or a4 in Figure 5a one of a3 to a5 in Figures 1a to 5a a12 in Figures 1a to 4a tx1 and tx2 in Figure 5a tx1 to tx3 in Figures 1a to 4a eol in Figures 1a to 5a 10 in Figure 5a 20 in Figures 1a to 5a one of tx1 and tx2 in Figures 1a to 5a one of ep1 and ep2 in Figures 1a to 5a ep3 in Figures 1a to 5a tx1 in Figure 1b tx2 in Figure 1b ep1 in Figure 1e ep2 in Figure 2d , 1e 2b, 2d, 3b, 3d, 4b, 4d, 5b and 5e), the first PA can provide, to the first ET port, a first ET signal (e.g., Figure 5b a5 in 2b a1 in Figure 5e a2 in Figure 1b a7 in 3d a11 in Figure 1e , Figure 5e , Figure 1b rf12 in 2b , Figure 1c rf11 in 2d , Figures 1a to 3a rf13 in Figure 4a, 1e ET1 in 2b, 2d, 3b, 3d, 4b, 4d, 5b, and 5e); the ET multiplexer can relay the first ET port of the first transmitter to the ET output, so that the ETM provides the first PA according to the first ET signal; during the second time interval (e.g., as Figure 5a , 1d (As shown in one of 2c, 2e, 3c, 3e, 4c, 4e, 5c, and 5f), the second transmitter can send to the second PA (e.g., in...). Figure 1c One of a3 and a4 in the list. Figure 1d One of a3 to a5 in the list, or Figure 4c (a12) provides the second RF signal to be amplified (e.g., Figure 5c , 2c a4 in 2e, 3c and 4e, or Figure 5a and 3e a3, or Figure 5a a5 in the middle, or Figure 5b and 5f (a12 in the middle).

[0022] In one embodiment, the plurality of transmitters includes a third transmitter (e.g., Figure 5b The third transmitter also includes a third ET port (e.g., tx3 in the tx3). Figure 1b (ep3 in the text). The method also includes: at different time intervals (e.g., as in ep3). Figure 1c and 5c As shown), the different ports (e.g., the first ET port, the second ET port, and the third ET port) are multiplexed by an ET multiplexer. Figure 1c and 5c The ep1 and ep2 in the middle are relayed to the ET output.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further includes: during the first time interval (e.g., as... Figure 2d , 1e The second transmitter can be disabled (as shown in one of 2b, 5b, and 5e). During the second time interval (e.g., as shown in 2b, 5b, and 5e), the second transmitter can be disabled. Figure 2d , 1d The first transmitter can be disabled if one of the following is shown (e.g., 2c, 5c, and 5f), and the second transmitter may further provide a second ET signal to the second ET port (e.g., Figure 4d , 1d In 2c, 5c and 5f, the second ET signal can reflect the envelope of the second RF signal; the ET multiplexer can relay the second ET port of the second transmitter to the ET output, so that the ETM provides the second PA according to the second ET signal.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method further includes: during the first time interval (e.g., as shown in one of Figure 2a , 3d , 4d), the second transmitter can provide a second RF signal (e.g., rf21) to be amplified to a second PA (e.g., a4 in Figure 3a and 3d , or a5 in Figure 2d ).

[0025] In one embodiment, the device further includes a second power supply (e.g., 130 in Figure 2d , or 120 in Figure 4d and 4a ) that can power the second PA (e.g., a4 in Figure 2a and 3d , or a5 in Figure 2d ) during the first time interval (e.g., as shown in one of Figure 2a , 3d , and 4d).

[0026] In one embodiment, the device further includes a power switch (e.g., w3 or w4 in Figure 2d and 4a ) coupled between the ETM, the second power supply, and the second PA (e.g., a3 or a4 in Figure 2d and 4a ). During the first time interval (e.g., as shown in Figure 2c ), the power switch (e.g., w4 in Figure 2c ) can relay the second power supply to the second PA (e.g., a4 in Figure 2c ) to power the second PA. During the second time interval (e.g., as shown in Figure 1a ), the power switch can relay the ETM to the second PA to power the second PA. The method further includes: during the second time interval (e.g., as shown in Figures 1b-1e ), the second transmitter further provides a second ET signal (e.g., et2 in Figure 1a ) that can reflect an envelope of the second RF signal to the second ET port; and the ET multiplexer relays the second ET port of the second transmitter to the ET output to cause the ETM to provide the second PA according to the second ET signal.

[0027] Many of the advantages of the present application will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon viewing the drawings. However, the drawings are to be regarded as being merely illustrative, and not as a limitation of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The above objects and advantages of the present application will become more apparent by describing in detail the following embodiments thereof, with reference made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 2a An apparatus including an RF module according to an embodiment of the present application is described;

[0030] Figures 2b-2e An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application is described; Figure 2a Operation of the apparatus shown;

[0031] Figure 3a An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application is described;

[0032] Figures 3b-3e Operation of the apparatus shown; Figure 3a

[0033] An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application is described; Figure 4a

[0034] Operation of the apparatus shown; Figures 4b-4e Figure 4a An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application is described;

[0035] Figure 5a Operation of the apparatus shown;

[0036] Figures 5b-5f Figure 5a An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application is described;

[0037] Figure 6 Operation of the apparatus shown;

[0038] Figure 5a An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application is described; Figure 1a

[0039] Operation of the apparatus shown; Figures 1b-1e Figures 1a Embodiment examples of the RF module shown are described.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figures 1a An apparatus 1000 including an RF module 100 according to an embodiment of the present application is described, Figures 1a ​​​The operation of the device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application is described. The device 1000 can be an electronic device or a user equipment (UE) with wireless functions; for example, the device 1000 can be a wearable gadget, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a game console, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a wireless network adapter, a router, a set-top box, a digital camera, a camcorder, a drone, a smart speaker, a smart television, a smart consumer electronics, or automotive electronics, etc. The RF module 100 can be a transceiver packaged in a semiconductor chip, such as a transceiver in an integrated circuit (IC). As shown in FIG. 1A, the device 1000 can include the ETM 110 and the PAs a1 to a5 in addition to the RF module 100. Figure 1b As shown in FIG. 1A, the device 1000 can include the ETM 110 and the PAs a1 to a5 in addition to the RF module 100.

[0041] The RF module 100 can include two transmitters tx1 and tx2, two ET outputs eol and eo2, and an ET multiplexer 10. The RF module 100 can also include other circuits, such as a receiver, etc., which are not shown for the sake of brevity.

[0042] In the RF module 100, each transmitter tx# (# = 1 to 2) includes an ET port ep#, a DFE ca#, an RF circuit cb#, an ET circuit cd#, and an ET DAC ce#; the RF circuit cb# can be coupled to the DFE ca#, the ET circuit cd# can be coupled to the DFE ca#, and the ET DAC ce# can be coupled between the ET circuit cd# and the ET port ep#.

