Tracker circuit and voltage supply method

Abstract

The invention relates to a tracker circuit and a voltage supply method. This tracker circuit (1) is provided with: a preregulator circuit (10) configured so as to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage using a power inductor (L71); a switched capacitor circuit (20) configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages on the basis of the adjusted voltage; and a power supply modulation circuit (30) configured to select at least one voltage from a plurality of discrete voltages and output the selected voltage to an output terminal (141), the preregulator circuit (10) configured to output an input voltage or a regulated voltage to the output terminal (142) via a bypass path (BP1) configured to bypass the switched capacitor circuit (20) and the power supply modulation circuit (30), and the bypass path (BP1) configured to bypass the switched capacitor circuit (20) and the power supply modulation circuit (30). The bypass path (BP1) is configured so as to connect a path (P1) between the power inductor (L71) and the switched capacitor circuit (20) to the output terminal (142).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a tracker circuit and a voltage supply method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the power added efficiency (PAE) has been improved by applying an envelope tracking (ET) mode to a power amplifier circuit. Patent document 1 discloses a technology related to a digital ET mode for supplying a plurality of discrete voltages.

[0003] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 9755672

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, there is a case where the power supply voltage deteriorates in the constant voltage mode in which a constant voltage is supplied to the power amplifier. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a tracker circuit and a voltage supply method capable of suppressing degradation of a power supply voltage.

[0006] A tracker circuit of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a pre-regulator circuit, which is configured to convert an input voltage into an adjustment voltage using a power inductor; a switched capacitor circuit, which is configured to generate multiple discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage; and a power supply modulation circuit (supply modulator), which is configured to select at least one voltage from the multiple discrete voltages and output it to a first output terminal, the pre-regulator circuit is configured to output the input voltage or the adjustment voltage to a second output terminal via a first bypass path, the first bypass path is configured to bypass the switched capacitor circuit and the power supply modulation circuit, and the first bypass path is configured to connect the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit to the second output terminal.

[0007] A tracker circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a pre-regulator circuit, a switched capacitor circuit connected to the pre-regulator circuit, a power supply modulation circuit connected to the switched capacitor circuit, an input terminal, and a first output terminal and a second output terminal, wherein the switched capacitor circuit comprises: a first capacitor having a first electrode and a second electrode; a second capacitor having a third electrode and a fourth electrode; and a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, a sixth switch, a seventh switch, and an eighth switch, wherein one end of the first switch and one end of the third switch are connected to the first electrode, one end of the second switch and one end of the fourth switch are connected to the second electrode, one end of the fifth switch and one end of the seventh switch are connected to the third electrode, one end of the sixth switch and one end of the eighth switch are connected to the fourth electrode, and the other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch, and the other end of the sixth switch are connected to each other. , the other end of the third switch is connected to the other end of the seventh switch, and the other end of the fourth switch is connected to the other end of the eighth switch. The power modulation circuit includes: a ninth switch connected between the other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch and the other end of the sixth switch and the first output terminal; and a tenth switch connected between the other end of the third switch and the other end of the seventh switch and the first output terminal. The pre-regulator circuit includes: an eleventh switch connected between the input terminal and one end of the power inductor; and a twelfth switch connected between one end of the power inductor and ground, the other end of the power inductor is connected to the other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch and the other end of the sixth switch, and the other end of the power inductor is connected to the second output terminal via a first bypass path, and the first bypass path is configured to bypass the switch capacitor circuit and the power modulation circuit.

[0008] In a voltage supply method of one embodiment of the present invention, an input voltage is converted into an adjustment voltage using a power inductor, a plurality of discrete voltages are generated based on the adjustment voltage, at least one voltage is selected from the plurality of discrete voltages based on an envelope signal of a high-frequency signal and supplied to a first amplifier, the generation of the plurality of discrete voltages and the selection of at least one voltage are skipped, and the input voltage or the adjustment voltage is supplied to a second amplifier.

[0009] According to the tracker circuit and the like of one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress degradation of the power supply voltage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A This is a graph showing an example of transition of the power supply voltage in the average power tracking (APT: Average Power Tracking) mode.

[0011] Figure 1BThis is a graph showing an example of transition of the power supply voltage in the analog envelope tracking (A-ET: Analog Envelope Tracking) mode.

[0012] Figure 1C This is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the digital envelope tracking (D-ET: Digital Envelope Tracking) mode.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a pre-regulator circuit, a switched capacitor circuit, a power supply modulation circuit, and a filter circuit according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a digital control circuit according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 : is a flowchart showing a voltage supply method using a tracker circuit according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 is a top view of a tracker module according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 is a top view of a tracker module according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a tracker module according to an embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below all represent general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configurations of components, and connection methods shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram after appropriately emphasizing, omitting or adjusting the ratio in order to express the present invention, and is not necessarily strictly illustrated, and sometimes differs from the actual shape, positional relationship and ratio. In each figure, the same reference numerals are marked for substantially the same structure, and repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted or simplified.

[0023] In the following figures, the x-axis and the y-axis are axes that are orthogonal to each other on a plane parallel to the main surface of the module substrate. Specifically, when the module substrate has a rectangular shape in a plan view, the x-axis is parallel to the first side of the module substrate, and the y-axis is parallel to the second side of the module substrate that is orthogonal to the first side. In addition, the z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the main surface of the module substrate, and its positive direction indicates the upward direction, and its negative direction indicates the downward direction.

[0024] In the circuit structure of the present invention, "connection" includes not only direct connection using connection terminals and / or wiring conductors, but also electrical connection via other circuit elements. "Connection between A and B" means connection between A and B and both A and B, and connection in series on a path between A and B. "Path between A and B" means a path formed by a conductor that electrically connects A and B.

[0025] In the component configuration of the present invention, "components are configured on a substrate" includes components configured on the main surface of a substrate and components configured inside a substrate. "Components are configured on the main surface of a substrate" includes not only components configured in contact with the main surface of a substrate, but also components configured above the main surface without contacting the main surface (for example, components are stacked on other components configured in contact with the main surface). In addition, "components are configured on the main surface of a substrate" may also include components configured in recesses formed on the main surface. "Components are configured inside a substrate" includes not only components encapsulated in a module substrate, but also components entirely configured between the two main surfaces of a substrate but a portion of the component is not covered by the substrate, and only a portion of the component is configured inside a substrate.

[0026] In the present invention, a "terminal" refers to a point where a conductor in an element ends. In addition, when the impedance of a path between elements is sufficiently low, a terminal is interpreted not only as a single point but also as an arbitrary point on the path between elements or the entire path.

[0027] In addition, terms such as “parallel” and “perpendicular” indicating the relationship between elements, terms such as “rectangular” indicating the shape of an element, and numerical ranges do not have strict meanings but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as errors of several %.

[0028] First, as a technique for efficiently amplifying high-frequency signals, a tracking mode in which a power supply voltage dynamically adjusted over time based on a high-frequency signal is supplied to a power amplifier is described. The tracking mode is a mode in which the power supply voltage applied to a power amplifier circuit is dynamically adjusted. There are several types of tracking modes. Figure 1A to Figure 1CThe average power tracking (APT) mode and the envelope tracking (ET) mode (including analog ET mode and digital ET mode) are explained. Figure 1A to Figure 1C In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage. In addition, the thick solid line represents the power supply voltage and the thin solid line (waveform) represents the modulation signal.