[0043] The transmitter tx1 can further include internal amplifiers u11 and u12, and RF outputs o11 to o16; the internal amplifier u11 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb1 and the RF outputs o11 to o13, and the internal amplifier u12 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb1 and the RF outputs o12 to o16. The transmitter tx2 can further include internal amplifiers u21 and u22, and RF outputs o21 to o26; the internal amplifier u21 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb2 and the RF outputs o21 to o25, and the internal amplifier u22 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb2 and the RF outputs o24 to o26. In one embodiment, each of the internal amplifiers u11 to u12 and u21 to u22 can be a variable gain amplifier (VGA).

[0044] Each transmitter tx# (# = 1 to 2) can be enabled and disabled; when a transmitter tx# is enabled, the DFE ca# can process a content signal s# (including content intended to be transmitted) to form a digital pre-transmit signal sa#; and, if necessary (e.g., to accommodate ET power), further form a digital pre-tracking signal sc# that can track the envelope of the digital pre-transmit signal sa#. In the transmitter tx#, the RF circuitry cb# can process the digital pre-transmit signal sa# to form an analog intermediate transmit signal sb#, the ET circuitry cd# can process the digital pre-tracking signal sc# to form a digital intermediate tracking signal sd#, and the ET DAC ce# can convert the digital intermediate tracking signal sd# to an analog ET signal ET#. For example, in one embodiment, the DFE ca# can map digital content in the signal s# to symbols, and convert the symbols to a digital baseband waveform of the signal sa#, and if necessary, to a digital baseband waveform of the signal sc#; the RF circuitry cb# can up-convert the digital signal sa# to an analog RF signal sb#; the ET circuitry cd# can adjust the digital waveform of the signal sc# (e.g., scaling, etc.) to form a digital waveform of the signal sd#.

[0045] Further, when the transmitter tx1 is enabled, the internal amplifier u11 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb1 to form the RF signal rf11, or the internal amplifier u12 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb1 to form the RF signal rf12. Thus, when the transmitter tx1 is enabled, the transmitter tx1 can provide the RF signal rf11 to one of the RF outputs o11 and o13, or the RF signal rf12 to one of the RF outputs o12 to o16; and, if necessary, the transmitter tx1 can also provide the ET signal et1 to the ET port ep1 that reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf11 or rf12. In one embodiment, the RF signals rf1 and rf12 can be signals on different RF bands. When the transmitter tx1 is disabled, the transmitter tx1 can not provide the RF signals rf11 and rf12, and can not provide the ET signal et1.

[0046] When transmitter tx2 is enabled, internal amplifier u21 can amplify analog intermediate transmit signal sb2 to form RF signal rf21, or internal amplifier u22 can amplify analog intermediate transmit signal sb2 to form RF signal rf22. Thus, when transmitter tx2 is enabled, transmitter tx2 can provide RF signal rf21 to one of RF outputs o21 to o25, or provide RF signal rf22 to one of RF outputs o24 to o26; transmitter tx2 can also provide ET signal et2 to ET port ep2, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf21 or rf22, if necessary. In one embodiment, RF signals rf22 and rf21 can be signals on different RF bands. When transmitter tx2 is disabled, transmitter tx2 can not provide RF signals rf21 and rf22, and can not provide ET signal et2.

[0047] In RF module 100, ET multiplexer 10 can be coupled between ET output eol and ET ports el and epl of transmitters txl and tx2, and can selectively relay (conduct, electrically connect, etc.) one of ET ports epl and ep2 to ET output eol. ET output eol can be coupled to ET port ep2.

[0048] In device 1000, ETM 110 includes ET input ei 1 and power output pol, and can supply power to power output pol according to a signal obtained from ET input ei 1; ET input ei 1 can be coupled to ET output eol of RF module 100. As shown, in one embodiment, power output pol can include two power pin sets bll and b12; power pin set bll can include one or more power pins (or solder balls, not shown), and power pin set b12 can include one or more power pins (not shown). Figure 1c

[0049] In device 1000, each PA a# (# = 1 to 5) can include RF input i# and power input pi#, and can amplify a signal obtained from RF input i# by consuming power supplied from power input pi#; each PA can also include an RF output for outputting an amplified RF signal (e.g., to an antenna), but the RF output is not shown for brevity. As shown, in one embodiment, each PA a# can include two power pin sets b#1 and b#2; power pin set b#1 can include one or more power pins (or solder balls, not shown), and power pin set b#2 can include one or more power pins (not shown). Figure 1b ​As shown, the power inputs pi1 and pi2 of PAa1 and a2 can be coupled to the power pin set b12 of the power output po1, and the power inputs pi3 to pi5 of PA a3 to a5 can be coupled to the power pin set b11 of the power output po1. The RF inputs i1, i2, and i5 of PA a1, a2, and a5 can be coupled to the RF outputs o11, o12, and o13 of transmitter tx1, respectively, and the RF inputs i3 and i4 of PA a3 and a4 can be coupled to the RF outputs o22 and o23 of transmitter tx2, respectively.

[0050] In one embodiment, each signal rf11, rf12, rf21, rf22, et1, and et2 may include two signal components (not shown), such as a co-phase component and a quadrature phase component. Each RF output o11 to o16 and o21 to o26, and RF input i1 to i5 may include two external pins (or solder balls, not shown for simplicity) connected to two corresponding insulated metal traces on a printed circuit board (PCB, not shown) of the two signal components of RF signals rf11, rf12, rf21, or rf22, respectively. Each ET output eo1 and eo2, and ET input ei1 may include two external pins (or solder balls) connected to two corresponding insulated metal traces on a PCB of the two signal components of ET signal et1 or et2, respectively. Similarly, ET port ep1 may include two internal nodes for the two signal components of ET signal et1, and ET port ep2 may include two internal nodes for the two signal components of signal et2, respectively. ET multiplexer 10 can selectively relay two internal nodes of ET port ep1 or ep2 to two external pins (solder balls) of ET output eo1.

[0051] like Figure 1d As shown, during the first time interval (e.g., a first transmission mode, transmission configuration, transmission scheme, or transmission scenario), transmitter tx1 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf12 to be amplified by PA a5 to RF output o13, and providing the ET signal et1 to ET port ep1, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf12; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep1 to ET output eo1, so the ET signal et1 can reach ET input ei1 through ET port ep1, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo1. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a5 to amplify the RF signal rf12 of transmitter tx1, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf12. During the first time interval, transmitter tx2 can be disabled.

[0052] like Figure 1eAs shown, during the second time interval (e.g., the second transmission mode, transmission configuration, transmission scheme, or transmission scenario), transmitter tx2 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf21 to be amplified by PA a4 to RF output o23, and providing the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf21, to ET port ep2; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep2 to ET output eo1, so the ET signal et2 can reach ET input ei1 through ET port ep2, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo1. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a4 to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2, the power of which can track the envelope of RF signal rf21. During the second time interval, transmitter tx1 can be disabled.

[0053] according to Figure 2a and 1c It is understood that, according to the ET multiplexer 10 of the present invention, two PAs (e.g., a5 and a4) can be provided by the same ETM 110, which are respectively arranged to amplify two RF signals (e.g., rf12 and rf21) of two transmitters (e.g., tx1 and tx2). On the other hand, in the prior art, the two PAs used to amplify the two RF signals of the two transmitters respectively need to be provided by two ETMs. Therefore, it is understood that the RF module 100 with ET multiplexer 10 according to the present invention can effectively improve ET power technology and the use of ETMs.

[0054] like Figures 2b-2e As shown, during the third time interval (e.g., the third transmission mode, transmission configuration, transmission scheme, or transmission scenario), transmitter tx2 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf21 amplified by PA a3 to RF output o22, and providing the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf21, to ET port ep2; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep2 to ET output eo1, so the ET signal et2 can reach ET input ei1 through ET port ep2, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo1. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a3 to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2, the power of which can track the envelope of RF signal rf21. During the third time interval, transmitter tx1 can be disabled.

[0055] like Figures 1aAs shown, during the fourth time interval (e.g., fourth transmission mode, transmission configuration, transmission scheme, or transmission scenario, etc.), transmitter tx1 can be enabled, thus RF signal rfl 1 to be amplified by PA a1 can be provided to RF output ol 1, and ET signal etl that can reflect the envelope of RF signal rfl 1 can be provided to ET port ep 1; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep to ET output eo 1, thus ET signal etl can reach ET input ei 1 through ET port ep 1, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo 1. Thus, ETM 110 can power PA a1 to amplify RF signal rfl 1 of transmitter tx1, whose power can track the envelope of RF signal rfl 1. During the fourth time interval, transmitter tx2 can be disabled.

[0056] Similarly, during the fifth time interval (not shown for brevity), transmitter tx1 can be enabled, thus RF signal rfl 1 to be amplified by PA a2 can be provided to RF output ol 2, and ET signal etl that can reflect the envelope of RF signal rfl 1 can be provided to ET port ep 1; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep to ET output eo 1, thus ET signal etl can reach ET input ei 1 through ET port ep 1, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo 1. Thus, ETM 110 can power PA a2 to amplify RF signal rfl 1 of transmitter tx1, whose power can track the envelope of RF signal rfl 1. During the fifth time interval, transmitter tx2 can be disabled.

[0057] Figure 2a An apparatus 2000 according to embodiments of the application is described, Figure 2a An operation of apparatus 2000 according to embodiments of the application is described. Similar to apparatus 1000 as shown, Figure 2b Similar to apparatus 1000 as shown, apparatus 2000 comprises RF module 100, ETM 110, and PAs a1-a5; on the other hand, apparatus 2000 further comprises power switches w3 and w4, and a second power supply (e.g., PMIC 130). PMIC 130 can power based on a power supply technique that does not track the instantaneous envelope, thus does not need ET signal; for example, the power supply technique can be an average power tracking (APT) technique, and if necessary, digital pre-distortion (DPD) can be used. PMIC 130 can comprise a power output po3, and power the power output po3. In one embodiment, power output po3 comprises a power pin set b31, which can comprise one or more power pins (or solder balls, not shown).

[0058] AsFigure 2c As shown, the power inputs pi1 and pi2 of PA a1 and a2 can be coupled to the power pin set b12 of the power output po1, and the power input pi5 of PA a5 can be coupled to the power pin set b11 of the power output po1. Power switches w3 and w4 can be associated with PA a3 and a4 respectively. Figure 2d As shown, for # = 3 or 4, each power switch w# can be coupled between the power input pi# of PA a#, the power pin set b31 of the power output po3, and the power pin set b11 of the power output po1, and can selectively relay one of the power outputs po1 and po3 to the power input pi#. In one embodiment, for # = 3 or 4, the power switch w# and the associated PA a# can be integrated into the same semiconductor chip (e.g., IC); in another embodiment, the power switch w# and PA a# can be packaged in two different semiconductor chips; for example, the power switch w# can be packaged in a separate semiconductor chip, and PA a# can be packaged in another semiconductor chip. The RF inputs i1, i2, and i5 of PA a1, a2, and a5 can be coupled to the RF outputs o11, o12, and o13 of transmitter tx1, respectively, and the RF inputs i3 and i4 of PA a3 and a4 can be coupled to the RF inputs o22 and o23 of transmitter tx2, respectively.

[0059] like Figure 2e As shown, during the first time interval, transmitter tx1 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf12 to be amplified by PA a5 to RF output o13, and providing the ET signal et1, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf12, to ET port ep1; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep1 to ET output eo1, so the ET signal et1 can reach ET input ei1 through ET port ep1, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo1. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a5 to amplify the RF signal rf12 of transmitter tx1, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf12. During the first time interval, transmitter tx2 can be disabled.

[0060] like Figures 2b to 2eAs shown, during the second time interval, transmitter tx2 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf21 to be amplified by PA a4 to RF output o23, and providing the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf21, to ET port ep2; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep2 to ET output eo1, so the ET signal et2 can reach ET input ei1 through ET port ep2, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo1. During the second time interval, power switch w4 can relay the power output po1 of ETM 110 to the power input pi4 of PA a4. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a4 to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2, the power of which can track the envelope of RF signal rf21. During the second time interval, transmitter tx1 can be disabled.

[0061] like Figure 2b As shown, during the third time interval, transmitter tx1 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf11 to be amplified by PA a2 to RF output o12, and providing the ET signal et1, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf11, to ET port ep1; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep1 to ET output eo1, so the ET signal et1 can reach ET input ei1 through ET port ep1, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo1. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a2 to amplify the RF signal rf11 of transmitter tx1, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf11. During the third time interval, transmitter tx2 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf21 to RF output o23 to be amplified by PA a4; power switch w4 can relay the power output po3 of PMIC 130 to the power input pi4 of PA a4. Therefore, PMIC 130 can be powered by PA a4 to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2.

[0062] like Figure 2c As shown, during the fourth time interval, transmitter tx2 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf21 to be amplified by PA a4 to the RF output o23; power switch w4 relays the power output po3 of PMIC 130 to the power input pi4 of PA a4. Therefore, PMIC 130 can power PA a4 to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2. During the fourth time interval, transmitter tx1 can be disabled.