[0029] Figure 1A 2 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the APT mode. In the APT mode, the power supply voltage is varied to a plurality of discrete voltage levels in units of one frame based on average power.

[0030] A frame is a unit that constitutes a high-frequency signal (modulated signal). For example, in 5GNR (5th Generation New Radio) and LTE (Long Term Evolution), a frame consists of 10 subframes, each of which consists of multiple time slots, and each time slot consists of multiple symbols. The subframe length is 1ms, and the frame length is 10ms.

[0031] In addition, a mode in which the voltage level is varied in units of one frame or in units larger than one frame based on average power is referred to as an APT mode, and is distinguished from a mode in which the voltage level is varied in units smaller than one frame (e.g., a subframe, a time slot, or a symbol). For example, a mode in which the voltage level is varied in units of a symbol is referred to as a symbol power tracking (SPT: Symbol Power Tracking) mode, and is distinguished from the APT mode.

[0032] Figure 1B 2 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the analog ET mode. In the analog ET mode, the power supply voltage is continuously varied based on the envelope signal to track the envelope of the modulation signal.

[0033] The envelope signal is a signal representing the envelope of the modulation signal. The envelope value is, for example, (I 2 +Q 2 ). Here, (I, Q) represents a constellation point. A constellation point is a point on a constellation diagram that represents a signal modulated by digital modulation. (I, Q) is determined by, for example, a BBIC (baseband integrated circuit) based on transmission information.

[0034] Figure 1C: is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the digital ET mode. In the digital ET mode, the power supply voltage is varied to a plurality of discrete voltage levels within one frame based on the envelope signal to track the envelope of the modulation signal.

[0035] (Implementation Method)

[0036] The following is a description of the implementation. The communication device 7 of the present embodiment can be used to provide wireless connection. For example, the communication device 7 can be installed in a user terminal (UE: User Equipment) in a cellular network such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, etc. In other examples, the communication device 7 can be installed to provide wireless connection to IoT (Internet of Things) sensor equipment, medical / health equipment, cars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (so-called drones), and unmanned guided vehicles (AGV: Automated Guided Vehicle). In addition, in other examples, the communication device 7 can also be installed to provide wireless connection with a wireless access point or a wireless hotspot.

[0037] [1.1 Circuit Structure of Communication Device 7]

[0038] First, refer to Figure 2 The circuit structure of the communication device 7 is also described. Figure 2 FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the communication device 7 of this embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the communication device 7 of this embodiment includes: a tracker circuit 1, power amplifiers 2A and 2B, filters 3A and 3B, a PA (Power Amplifier) ​​control circuit 4, an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) 5, an antenna 6 and a DC power supply 50.

[0039] Tracker circuit 1 can convert the power supply voltage V based on the digital ET mode ET The tracker circuit 1 can also adjust the power supply voltage V 2G Here, the tracker circuit 1 can selectively supply the power supply voltage to the power amplifiers 2A and 2B via the output terminals 141 and 142 .

[0040] The tracker circuit 1 can supply power supply voltage not only to the power amplifiers 2A and 2B but also to other power amplifiers. The tracker circuit 1 can also supply power supply voltage based on other tracker modes (for example, APT mode and SPT mode) to the power amplifier 2A.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the tracker circuit 1 includes a pre-regulator circuit 10 , a switched capacitor circuit 20 , a power supply modulation circuit 30 , a filter circuit 40 , a digital control circuit 60 , an input terminal 110 , and output terminals 141 and 142 .

[0042] The pre-regulator circuit 10 includes a power inductor and a switch. The power inductor is an inductor used for stepping up and / or stepping down a direct current (DC: Direct Current) voltage. The power inductor is configured in series on the DC path. In addition, the power inductor can also be connected (configured in parallel) between the DC path and ground. The pre-regulator circuit 10 can use the power inductor to convert the input voltage into an adjustment voltage. Moreover, the pre-regulator circuit 10 can output the adjustment voltage to the switching capacitor circuit 20. In addition, the pre-regulator circuit 10 can also output the input voltage or the adjustment voltage to the power amplifier 2B via the output terminal 142. Such a pre-regulator circuit 10 is sometimes also called a magnetic regulator or a DC / DC converter.

[0043] The switched capacitor circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of switches, and can generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the regulated voltage from the pre-regulator circuit 10. The plurality of discrete voltages each have a plurality of discrete voltage levels. The switched capacitor circuit 20 is sometimes also referred to as a switched-capacitor voltage ladder.

[0044] The power supply modulation circuit 30 is configured to modulate the power supply voltage by selecting at least one voltage from a plurality of discrete voltages generated by the switched capacitor circuit 20. Furthermore, the power supply modulation circuit 30 is configured to output the selected at least one voltage to the power amplifier 2A via the output terminal 141. The power supply modulation circuit 30 is controlled based on a digital control signal.

[0045] The filter circuit 40 is connected between the power supply modulation circuit 30 and the power amplifier 2A. The filter circuit 40 is a pulse shaping network configured to filter at least one voltage selected by the power supply modulation circuit 30.

[0046] The digital control circuit 60 can control the pre-regulator circuit 10 , the switched capacitor circuit 20 , and the power modulation circuit 30 based on the digital control signal from the RFIC 5 .

[0047] The input terminal 110 is an input terminal for a DC voltage. In other words, the input terminal 110 is a terminal for receiving an input voltage from the DC power supply 50 .

[0048] The output terminal 141 is an example of a first output terminal and is a power supply voltage V ET That is, the output terminal 141 is a terminal for supplying a voltage to the power amplifier 2A.

[0049] The output terminal 142 is an example of a second output terminal and is a power supply voltage V 2G That is, the output terminal 142 is a terminal for supplying a voltage to the power amplifier 2B.

[0050] In addition, the tracker circuit 1 may not include at least one of the pre-regulator circuit 10, the switched capacitor circuit 20, the power modulation circuit 30, the filter circuit 40, and the digital control circuit 60. For example, the tracker circuit 1 may include the pre-regulator circuit 10, the switched capacitor circuit 20, the power modulation circuit 30, and the digital control circuit 60, but not the filter circuit 40. In addition, any combination of the pre-regulator circuit 10, the switched capacitor circuit 20, the power modulation circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40 may also be integrated into a single circuit.

[0051] The power amplifier 2A is an example of a first amplifier, and is connected between the RFIC 5 and the filter 3A. The power amplifier 2A is connected to the tracker circuit 1 and the PA control circuit 4. The power amplifier 2A can use the power supply voltage V received from the tracker circuit 1. ET , to amplify the high frequency signal received from RFIC5.

[0052] The power amplifier 2B is an example of a second amplifier, and is connected between the RFIC 5 and the filter 3B. The power amplifier 2B is connected to the tracker circuit 1 and the PA control circuit 4. The power amplifier 2B can use the power supply voltage V received from the tracker circuit 1. 2G , to amplify the high frequency signal received from RFIC5.

[0053] The filter 3A is connected between the power amplifier 2A and the antenna 6. The filter 3B is connected between the power amplifier 2B and the antenna 6. The filters 3A and 3B have a passband including a frequency band for transmitting high-frequency signals. The frequency band for transmitting high-frequency signals is pre-defined by standardization groups such as 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project: Third Generation Partnership Project) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and the like.

[0054] In this embodiment, the high-frequency signal is a wireless communication signal in a communication network constructed using a radio access technology (RAT: Radio Access Technology). The high-frequency signal may be a signal in a frequency band less than 6 GHz or a millimeter wave signal.