[0063] according to Figure 2d The operation of device 2000 can be briefly described as follows. During a time interval similar to the first time interval ( Figure 2e), the transmitters tx1 and tx2 can be respectively enabled and disabled. The enabled transmitter tx1 can provide the RF signal (rfl 1 or rfl2) amplified by the PA (al, a2, or a5) and the ET signal etl that can reflect the envelope of the RF signal. The ET multiplexer 10 can route the ET signal etl to the ETM 110, and thus the ETM 110 can power the PA according to the ET signal etl.

[0064] During a time interval similar to the fourth time interval ( Figure 3a ), the transmitters tx1 and tx2 can be respectively disabled and enabled. The enabled transmitter tx2 can provide the RF signal (rf21 or rf22) amplified by the PA (a3 or a4), and the ET signal et2 that can reflect the envelope of the RF signal. The ET multiplexer 10 can route the ET signal et2 to the ETM 110, and the power switch (w3 or w4) associated with the PA (a3 or a4) can relay the power output pol of the ETM 110 to the power input (pi3 or pi4) of the PA, and thus the ETM 110 can power the PA according to the ET signal et2.

[0065] During a time interval similar to the third time interval ( Figures 3b-3e ), both the transmitters tx1 and tx2 are enabled. The enabled transmitter tx1 can provide the first RF signal (rfl 1 or rfl2) amplified by the first PA (al, a2, or a5) and the ET signal etl that can reflect the envelope of the first RF signal. The ET multiplexer 10 can route the ET signal etl to the ETM 110, and thus the ETM 110 can power the first PA according to the ET signal etl. The enabled transmitter tx2 can provide the second RF signal (rf21 or rf22) amplified by the second PA (a3 or a4), and the power switch (w3 or w4) associated with the second PA (a3 or a4) can relay the power output pol3 of the PMIC 130 to the power input (pi3 or pi4) of the second PA, and thus the PMIC 130 can power the second PA.

[0066] During a time interval similar to the fourth time interval ( Figure 2a ), the transmitters tx1 and tx2 can be respectively disabled and enabled. The enabled transmitter tx2 can provide the RF signal (rf21 or rf22) amplified by the PA (a3 or a4), and the power switch (w3 or w4) associated with the PA can relay the power output pol3 of the PMIC 130 to the power input (pi3 or pi4) of the PA, and thus the PMIC 130 can power the PA.

[0067] Figure 3a An apparatus 3000 according to embodiments of the application is described, Figure 3aThe operation of the device 3000 according to an embodiment of the application is described. As Figure 3b The device 3000 in Figure 3c The device 3000 includes the RF module 100, the ETM 110, and the PAs a1-a5, and further includes a second ETM 120. The ETM 120 includes an ET input ei2 and a power output po2, and can supply power to the power output po1 according to a signal obtained from the ET input ei1; the ET input ei2 can be coupled to the ET output eo2 of the RF module 100. As Figure 3d In one embodiment, the power output po2 can include two sets of power pins b21 and b22; each of the sets of pins b21 or b22 can include one or more pins (or solder balls, not shown).

[0068] In the device 3000, the power inputs pi1 and pi2 of the PAs a1 and a2 can be coupled to the set of power pins b12 of the power output po1, the power input pi5 of the PA a5 can be coupled to the set of power pins b11 in the power output po1. The power inputs pi3 and pi4 of the PAs a3 and a4 can be coupled to the set of power pins b21 of the power output po2. The RF inputs i1, i2, and i5 of the PAs a1, a2, and a5 can be coupled to the RF outputs o11, o12, and o13 of the transmitter tx1, respectively, and the RF inputs i3 and i4 of the PAs a3 and a4 can be coupled to the RF inputs o22 and o23 of the transmitter tx2, respectively.

[0069] As Figure 3e During the first time interval, the transmitter tx1 can be enabled, thus the RF signal rf12 to be amplified by the PA a5 can be provided to the RF output o13, and the ET signal et1 that can reflect the envelope of the RF signal rf12 can be provided to the ET port ep1; the ET multiplexer 10 can relay the ET port ep1 to the ET output eo1, thus the ET signal et1 can reach the ET input ei1 through the ET port ep1, the ET multiplexer 10, and the ET output eo1. Thus, the ETM 110 can supply power to the PA a5 to amplify the RF signal rf12 of the transmitter tx1, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf12. During the first time interval, the transmitter tx2 can be disabled.

[0070] As Figure 4aAs shown, during the second time interval, transmitter tx2 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf21 to be amplified by PA a4 to RF output o23, and providing the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf21, to ET port ep2 and ET output eo2. Therefore, the ET signal et2 can reach ET input ei2 through ET port ep2 and ET output eo2. Thus, ETM 120 can power PA a4 to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2, the power of which can track the envelope of RF signal rf21. During the second time interval, transmitter tx1 can be disabled.

[0071] like Figures 4b-4e As shown, during the third time interval, transmitter tx1 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf11 to be amplified by PA a2 to RF output o12, and providing the ET signal et1, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf11, to ET port ep1; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep1 to ET output eo1, so the ET signal et1 can reach ET input ei1 through ET port ep1, ET multiplexer 10, and ET output eo1. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a2 to amplify the RF signal rf11 of transmitter tx1, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf11. During the third time interval, transmitter tx2 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf21 to be amplified by PA a4 to RF output o23, and providing the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf21, to ET port ep2 coupled to ET output eo2, so the ET signal et2 can be transmitted to the ET input ei2 of ETM 120. Power switch W4 can relay the power output Po2 of ETM 120 to the power input Pi4 of PA A4. Therefore, ETM 120 can supply power to PA A4 to amplify the RF signal RF21 of transmitter TX2, and its power can track the envelope of RF signal RF21.

[0072] like Figure 3a As shown, during the fourth time interval, transmitter tx2 can be enabled, thus providing the RF signal rf21 to be amplified by PA a3 to RF output o22. It can also provide the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf21, to the ET port ep2 coupled to ET output oo2. Therefore, the ET signal can reach the ET input ei2 of ETM 120. Thus, ETM 120 can power PA a3 to amplify the RF signal rf21 from transmitter tx2, with its power tracking the envelope of RF signal rf21.

[0073] Figure 4aA device 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 4b The operation of the device 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 4c The device shown is similar to the 3000. Figure 4d The device 4000 includes RF module 100, ETM 110, PAs a1 to a5, and power switches w3 and w4.

[0074] In device 4000, for #=3 and 4, each power switch w# can be coupled between the power input pi# of PA a# and the power pin set b21 of the power output po2, and the power output po2 can be relayed to the power input pi#. The power inputs pi1 and pi2 of PA a1 and a2 can be coupled to the power pin set b12 of the power output po1, and the power input pi5 of PA a5 can be coupled to the power pin set b21 of the power output po2. The RF inputs i1 and i2 of PA a1 and a2 can be coupled to the RF outputs o11 and o12 of transmitter tx1, respectively, and the RF inputs i3, i4 and i5 of PA a3, a4 and a5 can be coupled to the RF outputs o22, o23 and o21 of transmitter tx2, respectively.