[0055] In addition, millimeter wave signals generally refer to signals in the range of 30 to 300 GHz, and can also be signals in the range of 24.25 to 52.6 GHz (FR (Frequency Region) 2 in 5GNR).

[0056] Examples of communication systems include cellular systems (5GNR (5th Generation New Radio), 4GLTE (4th Generation Long Term Evolution), 2GGSM (2nd Generation Global System of Mobile communications)) and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) systems.

[0057] The PA control circuit 4 can control the power amplifiers 2A and 2B. Specifically, the PA control circuit 4 can supply a bias control signal to the power amplifiers 2A and 2B.

[0058] RFIC5 is an example of a signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal. Specifically, RFIC5 processes the input transmission signal by up-conversion, etc., and supplies the high-frequency transmission signal generated by the signal processing to the power amplifiers 2A and 2B. In addition, RFIC5 has a control unit that controls the tracker circuit 1. In addition, part or all of the functions of RFIC5 as a control unit can also be installed outside RFIC5.

[0059] The antenna 6 transmits a high frequency signal input from the power amplifier 2A via the filter 3A and a high frequency signal input from the power amplifier 2B via the filter 3B. The antenna 6 may not be included in the communication device 7.

[0060] The DC power source 50 can supply a DC voltage to the tracker circuit 1. As the DC power source 50, for example, a rechargeable battery can be used, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] also, Figure 2 The circuit structure of the communication device 7 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 7 may also include a baseband signal processing circuit that performs signal processing using an intermediate frequency band lower than the high-frequency signal supplied by the RFIC5. In addition, for example, the communication device 7 may also include a receiving path. In this case, a low-noise amplifier and a filter may also be connected to the receiving path. In addition, for example, the communication device 7 may also not include the antenna 6 and / or the DC power supply 50.

[0062] [1.2 Circuit structure of tracker circuit 1]

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The circuit structures of the pre-regulator circuit 10 , the switched capacitor circuit 20 , the power modulation circuit 30 , the filter circuit 40 , and the digital control circuit 60 included in the tracker circuit 1 are described. Figure 3 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of the pre-regulator circuit 10 , the switched capacitor circuit 20 , the power supply modulation circuit 30 , and the filter circuit 40 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the digital control circuit 60 according to the present embodiment.

[0064] also, Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The circuit configuration is illustrative, and the pre-regulator circuit 10, the switched capacitor circuit 20, the power modulation circuit 30, the filter circuit 40, and the digital control circuit 60 can be implemented using any of a variety of circuit implementations and circuit technologies. Therefore, the description of each circuit provided below should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0065] [1.2.1 Circuit Structure of Switched Capacitor Circuit 20]

[0066] First, the circuit structure of the switched capacitor circuit 20 is described. Figure 3As shown, the switched capacitor circuit 20 includes capacitors C11 to C16, capacitors C10, C20, C30 and C40, switches S11 to S14, S21 to S24, S31 to S34 and S41 to S44. Energy and charge are input from the pre-regulator circuit 10 to the switched capacitor circuit 20 at nodes N1 to N4, and are taken out from the switched capacitor circuit 20 to the power supply modulation circuit 30 at nodes N1 to N4.

[0067] The capacitors C11 to C16 function as flying capacitors (sometimes also referred to as transfer capacitors). That is, the capacitors C11 to C16 are used to step up or step down the adjustment voltage supplied from the pre-regulator circuit 10. More specifically, the capacitors C11 to C16 move charges between the capacitors C11 to C16 and the nodes N1 to N4 so that voltages V1 to V4 (voltage relative to the ground potential) satisfying V1:V2:V3:V4=1:2:3:4 are maintained at the four nodes N1 to N4. The voltages V1 to V4 correspond to a plurality of second voltages each having a plurality of discrete voltage levels.

[0068] The capacitor C11 is an example of a first capacitor and has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11 is an example of a first electrode and is connected to one end of the switch S11 and one end of the switch S12. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11 is an example of a second electrode and is connected to one end of the switch S21 and one end of the switch S22.

[0069] The capacitor C12 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 is connected to one end of the switch S21 and one end of the switch S22. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 is connected to one end of the switch S31 and one end of the switch S32.

[0070] The capacitor C13 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13 is connected to one end of the switch S31 and one end of the switch S32. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13 is connected to one end of the switch S41 and one end of the switch S42.

[0071] The capacitor C14 is an example of a second capacitor and has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14 is an example of a third electrode and is connected to one end of the switch S13 and one end of the switch S14. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14 is an example of a fourth electrode and is connected to one end of the switch S23 and one end of the switch S24.

[0072] The capacitor C15 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 is connected to one end of the switch S23 and one end of the switch S24. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 is connected to one end of the switch S33 and one end of the switch S34.

[0073] The capacitor C16 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16 is connected to one end of the switch S33 and one end of the switch S34. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16 is connected to one end of the switch S43 and one end of the switch S44.

[0074] The group of capacitors C11 and C14 , the group of capacitors C12 and C15 , and the group of capacitors C13 and C16 can be charged and discharged complementarily by repeating the first stage and the second stage.

[0075] Specifically, in the first stage, switches S12, S13, S22, S23, S32, S33, S42, and S43 are turned on. Thus, for example, one of the two electrodes of capacitor C12 is connected to node N3, the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C12 and one of the two electrodes of capacitor C15 are connected to node N2, and the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C15 is connected to node N1.

[0076] On the other hand, in the second phase, switches S11, S14, S21, S24, S31, S34, S41, and S44 are turned on. Thus, for example, one of the two electrodes of capacitor C15 is connected to node N3, the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C15 and one of the two electrodes of capacitor C12 are connected to node N2, and the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C12 is connected to node N1.

[0077] By repeating the first and second stages, for example, when one of the capacitors C12 and C15 is charged from the node N2, the other of the capacitors C12 and C15 can be discharged to the capacitor C30. That is, the capacitors C12 and C15 can be charged and discharged complementarily.

[0078] The group of capacitors C11 and C14 and the group of capacitors C13 and C16 can also be charged and discharged complementarily by repeating the first stage and the second stage, similarly to the group of capacitors C12 and C15 .

[0079] The capacitors C10 , C20 , C30 , and C40 function as smoothing capacitors, respectively. That is, the capacitors C10 , C20 , C30 , and C40 are used to hold and smooth the voltages V1 to V4 at the nodes N1 to N4 , respectively.

[0080] The capacitor C10 is connected between the node N1 and the ground. Specifically, one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C10 is connected to the node N1. On the other hand, the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C10 is connected to the ground.

[0081] The capacitor C20 is connected between the nodes N2 and N1. Specifically, one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C20 is connected to the node N2. On the other hand, the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C20 is connected to the node N1.

[0082] The capacitor C30 is connected between the nodes N3 and N2. Specifically, one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C30 is connected to the node N3. On the other hand, the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C30 is connected to the node N2.

[0083] The capacitor C40 is connected between the nodes N4 and N3. Specifically, one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C40 is connected to the node N4. On the other hand, the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C40 is connected to the node N3.

[0084] The switch S11 is an example of a first switch, and is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11 and the node N3. Specifically, one end of the switch S11 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S11 is connected to the node N3.

[0085] The switch S12 is an example of a third switch, and is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11 and the node N4. Specifically, one end of the switch S12 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S12 is connected to the node N4.

[0086] The switch S21 is an example of a fourth switch, and is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the node N2. Specifically, one end of the switch S21 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S21 is connected to the node N2.

[0087] The switch S22 is an example of a second switch, and is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the node N3. Specifically, one end of the switch S22 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S22 is connected to the node N3.

[0088] The switch S31 is connected between the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the node N1. Specifically, one end of the switch S31 is connected to the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S31 is connected to the node N1.

[0089] The switch S32 is connected between the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the node N2. Specifically, one end of the switch S32 is connected to the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S32 is connected to the node N2. That is, the other end of the switch S32 is connected to the other end of the switch S21.

[0090] The switch S41 is connected between the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13 and the ground. Specifically, one end of the switch S41 is connected to the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S41 is connected to the ground.

[0091] The switch S42 is connected between the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13 and the node N1. Specifically, one end of the switch S42 is connected to the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S42 is connected to the node N1. That is, the other end of the switch S42 is connected to the other end of the switch S31.

[0092] The switch S13 is an example of a fifth switch, and is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14 and the node N3. Specifically, one end of the switch S13 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S13 is connected to the node N3. That is, the other end of the switch S13 is connected to the other end of the switch S11 and the other end of the switch S22.

[0093] The switch S14 is an example of the seventh switch, and is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14 and the node N4. Specifically, one end of the switch S14 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S14 is connected to the node N4. That is, the other end of the switch S14 is connected to the other end of the switch S12.

[0094] The switch S23 is an example of an eighth switch, and is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the node N2. Specifically, one end of the switch S23 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S23 is connected to the node N2. That is, the other end of the switch S23 is connected to the other end of the switch S21 and the other end of the switch S32.

[0095] The switch S24 is an example of a sixth switch, and is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the node N3. Specifically, one end of the switch S24 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S24 is connected to the node N3. That is, the other end of the switch S24 is connected to the other end of the switch S11, the other end of the switch S22, and the other end of the switch S13.

[0096] The switch S33 is connected between the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the node N1. Specifically, one end of the switch S33 is connected to the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S33 is connected to the node N1. That is, the other end of the switch S33 is connected to the other end of the switch S31 and the other end of the switch S42.

[0097] The switch S34 is connected between the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the node N2. Specifically, one end of the switch S34 is connected to the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S34 is connected to the node N2. That is, the other end of the switch S34 is connected to the other end of the switch S21, the other end of the switch S32, and the other end of the switch S23.

[0098] The switch S43 is connected between the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16 and the ground. Specifically, one end of the switch S43 is connected to the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S43 is connected to the ground.

[0099] The switch S44 is connected between the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16 and the node N1. Specifically, one end of the switch S44 is connected to the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S44 is connected to the node N1. That is, the other end of the switch S44 is connected to the other end of the switch S31, the other end of the switch S42, and the other end of the switch S33.

[0100] The switches of the first group including switches S12, S13, S22, S23, S32, S33, S42 and S43 and the switches of the second group including switches S11, S14, S21, S24, S31, S34, S41 and S44 are switched on and off complementarily based on the control signal S2. Specifically, in the first stage, the switches of the first group are turned on and the switches of the second group are turned off. On the contrary, in the second stage, the switches of the first group are turned off and the switches of the second group are turned on.

[0101] For example, in one of the first stage and the second stage, the capacitors C11 to C13 are charged to the capacitors C10 to C40, and in the other of the first stage and the second stage, the capacitors C14 to C16 are charged to the capacitors C10 to C40. That is, the capacitors C11 to C13 or the capacitors C14 to C16 are always charged to the capacitors C10 to C40, so even if the current flows from the nodes N1 to N4 to the power supply modulation circuit 30 at a high speed, the nodes N1 to N4 are replenished with charges at a high speed, so that the potential fluctuation of the nodes N1 to N4 can be suppressed.

[0102] By operating in this way, the switched capacitor circuit 20 can maintain substantially equal voltages at both ends of each of the capacitors C10, C20, C30, and C40. Specifically, at the four nodes labeled V1 to V4, voltages V1 to V4 (voltages relative to the ground potential) that satisfy V1:V2:V3:V4=1:2:3:4 are maintained. The voltage levels of the voltages V1 to V4 correspond to a plurality of discrete voltage levels that can be supplied to the power modulation circuit 30 through the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0103] In addition, the voltage ratio (V1:V2:V3:V4) is not limited to (1:2:3:4). For example, the voltage ratio (V1:V2:V3:V4) may be (1:2:4:8).

[0104] in addition, Figure 3 The structure of the switched capacitor circuit 20 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the switched capacitor circuit 20 is configured to supply voltages of four discrete voltage levels, but is not limited thereto. The switched capacitor circuit 20 may also be configured to supply voltages of any number of discrete voltage levels or more. For example, when supplying voltages of two discrete voltage levels, the switched capacitor circuit 20 may include at least capacitors C12 and C15, and switches S21 to S24 and S31 to S34.

[0105] [1.2.2 Circuit Structure of Power Supply Modulation Circuit 30]

[0106] Next, the circuit structure of the power supply modulation circuit 30 is described. The power supply modulation circuit 30 is connected to the digital control circuit 60. Figure 3 As shown, the power modulation circuit 30 includes input terminals 131 to 134 , switches S51 to S54 , and an output terminal 130 .

[0107] The output terminal 130 is connected to the filter circuit 40. The output terminal 130 is a terminal for supplying a power supply voltage selected from the voltages V1 to V4 to the power amplifier 2A via the filter circuit 40.

[0108] The input terminals 131 to 134 are respectively connected to the nodes N4 to N1 of the switched capacitor circuit 20. The input terminals 131 to 134 are terminals for receiving the voltages V4 to V1 from the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0109] The switch S51 is an example of a tenth switch, and is connected between the input terminal 131 and the output terminal 130. Specifically, the switch S51 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 131 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 130. In this connection structure, the switch S51 can switch between connection and non-connection between the input terminal 131 and the output terminal 130 by switching on / off according to the control signal S3.

[0110] The switch S52 is an example of a ninth switch, and is connected between the input terminal 132 and the output terminal 130. Specifically, the switch S52 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 132 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 130. In this connection structure, the switch S52 can switch between connection and non-connection between the input terminal 132 and the output terminal 130 by switching on / off according to the control signal S3.

[0111] The switch S53 is connected between the input terminal 133 and the output terminal 130. Specifically, the switch S53 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 133 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 130. In this connection structure, the switch S53 can switch the connection and non-connection between the input terminal 133 and the output terminal 130 by switching on / off according to the control signal S3.

[0112] The switch S54 is connected between the input terminal 134 and the output terminal 130. Specifically, the switch S54 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 134 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 130. In this connection structure, the switch S54 can switch the connection and non-connection between the input terminal 134 and the output terminal 130 by switching on / off according to the control signal S3.

[0113] These switches S51 to S54 are controlled to be exclusively turned on. That is, only any one of the switches S51 to S54 is turned on, and the remaining switches of the switches S51 to S54 are turned off. Thus, the power supply modulation circuit 30 can output one voltage selected from the voltages V1 to V4.

[0114] also, Figure 3The structure of the power modulation circuit 30 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. In particular, the switches S51 to S54 may have any structure as long as they can select any one of the four input terminals 131 to 134 and connect to the output terminal 130. For example, the power modulation circuit 30 may further include a switch connected between the switches S51 to S53 and the switch S54 and the output terminal 130. In addition, for example, the power modulation circuit 30 may further include a switch connected between the switches S51 and S52 and the switches S53, S54 and the output terminal 130.