[0075] like Figure 4e As shown, during the first time interval, transmitter tx1 can be enabled and transmitter tx2 can be disabled. The enabled transmitter tx1 provides the RF signal rf11 amplified by PA a2 to RF output o12 and provides the ET signal et1, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf11, to ET port ep1; ET multiplexer 10 can relay ET port ep1 to ET output o1, so the ET signal et1 can reach the ET input ei1 of ETM 110. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a2 to amplify the RF signal rf11 of transmitter tx1, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf11.

[0076] like Figure 5a As shown, during the second time interval, transmitter tx1 can be disabled and transmitter tx2 enabled. The enabled transmitter tx2 provides the RF signal rf21 amplified by PA a5 to the RF output o21, and provides the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf21, to the ET port ep2 coupled to the ET output o2; therefore, the ET signal et2 can reach the ET input ei2 through the ET port ep2 and the ET output o2. Thus, ETM 120 can power PA a5 to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf21.

[0077] like Figure 5aAs shown, during the third time interval, both transmitters tx1 and tx2 are enabled. The enabled transmitter tx1 provides the RF signal rf11 amplified by PA a2 to the RF output o12 and provides the ET signal et1, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf11, to the ET port ep1. The ET multiplexer 10 can relay the ET port ep1 to the ET output eo1, so the ET signal et1 can reach the ET input ei1 through the ET port ep1, the ET multiplexer 10, and the ET output eo1. Therefore, the ETM 110 can power PA a2 to amplify the RF signal rf11 of transmitter tx1, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf11. Similarly, during the third time interval, the activated transmitter tx2 provides the RF signal rf21 amplified by PA a5 to the RF output o21, and provides the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf21, to the ET port ep2 coupled to the ET output eo2; therefore, the ET signal et2 can be transmitted to the ET input ei2 of ETM 120 through the ET output eo2. Thus, ETM 120 can power PA a5 to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf21.

[0078] like Figure 5b As shown, during the fourth time interval, transmitter tx1 can be disabled and transmitter tx2 enabled. The enabled transmitter tx2 provides the RF signal rf21 amplified by PA a4 (or a3) to RF output o23 (or o22), and provides the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf21, to ET port ep2 coupled to ET output eo2; therefore, ET signal et2 can reach ET input ei12 of ETM 120 through ET port ep2 and ET output eo2. Power switch w4 (or w3) relays the power output po2 of ETM 120 to power input pi4 (or pi3) of PA a4 (or a3). Therefore, ETM 110 can supply power to PA a4 (or a3) to amplify the RF signal rf21 of transmitter tx2, the power of which can track the envelope of RF signal rf21.

[0079] Figure 5c A device 5000 including an RF module 200 is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the RF module 200, the device 5000 also includes ETMs 110 and 120, PAs a1 to a12, and power switches w1, w2, and w7.

[0080] RF module 200 includes three transmitters TX1, TX2, and TX3, three ET outputs EO1, EO2, and EO3, and an ET multiplexer 20. RF module 200 may also include other circuitry, such as receivers, which are not described for the sake of brevity.

[0081] In the RF module 200, each transmitter tx# (# = 1 to 3) includes an ET port ep#, a DFE ca#, an RF circuit cb#, an ET circuit cd#, and an ET DAC ce#; the RF circuit cb# can be coupled to the DFE ca#, the ET circuit cd# can be coupled to the DFE ca#, and the ET DAC ce# can be coupled between the ET circuit cd# and the ET port ep#.

[0082] The transmitter tx1 can further include internal amplifiers u11 to u13 and RF outputs o11 to o17; the internal amplifier u11 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb1 and the RF outputs o11 and o12, the internal amplifier u12 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb1 and the RF outputs o13 to o15, and the internal amplifier u13 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb1 and the RF outputs o14 to o17. The transmitter tx2 can further include internal amplifiers u21 and u22 and RF outputs o21 to o25; the internal amplifier u21 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb2 and the RF outputs o21 to o23, and the internal amplifier u22 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb2 and the RF outputs o22 to o25. The transmitter tx3 can further include internal amplifiers u31 and u32 and RF outputs o31 to o36; the internal amplifier u31 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb3 and the RF outputs o31 to o34, and the internal amplifier u32 can be coupled between the RF circuit cb3 and the RF outputs o34 to o36. In one embodiment, each of the internal amplifiers u11 to u13, u21 to u22, and u31, u32 can be a VGA.

[0083] Each transmitter tx# (# = 1 to 3) can be enabled and disabled; when a transmitter tx# is enabled, the DFE ca# can process a content signal s# (including content intended to be transmitted) to form a digital pre-transmit signal sa#; and, if necessary, further form a digital pre-tracking signal sc# that can track an envelope of the digital pre-transmit signal sa#. In the transmitter tx#, the RF circuitry cb# can process the digital pre-transmit signal sa# to form an analog intermediate transmit signal sb#, the ET circuitry cd# can process the digital pre-tracking signal sc# to form a digital intermediate tracking signal sd#, and the ET DAC ce# can convert the digital intermediate tracking signal sd# to an analog ET signal ET#. For example, in one embodiment, the DFE ca# can map digital content in the signal s# to symbols, and convert the symbols to a digital baseband waveform of the signal sa#, and if necessary, to a digital baseband waveform of the signal sc#; the RF circuitry cb# can up-convert the digital signal sa# to an analog RF signal sb#; and the ET circuitry cd# can adjust the digital waveform of the signal sc# (e.g., scaling, etc.) to form a digital waveform of the signal sd#.

[0084] Further, when the transmitter tx1 is enabled, the internal amplifier u11 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb1 to form the RF signal rf11, or the internal amplifier u12 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb1 to form the RF signal rf12, or the internal amplifier u13 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb1 to form the RF signal rf13. Thus, when the transmitter tx1 is enabled, the transmitter tx1 can provide the RF signal rf11 to one of the RF outputs o11 and o12, or the RF signal rf12 to one of the RF outputs o13 to o15, or the RF signal rf13 to one of the RF outputs o14 to o17; and, if necessary, the transmitter tx1 can also provide the ET signal et1 to the ET port ep1 that reflects an envelope of the RF signal rf11 or rf12 or rf13. When the transmitter tx1 is disabled, the transmitter tx1 can not provide the RF signals rf11, rf12, and rf13, and can not provide the ET signal et1.