[0115] Furthermore, when voltages of two discrete voltage levels are supplied from the switched capacitor circuit 20 , the power modulation circuit 30 only needs to include at least two of the switches S51 to S54 .

[0116] [1.2.3 Circuit Structure of Pre-regulator Circuit 10]

[0117] First, the structure of the pre-regulator circuit 10 will be described. Figure 3 As shown, the pre-regulator circuit 10 includes an output terminal 111 , inductor connection terminals 115 and 116 , switches S61 , S62 , S71 , and S72 , a power inductor L71 , and a capacitor C61 .

[0118] The output terminal 111 is an output terminal of the voltage V4. That is, the output terminal 111 is a terminal for supplying the voltage V4 to the switched capacitor circuit 20. The output terminal 111 is connected to the node N4 of the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0119] The inductor connection terminal 115 is connected to one end of the power inductor L71 , and the inductor connection terminal 116 is connected to the other end of the power inductor L71 .

[0120] The switch S71 is an example of the eleventh switch, and is connected between the input terminal 110 and one end of the power inductor L71. Specifically, the switch S71 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 110 and a terminal connected to one end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 115. In this connection structure, the switch S71 is switched on / off based on the control signal S1, so that the connection and non-connection between the input terminal 110 and one end of the power inductor L71 can be switched.

[0121] The switch S72 is an example of a twelfth switch, and is connected between one end of the power inductor L71 and the ground. Specifically, the switch S72 has a terminal connected to one end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 115 and a terminal connected to the ground. In this connection structure, the switch S72 is switched on / off based on the control signal S1, so that the connection and non-connection between one end of the power inductor L71 and the ground can be switched.

[0122] The switch S61 is connected between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the output terminal 111. Specifically, the switch S61 has a terminal connected to the other end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 116 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 111. In this connection structure, the switch S61 is switched on / off based on the control signal S1, so that the connection and non-connection between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the output terminal 111 can be switched.

[0123] The switch S62 is connected between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the ground. Specifically, the switch S62 has a terminal connected to the other end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 116 and a terminal connected to the ground. In this connection structure, the switch S62 is switched on / off based on the control signal S1, so that the connection and non-connection between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the ground can be switched.

[0124] One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C61 is connected to the switch S61 and the output terminal 111. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C61 is connected to the ground. The capacitor C61 functions as a smoothing capacitor. In addition, the capacitor C61 may not be included in the pre-regulator circuit 10.

[0125] The pre-regulator circuit 10 further includes bypass paths BP1-BP3 and switches S73 and S74.

[0126] The bypass path BP1 is an example of a first bypass path, and is a path configured to bypass the switch capacitor circuit 20, the power supply modulation circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40. The bypass path BP1 connects the path P1 between the power inductor L71 and the switch capacitor circuit 20 to the output terminal 142 without passing through the switch capacitor circuit 20, the power supply modulation circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40. Specifically, the bypass path BP1 connects a point on the path P1 between the power inductor L71 and the switch capacitor circuit 20 to the output terminal 142. A point refers to a node on a path between elements, and when the impedance of the path is sufficiently low, it is interpreted as the entire path.

[0127] In addition, no switch is connected to the bypass path BP1. That is, the bypass path BP1 always connects the path P1 to the output terminal 142. Therefore, when the power amplifier 2B is operating, the pre-regulator circuit 10 can supply the input voltage received from the DC power supply 50 or the regulated voltage converted from the input voltage to the power amplifier 2B via the bypass path BP1 and the output terminal 142.

[0128] The bypass path BP2 is an example of a second bypass path, and is a path configured to bypass the power inductor L71, the switch capacitor circuit 20, the power modulation circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40. The bypass path BP2 connects the path P2 between the DC power supply 50 and the power inductor L71 to the output terminal 142 without passing through the power inductor L71, the switch capacitor circuit 20, the power modulation circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40. Specifically, the bypass path BP2 connects a point on the path P2 between the input terminal 110 and the switch S71 to the output terminal 142.

[0129] In addition, a switch S73 is connected to the bypass path BP2. The switch S73 can switch the conduction and non-conduction of the bypass path BP2. Therefore, when the power amplifier 2B is effective, the switch S73 turns on the bypass path BP2, so that the pre-regulator circuit 10 can supply the input voltage received from the DC power supply 50 to the power amplifier 2B via the bypass path BP2 and the output terminal 142.

[0130] The bypass path BP3 is an example of a third bypass path and is a path configured to bypass the power inductor. The bypass path BP3 connects the path P2 to the path P1. Specifically, the bypass path BP3 connects a point on the path P2 between the switch S71 and the inductor connection terminal 115 to a point on the path P1 between the inductor connection terminal 116 and the switch S61.

[0131] In addition, a switch S74 is connected to the bypass path BP3. The switch S74 can switch the conduction and non-conduction of the bypass path BP3. Therefore, when the power amplifier 2B is effective, the switch S74 turns on the bypass path BP3, so that the pre-regulator circuit 10 can supply the input voltage received from the DC power supply 50 to the power amplifier 2B via the bypass path BP3, BP1 and the output terminal 142.

[0132] The switch S73 is an example of the thirteenth switch, and is configured to switch the conduction and non-conduction of the bypass path BP2. Specifically, the switch S73 includes a terminal connected to the path P2 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 142. In this connection structure, the switch S73 can switch the conduction and non-conduction of the bypass path BP2 by switching the connection and non-connection of the two terminals. In addition, an LDO (Low Dropout: low voltage difference linear regulator) can be used instead of the switch S73.

[0133] The switch S74 is an example of the fourteenth switch, and is configured to switch the conduction and non-conduction of the bypass path BP3. Specifically, the switch S74 includes a terminal connected to the path P2 and a terminal connected to the path P1. In this connection structure, the switch S74 can switch the conduction and non-conduction of the bypass path BP3 by switching the connection and non-connection of the two terminals.

[0134] The pre-regulator circuit 10 configured in this manner can supply electric charge to the switched capacitor circuit 20 via the output terminal 111 .

[0135] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 is a buck-boost converter, but it may be a buck converter or a boost converter. For example, when the pre-regulator circuit 10 is a buck converter, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may not include switches S61 and S62. In addition, for example, when the pre-regulator circuit 10 is a boost converter, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may not include switches S71 and S72. In addition, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may not include bypass paths BP2 and BP3, and switches S73 and S74.

[0136] [1.2.4 Circuit Structure of Filter Circuit 40]

[0137] Next, the circuit structure of the filter circuit 40 is described. In the present embodiment, the filter circuit 40 has a low-pass response, is configured to filter the voltage received via the input terminal 140, and output the filtered voltage to the output terminal 141. Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the filter circuit 40 includes inductors L51 to L53 , capacitors C51 and C52 , a resistor R51 , and an input terminal 140 .

[0138] The input terminal 140 is an input terminal for a voltage selected by the power modulation circuit 30. That is, the input terminal 140 is a terminal for receiving a voltage selected from a plurality of voltages V1 to V4.

[0139] Inductors L51 to L53, capacitors C51 and C52, and resistor R51 form a low-pass filter. Thus, the filter circuit 40 can reduce high-frequency components included in the power supply voltage.

[0140] also, Figure 3The structure of the filter circuit 40 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the filter circuit 40 may not include the inductor L53 and the resistor R51. In addition, for example, the filter circuit 40 may also include an inductor connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C51, and may also include an inductor connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C52. In addition, the filter circuit 40 may also be partially or completely composed of parasitic reactance and / or parasitic resistance. The parasitic reactance includes, for example, the inductance and / or capacitance of the metal trace connecting the two nodes. In addition, the parasitic resistance includes, for example, the resistance of the metal trace connecting the two nodes.

[0141] [1.2.5 Circuit structure of digital control circuit 60]

[0142] Next, the circuit structure of the digital control circuit 60 is described. Figure 4 As shown, the digital control circuit 60 includes a first controller 61 , a second controller 62 , and control terminals 601 to 604 .

[0143] The first controller 61 can process the source synchronous digital control signal received from the RFIC5 via the control terminals 601 and 602 to generate control signals S1 and S2. The control signal S1 is a signal for controlling the on / off of switches S61, S62, S71, and S72 included in the pre-regulator circuit 10. The control signal S2 is a signal for controlling the on / off of switches S11 to S14, S21 to S24, S31 to S34, and S41 to S44 included in the switch capacitor circuit 20. In addition, a feedback signal for controlling the pre-regulator circuit 10 can also be input to the first controller 61.

[0144] In addition, the digital control signal processed by the first controller 61 is not limited to the source synchronous digital control signal. For example, the first controller 61 may also process the clock embedded digital control signal. In addition, the first controller 61 may also generate a control signal for controlling the power modulation circuit 30.

[0145] In addition, in the present embodiment, a set of a clock signal and a data signal is used as a digital control signal for the pre-regulator circuit 10 and the switched capacitor circuit 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a set of a clock signal and a data signal may be used independently as a digital control signal for the pre-regulator circuit 10 and the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0146] The second controller 62 processes the digital control level (DCL) signals (DCL1, DCL2) received from the RFIC5 via the control terminals 603 and 604 to generate the control signal S3. The DCL signals (DCL1, DCL2) are generated by the RFIC5 based on the envelope signal or the average power of the high frequency signal. The control signal S3 is a signal for controlling the on / off of the switches S51 to S54 included in the power modulation circuit 30.

[0147] The DCL signals (DCL1, DCL2) are 1-bit signals. Voltages V1 to V4 are represented by a combination of two 1-bit signals. For example, V1, V2, V3, and V4 are represented by "00", "01", "10", and "11", respectively. Gray code can also be used to represent voltage levels.

[0148] The capacitor C81 is connected between the first controller 61 and the ground. For example, the capacitor C81 is connected between a power line that supplies power to the first controller 61 and the ground, and functions as a bypass capacitor. The capacitor C82 is connected between the second controller 62 and the ground.

[0149] In addition, in the present embodiment, two digital control level signals are used to control the power modulation circuit 30, but the number of digital control level signals is not limited thereto. For example, one or more digital control level signals may be used according to the number of voltage levels that can be selected by the power modulation circuit 30. In addition, the digital control signal used to control the power modulation circuit 30 is not limited to the digital control level signal.

[0150] [1.3 Voltage supply method]

[0151] Next, refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 A method of supplying voltage to the power amplifiers 2A and 2B by the tracker circuit 1 configured as described above will be described. Figure 5 : is a flowchart showing the voltage supply method according to the present embodiment.

[0152] When a voltage is supplied to the power amplifier 2A (Yes in S101), the pre-regulator circuit 10 converts the input voltage input from the DC power supply 50 into an adjustment voltage based on the control signal S1 (S103). At this time, the switches S73 and S74 are turned off, and the bypass paths BP2 and BP3 are not conducting. The switched capacitor circuit 20 generates a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage based on the control signal S2 (S105). The power supply modulation circuit 30 selects at least one voltage from the plurality of discrete voltages based on the control signal S3 (S107). The filter circuit 40 filters the selected voltage and supplies it to the power amplifier 2A via the output terminal 141 (S109).

[0153] When supplying voltage to the power amplifier 2B ("No" of S101), if the input voltage is higher than the prescribed voltage ("Yes" of S111), the pre-regulator circuit 10 converts the input voltage into an adjustment voltage (S113) based on the control signal S1. The prescribed voltage can be determined empirically and / or experimentally in advance, and can be determined based on the voltage required for amplification of the high-frequency signal in the power amplifier 2B. The converted adjustment voltage is applied to the output terminal 142 via the bypass path BP1 and supplied to the power amplifier 2B (S119). That is, the generation of multiple discrete voltages and the selection of at least one voltage are skipped. At this time, the switches S73 and S74 are disconnected, and the bypass paths BP2 and BP3 are not conducting.

[0154] When the voltage is supplied to the power amplifier 2B (No in S101), if the input voltage is not higher than the specified voltage (No in S111), the input voltage is applied to the output terminal 142 via the bypass paths BP1 to BP3 and supplied to the power amplifier 2B (S129). That is, in addition to the generation of multiple discrete voltages and the selection of at least one voltage, the conversion of the input voltage to the adjustment voltage is skipped. At this time, the switches S73 and S74 are turned on, and the bypass paths BP2 and BP3 are turned on.

[0155] [1.4 Component Configuration of Tracker Module 100]

[0156] Next, as an example of implementing the tracker circuit 1 configured as above, refer to Figure 6 to Figure 8 A tracker module 100 is described in which a pre-regulator circuit 10, a switched capacitor circuit 20, a power modulation circuit 30, and a filter circuit 40 are mounted. In this mounting example, the power inductor L71 included in the pre-regulator circuit 10 is not disposed on the module substrate 90, but may be disposed on the module substrate 90.

[0157] Figure 6 1 is a top view of tracker module 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 71 is a plan view of the tracker module 100 according to the present embodiment, and is a view showing the main surface 90 b side of the module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive z-axis side. Figure 8 2 is a cross-sectional view of tracker module 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 8 The cross sections of the tracker module 100 are Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 Cross section at line VIII-VIII of .

[0158] In addition, Figure 6 to Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , a portion of wiring connecting a plurality of circuit components arranged on the module substrate 90 is omitted. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the resin member 91 covering the plurality of circuit components and the shield electrode layer 92 covering the surface of the resin member 91 are omitted. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , shaded blocks represent arbitrary circuit components that are not essential to the present invention.

[0159] The tracker module 100 includes Figure 2 The illustrated pre-regulator circuit 10 , switched capacitor circuit 20 , power supply modulation circuit 30 , and filter circuit 40 include multiple circuit components such as active elements and passive elements, as well as a module substrate 90 , a resin member 91 , a shield electrode layer 92 , and multiple pad electrodes 150 .

[0160] The module substrate 90 has main surfaces 90a and 90b facing each other. A via conductor, wiring, a ground electrode layer, etc. are formed in the module substrate 90 and on the main surface 90a. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In the embodiment, the module substrate 90 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, but is not limited to this shape.

[0161] As the module substrate 90, for example, a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC: Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) substrate or a high temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC: High Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) substrate having a stacked structure of multiple dielectric layers, a component-embedded substrate, a substrate having a redistribution layer (RDL: Redistribution Layer), or a printed circuit substrate can be used, but it is not limited to these.

[0162] The integrated circuit 80 , capacitors C10 to C16 , C20 , C30 , C40 , C51 , C52 , and C61 , inductors L51 to L53 , a resistor R51 , and a resin member 91 are arranged on the main surface 90 a .