[0085] When the transmitter tx2 is enabled, the internal amplifier u21 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb2 to form the RF signal rf21, or the internal amplifier u22 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb2 to form the RF signal rf22. Thus, when the transmitter tx2 is enabled, the transmitter tx2 can provide the RF signal rf21 to one of the RF outputs o21 to o23, or the RF signal rf22 to one of the RF outputs o22 to o25; if necessary, the transmitter tx2 can also provide the ET signal et2 to the ET port ep2, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf21 or rf22. When the transmitter tx2 is disabled, the transmitter tx2 can not provide the RF signals rf21 and rf22, and can not provide the ET signal et2.

[0086] When the transmitter tx3 is enabled, the internal amplifier u31 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb3 to form the RF signal rf31, or the internal amplifier u32 can amplify the analog intermediate transmit signal sb3 to form the RF signal rf32. Thus, when the transmitter tx3 is enabled, the transmitter tx3 can provide the RF signal rf31 to one of the RF outputs o31 to o34, or the RF signal rf32 to one of the RF outputs o34 to o36; if necessary, the transmitter tx3 can also provide the ET signal et3 to the ET port ep3, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf31 or rf32. When the transmitter tx3 is disabled, the transmitter tx3 can not provide the RF signals rf31 and rf32, and can not provide the ET signal et3.

[0087] In the RF module 200, the ET multiplexer 20 can be coupled between the ET output eol and the ET ports epl and ep3 of the transmitters tx1 to tx3, and can selectively relay one of the ET ports epl and ep3 to the ET output eol. The ET output eol can be coupled to the ET port ep2, and the ET output eol can be coupled to the ET port ep3.

[0088] In the device 5000, the ET input eil of the ETM 110 can be coupled to the ET output eol, and the ET input ei2 of the ETM 120 can be coupled to the ET output eol. In the device 5000, each PA a# (n = 1 to 12) can include an RF input i# and a power input pi#, and can amplify a signal obtained from the RF input i# by consuming power supplied from the power input pi#. As Figure 5dAs shown, the power input pi3 of PA a3 can be coupled to the power pin set b22 of the power output po2, and the power inputs pi4 to pi6 of PA a4 to a6 can be coupled to the power pin set b21 of the power output po2. The power input pi8 of PA a8 can be coupled to the power pin set b12 of the power output po1, and the power inputs pi9 to pi12 of PA a9 to a12 can be coupled to the power pin set b11 of the power output po1. For # = 1 and 2, each power switch w# can be coupled between the power input pi# of PA a# and the power pin set b22 of the power output po2, and can relay the power output po1 to the power input pi#. The power switch w7 can be coupled between the power input pi7 of PA ai7 and the power pin set b12 of the power output po1, and can relay the power output po1 to the power input pi7.

[0089] The RF inputs i1 to i6 of PA a1 to a6 can be coupled to the RF outputs o31 to o36 of transmitter tx3, respectively. The RF inputs i7 to i11 of PA a7 to a11 can be coupled to the RF outputs o13 to o17 of transmitter tx1, respectively. The RF input i12 of PA a12 can be coupled to the RF output o23 of transmitter tx2.

[0090] like Figure 5e As shown, during the first time interval, transmitter TX1 can be enabled, while transmitters TX2 and TX3 can be disabled. The enabled transmitter TX1 provides the RF signal rf12 amplified by PA a7 to RF output o13 and provides the ET signal et1, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf12, to ET port ep1. ET multiplexer 20 can relay ET port ep1 to ET output eo1, so the ET signal et1 can reach the ET input ei1 of ETM 110 via ET port ep1, ET multiplexer 20, and ET output eo1. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a9 to amplify the RF signal rf12 of transmitter TX1, with power that tracks the envelope of RF signal rf12. Power switch W7 relays the power output po1 to the power input pi7 of PA a7. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a7 to amplify the RF signal rf12 of transmitter TX1, with power that tracks the envelope of RF signal rf12.

[0091] like Figure 5fAs shown, during the second time interval, transmitter tx2 can be enabled, while transmitters tx1 and tx3 can be disabled. The enabled transmitter tx2 provides the RF signal rf22 amplified by PA a12 to RF output o23 and provides the ET signal et2, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf22, to ET port ep2. ET multiplexer 20 can relay ET port ep2 to ET output o1, so the ET signal et2 can be transmitted to the ET input ei1 of ETM 110. Therefore, ETM 110 can power PA a12 to amplify the RF signal rf22 of transmitter tx2, the power of which can track the envelope of RF signal rf22.

[0092] like Figure 5a As shown, during the third time interval, transmitter TX3 can be enabled, while transmitters TX1 and TX2 can be disabled. The enabled transmitter TX3 provides the RF signal rf31 amplified by PA a2 to RF output o32 and provides the ET signal et3, which reflects the envelope of RF signal rf31, to ET port ep3 coupled to ET output o3. Therefore, the ET signal et3 can reach ET input ei2 through ET port ep3 and ET output o3. Power switch W2 relays the power output po2 of ETM 120 to the power input pi2 of PA a2. Therefore, ETM 120 can power PA a2 to amplify the RF signal rf31 of transmitter TX3, the power of which can track the envelope of RF signal rf31.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, during the fourth time interval, transmitters tx1 and tx2 can be enabled, while transmitter tx2 can be disabled. The enabled transmitter tx1 provides the RF signal rf13 amplified by PA a11 to the RF output o17 and provides the ET signal et1, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf13, to the ET port ep1. The ET multiplexer 20 can relay the ET port ep1 to the ET output o1, so the ET signal et1 can be transmitted to the ET input ei1 of the ETM 110. Therefore, the ETM 110 can power PA a11 to amplify the RF signal rf13 of transmitter tx1, the power of which can track the envelope of the RF signal rf13. Simultaneously, during the fourth time interval, the activated transmitter tx3 provides the RF signal rf32 amplified by PA a5 to the RF output o35, and provides the ET signal et3, which reflects the envelope of the RF signal rf32, to the ET port ep3 coupled to the ET output o3. Therefore, the ET signal et3 can be transmitted to the ET input ei2 of ETM 120. Thus, ETM 120 can power PA a5 to amplify the RF signal rf32 of transmitter tx3, and its power can track the envelope of the RF signal rf32.