[0163] The integrated circuit 80 includes a PR switch section 80a, an SC switch section 80b, an SM switch section 80c, and a digital control section 80d. The PR switch section 80a includes switches S61 to S63, S71 to S74. The SC switch section 80b includes switches S11 to S14, S21 to S24, S31 to S34, and S41 to S44. The SM switch section 80c includes switches S51 to S54. The digital control section 80d includes a first controller 61 and a second controller 62.

[0164] In addition, Figure 6 In the embodiment, the PR switch section 80a, the SC switch section 80b, the SM switch section 80c and the digital control section 80d are included in one integrated circuit 80, but are not limited thereto. For example, the PR switch section 80a and the SC switch section 80b may be included in one integrated circuit, while the SM switch section 80c may be included in another integrated circuit. In addition, for example, the SC switch section 80b and the SM switch section 80c may be included in one integrated circuit, while the PR switch section 80a may be included in another integrated circuit. In addition, the PR switch section 80a and the SM switch section 80c may be included in one integrated circuit, while the SC switch section 80b may be included in another integrated circuit. In addition, for example, the PR switch section 80a, the SC switch section 80b and the SM switch section 80c may be included in three integrated circuits, respectively and independently. At this time, the digital control section 80d may also be included in each of the plurality of integrated circuits, or may be included in only one of the plurality of integrated circuits. In addition, the plurality of integrated circuits may be manufactured by different process technology nodes.

[0165] In addition, Figure 6 In the embodiment, the integrated circuit 80 has a rectangular shape when the module substrate 90 is viewed from above, but the shape is not limited to this.

[0166] The integrated circuit 80 is configured using, for example, CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and specifically, can be manufactured by SOI (Silicon on Insulator) process. The integrated circuit 80 is not limited to CMOS.

[0167] Capacitors C10 to C16, C20, C30, C40, C51, C52, and C61 are mounted as chip capacitors, respectively. A chip capacitor refers to a surface mount device (SMD: Surface Mount Device) constituting a capacitor. In addition, the mounting of multiple capacitors is not limited to chip capacitors. For example, a part or all of the multiple capacitors may also be included in an integrated passive device (IPD: Integrated Passive Device) or may be included in the integrated circuit 80.

[0168] Inductors L51 to L53 are mounted as chip inductors, respectively. A chip inductor refers to an SMD that constitutes an inductor. In addition, mounting of a plurality of inductors is not limited to chip inductors. For example, a plurality of inductors may also be included in an IPD.

[0169] The resistor R51 is mounted as a chip resistor. A chip resistor refers to an SMD that constitutes a resistor. In addition, the mounting of the resistor R51 is not limited to a chip resistor. For example, the resistor R51 may also be included in an IPD.

[0170] In this way, the plurality of capacitors, the plurality of inductors, and the plurality of resistors arranged on the main surface 90 a are grouped for each circuit and arranged around the integrated circuit 80 .

[0171] Specifically, when the module substrate 90 is viewed from above, the capacitor C61 included in the pre-regulator circuit 10 is arranged in a region on the main surface 90a sandwiched between a straight line along the left side of the integrated circuit 80 and a straight line along the left side of the module substrate 90. Thus, the group of circuit components included in the pre-regulator circuit 10 is arranged near the PR switch section 80a in the integrated circuit 80.

[0172] When the module substrate 90 is viewed from above, the group of capacitors C10 to C16, C20, C30, and C40 included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 is arranged in an area on the main surface 90a sandwiched by a straight line along the upper side of the integrated circuit 80 and a straight line along the upper side of the module substrate 90, and an area on the main surface 90a sandwiched by a straight line along the right side of the integrated circuit 80 and a straight line along the right side of the module substrate 90. Thus, the group of circuit components included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 is arranged near the SC switch section 80b in the integrated circuit 80. That is, the SC switch section 80b is arranged closer to the switched capacitor circuit 20 than each of the PR switch section 80a and the SM switch section 80c.

[0173] When the module substrate 90 is viewed from above, the group of capacitors C51 and C52, inductors L51 to L53, and resistor R51 included in the filter circuit 40 is arranged in a region on the main surface 90a sandwiched between a straight line along the lower side of the integrated circuit 80 and a straight line along the lower side of the module substrate 90. Thus, the group of circuit components included in the filter circuit 40 is arranged near the SM switch section 80c in the integrated circuit 80. That is, the SM switch section 80c is arranged closer to the filter circuit 40 than each of the PR switch section 80a and the SC switch section 80b.

[0174] At least a portion of the filter circuit 40 is connected to the same side (in the Figure 6 Specifically, at least one of the circuit components included in the filter circuit 40 (in Figure 6 In the embodiment, capacitor C51 and inductors L51 and L53 are arranged adjacent to the bottom side of integrated circuit 80.

[0175] A plurality of pad electrodes 150 are arranged on the main surface 90b. The plurality of pad electrodes 150 are provided as Figure 2 In addition to the input terminal 110, the inductor connection terminals 115 and 116, the output terminals 141 and 142, and the control terminals 601 to 604 shown, a plurality of external connection terminals including a ground terminal function. The plurality of pad electrodes 150 are electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components arranged on the main surface 90a via the via conductors formed in the module substrate 90. Copper electrodes can be used as the plurality of pad electrodes 150, but are not limited to this. For example, solder electrodes can also be used as the plurality of pad electrodes. In addition, a plurality of bump electrodes or a plurality of column electrodes can be used as the plurality of external connection terminals instead of the plurality of pad electrodes 150.

[0176] Resin member 91 covers main surface 90a and at least a portion of the plurality of electronic components on main surface 90a. Resin member 91 has a function of ensuring reliability such as mechanical strength and moisture resistance of the plurality of electronic components on main surface 90a. In addition, resin member 91 may not be included in tracker module 100.

[0177] The shielding electrode layer 92 is, for example, a metal thin film formed by a sputtering method. The shielding electrode layer 92 is formed to cover the surface (upper surface and side surface) of the resin member 91. The shielding electrode layer 92 is connected to the ground to suppress the intrusion of external noise into the electronic components constituting the tracker module 100 and the noise generated in the tracker module 100 from interfering with other modules or other devices. In addition, the shielding electrode layer 92 may not be included in the tracker module 100.

[0178] also, Figure 6 to Figure 8The structure of the tracker module 100 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the capacitor and the inductor arranged on the main surface 90a may be formed in the module substrate 90. In addition, a part of the capacitor and the inductor arranged on the main surface 90a may not be included in the tracker module 100, and may not be arranged on the module substrate 90.

[0179] [1.5 Effects, etc.]

[0180] As described above, the tracker circuit 1 of this embodiment includes: a pre-regulator circuit 10, which is configured to convert an input voltage into an adjustment voltage using a power inductor L71; a switching capacitor circuit 20, which is configured to generate multiple discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage; and a power supply modulation circuit 30, which is configured to select at least one voltage from multiple discrete voltages and output it to an output terminal 141. The pre-regulator circuit 10 is configured to output the input voltage or the adjustment voltage to the output terminal 142 via a bypass path BP1 that is configured to bypass the switching capacitor circuit 20 and the power supply modulation circuit 30, and the bypass path BP1 is configured to connect the path P1 between the power inductor L71 and the switching capacitor circuit 20 to the output terminal 142.