[0094] As Figure 6 shown, during the fifth time interval, transmitter tx2 and transmitter tx2 can be enabled, and transmitter tx1 can be disabled. The enabled transmitter tx2 can provide the RF signal rf22 amplified by PA a12 to the RF output o23, and provide the ET signal et2 that can reflect the envelope of the RF signal rf22 to the ET port ep2. The ET multiplexer 20 can relay the ET port ep2 to the ET output eo1, and thus the ET signal et2 can pass to the ET input ei1 of the ETM 110. Accordingly, the ETM 110 can power the PA a12 to amplify the RF signal rf22 of the transmitter tx2, and the power thereof can track the envelope of the RF signal rf22. Meanwhile, during the fifth time interval, the enabled transmitter tx3 can provide the RF signal rf32 amplified by PA a5 to the RF output o35, and provide the ET signal et3 that can reflect the envelope of the RF signal rf32 to the ET port ep3 coupled to the ET output eo3, and thus the ET signal et3 can pass to the ET input ei2 of the ETM 120. Accordingly, the ETM 120 can power the PA a5 to amplify the RF signal rf32 of the transmitter tx3, and the power thereof can track the envelope of the RF signal rf32.

[0095] Figure 5b And Figure 5c Embodiments of the ET multiplexer 20 according to embodiments of the present application are described. As Figure 5d shown, in addition to the transmitters tx1 to tx3 and the ET outputs eo1 to eo3, the RF module 200 further includes three multiplexing units ml, m2, and m3, and two ET switches ewl and ew2. For # = 1 to 3, each multiplexing unit m# can be a two-to-one multiplexing unit, can include two multiplexing input ports na# and nb# and a multiplexing output port nc#, and can selectively relay one of the multiplexing input ports na# and nb# to the multiplexing output port nc#; the multiplexing input port na# can be coupled to the ET port ep#, and the multiplexing output port nc# can be coupled to the ET output eo#.

[0096] The ET switch ewl can be coupled between the multiplexing input port nb1 of the multiplexing unit ml and the ET port ep2 of the transmitter tx2, can be closed to relay (conductively, electrically connected, etc.) the ET port ep2 to the multiplexing input port nb1, and can be opened to stop relaying the ET port ep2 to the multiplexing input port nb1. The ET switch ew2 can be coupled between the multiplexing input port nb1 of the multiplexing unit ml and the ET port ep3 of the transmitter tx3, can be closed to relay the ET port ep3 to the multiplexing input port nb1, and can be opened to stop relaying the ET port ep3 to the multiplexing input port nb1. The ET switches ewl and ew2 cannot be closed at the same time.

[0097] ET multiplexer 20 can be implemented by a multiplexing unit ml and two ET switches ewl and ew2. For example, during the first time interval and the fourth time interval as explained in Figures 1b-1e and 5e respectively, both ET switches ewl and ew2 are open, multiplexing unit ml can relay multiplexing input port nal to multiplexing output port ncl, thus multiplexer 20 can relay ET port epl to ET output eol. During the second time interval and the fifth time interval as explained in Figure 1a and 5f respectively, ET switch ewl can be closed, ET switch ew2 can be open, multiplexing unit ml can relay multiplexing input port nb l to multiplexing output port ncl, thus multiplexer 20 can relay ET port ep2 to ET output eol. During the third time interval, the fourth time interval and the fifth time interval are as shown in Figure 1a , 5e and 5f, multiplexing unit m3 can relay multiplexing input port na3 to multiplexing output port nc3.

[0098] It is noted that Figures 1b-1e , 2b-2e, 3b-3e, 4b-4e or 5b-5f can not imply all possible operations of apparatus 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 or 5000 as shown in Figures 5b to 5f , 2a , 3a, 4a or 5a respectively. In other words, Figure 5a , 2a , 3a, 4a or 5a can perform operations other than those shown in Figure 1a , 2b-2e, 3b-3e, 4b-4e or 5b-5f. For example, during a time interval not explained in Figures 1b-1e , in apparatus 5000 as shown in Figure 1b , transmitter txl and tx3 can be enabled, transmitter tx2 can be disabled; enabled transmitter txl can provide RF signal rfl2 amplified by PA a8 to RF output ol4 and can provide associated ET signal etl to ET port epl; enabled transmitter tx3 can provide RF signal rfl2 amplified by PA a6 to RF output ol6 and can provide associated ET signal et2 to ET port ep3 coupled to ET output e03; ET multiplexer 20 can relay ET port epl to ET output eol; thus, ETMs 110 and 120 can power PAs a8 and a6 respectively.

[0099] It is further noted that ​、 2a The apparatus 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 or 5000 shown in 3a, 4a or 5a, respectively, can not necessarily employ ​ all the operations shown in 2b-2e, 3b-3e, 4b-4e or 5b-5f, respectively.

[0100] In summary, the present application can embed an ET multiplexer into an RF module, so that different PAs for amplifying RF signals of different transmitters can share one ETM power supply. For example, as shown in ​ and 1c , PAs a5 and a4 for amplifying RF signals of transmitters tx1 and tx2, respectively, in different time intervals can be powered by the same ETM 110; similarly, as shown in Figure 5b and 5c , PAs a7 and a12 for amplifying RF signals of transmitters tx1 and tx2, respectively, in different time intervals can be powered by the same ETM 110. Therefore, it can be understood that the present application can effectively improve the use of ETM and ET power supply technology, so as to simplify the bill of materials (BOM) and wiring of the PCB, improve the design flexibility of the combination of ETM, PA and transmitter, and reduce the overall cost of realizing wireless functions.

[0101] While the application has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.

Claims

1. A radio frequency module having an envelope tracking power supply in a device, comprising: a plurality of transmitters, each of the transmitters including an envelope tracking port and one or more radio frequency outputs configured to provide a radio frequency signal to the one or more radio frequency outputs and to provide an envelope tracking signal reflecting an envelope of the radio frequency signal to the envelope tracking port; an envelope tracking output; and an envelope tracking multiplexer coupled between the envelope tracking ports of the plurality of transmitters and the envelope tracking output for selectively relaying one of the envelope tracking ports to the envelope tracking output. The envelope tracking multiplexer relays different ones of the envelope tracking ports to the envelope tracking output during different time intervals.

2. The radio module of claim 1, wherein, further comprising one or more additional envelope tracking outputs, wherein each of the additional envelope tracking outputs is coupled to one of the envelope tracking ports.

3. The radio module of claim 1, wherein, 4. The radio frequency module of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of transmitters includes a first transmitter including a first envelope tracking port and a first radio frequency output; the device further comprises an envelope tracking module and a first power amplifier; the envelope tracking module includes an envelope tracking input and a first power supply output and is configured to power the first power supply output based on a signal obtained from the envelope tracking input, and the envelope tracking input is coupled to the envelope tracking output; the first power amplifier includes a first radio frequency input and a first power supply input coupled to the first radio frequency output and the first power supply output, respectively, and is configured to amplify a signal obtained from the first radio frequency input by consuming power supplied by the first power supply input; and during a first time interval, the first transmitter provides a first radio frequency signal to the first radio frequency output and a first envelope tracking signal reflecting an envelope of the first radio frequency signal to the first envelope tracking port, and the envelope tracking multiplexer relays the first envelope tracking port to the envelope tracking output.

5. The radio frequency module of claim 4, wherein: the plurality of transmitters includes a second transmitter including a second envelope tracking port and a second radio frequency output; the device further comprises a second power amplifier; the second power amplifier includes a second radio frequency input and a second power supply input and is configured to amplify a signal obtained from the second radio frequency input by consuming power supplied by the second power supply input; the second radio frequency input is coupled to the second radio frequency output; and during a second time interval, the second transmitter provides a second radio frequency signal to the second radio frequency output.

6. The radio frequency module of claim 5, wherein: the plurality of transmitters includes a third transmitter including a third envelope tracking port and a third radio frequency output; and the envelope tracking multiplexer is coupled between the first envelope tracking port, the second envelope tracking port, and the third envelope tracking port and the envelope tracking output for selectively relaying one of the first envelope tracking port, the second envelope tracking port, and the third envelope tracking port to the envelope tracking output. ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. The radio module of claim 6, wherein, The envelope tracking multiplexer comprises: a first envelope tracking switch and a second envelope tracking switch; and a two-to-one multiplexing unit comprising a first multiplexing input port, a second multiplexing input port, and a multiplexing output port, for selectively relaying one of the first multiplexing input port and the second multiplexing input port to the multiplexing output port; wherein: the multiplexing output port is coupled to the envelope tracking output; the first multiplexing input port is coupled to the first envelope tracking port; the first envelope tracking switch is coupled between the second envelope tracking port and the second multiplexing input port; the second envelope tracking switch is coupled between the third envelope tracking port and the second multiplexing input port; and the first envelope tracking switch and the second envelope tracking switch are not closed at the same time.

8. The radio frequency module of claim 5, wherein: the second power input is coupled to the first power output; during the first time interval, the second transmitter is disabled; and during the second time interval, the first transmitter is disabled; the second transmitter further provides a second envelope tracking signal reflecting an envelope of the second radio frequency signal to the second envelope tracking port; and the envelope tracking multiplexer relays the second envelope tracking port to the envelope tracking output.

9. The radio frequency module of claim 5, wherein: during the first time interval, the second transmitter provides the second radio frequency signal to the second radio frequency output.

10. The radio frequency module of claim 9, wherein: the apparatus further comprises a second power supply; the second power supply comprises a second power output and provides power to the second power input; and the second power output is coupled to the second power input.

11. The radio-frequency module of claim 10, wherein the first and second conductive layers are formed of a conductive material selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, gold, and aluminum. the second power supply is a power management integrated circuit.

12. The radio frequency module of claim 10, wherein: the radio frequency module further comprises a second envelope tracking output coupled to the second envelope tracking port; the second power supply is a second envelope tracking module further comprising a second envelope tracking input coupled to the second envelope tracking output and providing power to the second power output in accordance with a signal obtained from the second envelope tracking input; during the first time interval, the second transmitter further provides a second envelope tracking signal reflecting an envelope of the second radio frequency signal to the second envelope tracking port.

13. The radio frequency module of claim 10, wherein: the apparatus further comprises a power switch; the power switch is coupled between the first power output, the second power output, and the second power input and selectively relays one of the first power output and the second power output to the second power input; during the first time interval, the power switch relays the second power output to the second power input; and during the second time interval, the power switch relays the first power output to the second power input. During the second time interval, the power switch relays the first power output to the second power input, and the envelope tracking multiplexer relays the second envelope tracking port to the envelope tracking output.

14. The radio-frequency module of claim 1, wherein, Each of the transmitters further includes: a digital front end to process a content signal to form a pre-transmission signal and a pre-tracking signal that tracks an envelope of the pre-transmission signal; a radio frequency circuit coupled to the digital front end to process the pre-transmission signal to form an intermediate transmission signal; an internal amplifier coupled to the radio frequency circuit to amplify the intermediate transmission signal to form the radio frequency signal; an envelope tracking circuit coupled to the digital front end to process the pre-tracking signal to form an intermediate tracking signal; and an envelope tracking digital-to-analog converter coupled between the envelope tracking circuit and the envelope tracking port to convert the intermediate tracking signal to the envelope tracking signal.

15. A method for an envelope tracking power supply in a device, the device comprising a radio frequency module, an envelope tracking module, a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier; the radio frequency module comprising a plurality of transmitters, an envelope tracking output and an envelope tracking multiplexer, each of the transmitters comprising an envelope tracking port; the envelope tracking multiplexer coupled between the envelope tracking output and the envelope tracking ports of the plurality of transmitters; the envelope tracking module powered according to a signal obtained from the envelope tracking output. The plurality of transmitters includes a first transmitter and a second transmitter that include a first envelope tracking port and a second envelope tracking port, respectively; and the method includes: during a first time interval, the first transmitter providing a first radio frequency signal to be amplified to the first power amplifier and providing a first envelope tracking signal that reflects an envelope of the first radio frequency signal to the first envelope tracking port; the envelope tracking multiplexer relaying the first envelope tracking port to the envelope tracking output causing the envelope tracking module to power the first power amplifier based on the first envelope tracking signal; and during a second time interval, the second transmitter providing a second radio frequency signal to be amplified to the second power amplifier.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the plurality of transmitters includes a third transmitter that includes a third envelope tracking port; and the method further includes the envelope tracking multiplexer relaying one of the first envelope tracking port, the second envelope tracking port, and the third envelope tracking port to the envelope tracking output during different time intervals.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: during the first time interval, disabling the second transmitter; and during the second time interval, disabling the first transmitter; the second transmitter further providing a second envelope tracking signal that reflects an envelope of the second radio frequency signal to the second envelope tracking port; and the envelope tracking multiplexer relaying the second envelope tracking port to the envelope tracking output causing the envelope tracking module to power the second power amplifier based on the second envelope tracking signal.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: during the first time interval, the second transmitter providing the second radio frequency signal to be amplified to the second radio frequency output. the apparatus further includes a second power source to power the second power amplifier during the first time interval. ​ ​ 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the envelope tracking power supply is in a related device, and wherein the envelope tracking power supply is configured to receive the envelope tracking signal from the base station. ​ 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: the apparatus further comprising a power switch coupled between the envelope tracking module, the second power supply, and the second power amplifier; during the first time interval, the power switch relays the second power supply to the second power amplifier to power the second power amplifier; during the second time interval, the power switch relays the envelope tracking module to the second power amplifier to power the second power amplifier; and the method further comprising: during the second time interval, the second transmitter further providing a second envelope tracking signal to the second envelope tracking port that reflects an envelope of the second radio frequency signal; the envelope tracking multiplexer relaying the second envelope tracking port to the envelope tracking output causes the envelope tracking module to power the second power amplifier according to the second envelope tracking signal. ​

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