[0181] Accordingly, the tracker circuit 1 can output the input voltage or the regulated voltage to the output terminal 142 via the bypass path BP1 configured to bypass the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the power modulation circuit 30. Therefore, when there is no need to supply a plurality of discrete voltages and the input voltage or the regulated voltage is supplied (for example, in the case of the constant voltage mode), the loss of the input voltage or the regulated voltage caused by the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the power modulation circuit 30 can be reduced.

[0182] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may also be configured to output the input voltage to the output terminal 142 via a bypass path BP2 configured to bypass the power inductor L71, the switching capacitor circuit 20, and the power supply modulation circuit 30, or the bypass path BP2 may be configured to connect the path P2 between the DC power supply 50 and the power inductor L71 to the output terminal 142.

[0183] Accordingly, the tracker circuit 1 can also output the input voltage to the output terminal 142 via the bypass path BP2 configured to bypass the power inductor L71, the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the power modulation circuit 30. Therefore, when the input voltage is supplied without supplying a plurality of discrete voltages, the loss of the input voltage caused by the power inductor L71, the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the power modulation circuit 30 can be reduced. In addition, since the input voltage is output to the output terminal 142 via the two bypass paths BP1 and BP2, the path resistance can be reduced compared to the case where the input voltage is output to the output terminal 142 only via the bypass path BP1.

[0184] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may further include a switch S73 in the bypass path BP2 .

[0185] According to this, the conduction and non-conduction of the bypass path BP2 can be switched by the switch S73, and the input voltage and the regulated voltage can be switched and outputted.

[0186] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the switch S73 of the pre-regulator circuit 10 may not turn on the bypass path BP2 when the input voltage is higher than the specified voltage, or the switch S73 of the pre-regulator circuit 10 may turn on the bypass path BP2 when the input voltage is lower than the specified voltage.

[0187] According to this, when the input voltage is higher than the specified voltage, the input voltage can be stepped down and output to the output terminal 142. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power amplifier 2B from being unnecessarily supplied with a high voltage, and the PAE can be improved. In addition, when the input voltage is lower than the specified voltage, the input voltage can be output to the output terminal 142 as it is via the bypass paths BP1 and BP2. Therefore, the resistance of the bypass path can be reduced, and the loss of the input voltage can be reduced.

[0188] Furthermore, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the switch S73 of the pre-regulator circuit 10 and the switches S11 to S14 and S21 to S24 included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 may be included in the same integrated circuit 80 .

[0189] This can suppress an increase in the number of components due to the switch S73 and achieve miniaturization of the tracker circuit 1 .

[0190] Furthermore, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may not include a switch in the bypass path BP1 .

[0191] According to this, since the bypass path BP1 does not include a switch, it is possible to suppress an increase in the resistance of the bypass path BP1 due to the on-resistance of the switch.

[0192] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may also include a smoothing capacitor C62 connected between the path P1 between the power inductor L71 and the switching capacitor circuit 20 and the ground, and the bypass path BP1 may be constructed to connect a point with the output terminal 142, which is a point between the capacitor C62 and the switching capacitor circuit 20 and a point on the path P1 between the power inductor L71 and the switching capacitor circuit 20.

[0193] Thus, a point on path P1 between smoothing capacitor C62 and switched capacitor circuit 20 is connected to output terminal 142. Therefore, when a voltage is output to output terminal 142 via bypass path BP1, capacitor C62 can smooth the voltage, and the voltage output to output terminal 142 can be stabilized.

[0194] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may also include a switch S74 configured to switch the conduction and non-conduction of a bypass path BP3, wherein the bypass path BP3 is configured to bypass the power inductor L71, or the bypass path BP3 may be configured to connect the path P2 between the DC power supply 50 and the power inductor L71 with the path P1 between the power inductor L71 and the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0195] Accordingly, the tracker circuit 1 can output the input voltage to the output terminal 142 via the bypass paths BP3 and BP1. Therefore, when the input voltage is supplied without supplying a plurality of discrete voltages, in addition to reducing the loss caused by the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the power modulation circuit 30, the loss caused by the power inductor L71 can also be reduced.

[0196] The tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment includes: a pre-regulator circuit 10, a switched capacitor circuit 20 connected to the pre-regulator circuit 10, a power supply modulation circuit 30 connected to the switched capacitor circuit 20, an input terminal 110, and output terminals 141 and 142. The switched capacitor circuit 20 includes: a capacitor C11 having a first electrode and a second electrode, a capacitor C14 having a third electrode and a fourth electrode, switches S11 to S14 and S21 to S24, one end of the switch S11 and one end of the switch S12 are connected to the first electrode, one end of the switch S22 and one end of the switch S21 are connected to the second electrode, one end of the switch S13 and one end of the switch S14 are connected to the third electrode, one end of the switch S24 and one end of the switch S23 are connected to the fourth electrode, the other end of the switch S11, the other end of the switch S22, the other end of the switch S13, and the other end of the switch S24 are connected to each other, and the other end of the switch S12 is connected to the switch S14. The other end of the switch S21 is connected to the other end of the switch S23, the power supply modulation circuit 30 includes: a switch S52, connected between the other end of the switch S11, the other end of the switch S22, the other end of the switch S13 and the other end of the switch S24 and the output terminal 141; and a switch S51, connected between the other end of the switch S12 and the other end of the switch S14 and the output terminal 141, the pre-regulator circuit 10 includes: a switch S71, connected between the input terminal 110 and one end of the power inductor L71; and a switch S72, connected between one end of the power inductor L71 and ground, the other end of the power inductor L71 is connected to the other end of the switch S11, the other end of the switch S22, the other end of the switch S13 and the other end of the switch S24, and the other end of the power inductor L71 is connected to the output terminal 142 via a bypass path BP1 configured to bypass the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the power supply modulation circuit 30.

[0197] Accordingly, the tracker circuit 1 can output the input voltage or the regulated voltage to the output terminal 142 via the bypass path BP1 configured to bypass the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the power modulation circuit 30. Therefore, when there is no need to supply a plurality of discrete voltages and the input voltage or the regulated voltage is supplied (for example, in the case of the constant voltage mode), the loss of the input voltage or the regulated voltage caused by the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the power modulation circuit 30 can be reduced.

[0198] Furthermore, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, one end of the power inductor L71 may be connected to the output terminal 142 via a bypass path BP2 configured to bypass the power inductor L71 , the switched capacitor circuit 20 , and the power supply modulation circuit 30 .

[0199] Accordingly, the tracker circuit 1 can also output the input voltage to the output terminal 142 via the bypass path BP2 configured to bypass the power inductor L71, the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the power modulation circuit 30. Therefore, when the input voltage is supplied without supplying a plurality of discrete voltages, the loss of the input voltage caused by the power inductor L71, the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the power modulation circuit 30 can be reduced. In addition, since the input voltage is output to the output terminal 142 via the two bypass paths BP1 and BP2, the path resistance can be reduced compared to the case where the input voltage is output to the output terminal 142 only via the bypass path BP1.

[0200] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may further include a switch S73 in the bypass path BP2 .

[0201] According to this, the conduction and non-conduction of the bypass path BP2 can be switched by the switch S73, and the input voltage and the regulated voltage can be switched and outputted.

[0202] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, when the input voltage is higher than the specified voltage, the switch S73 may connect one end of the power inductor L71 to the output terminal 142 not via the bypass path BP2, or when the input voltage is lower than the specified voltage, the switch S73 may connect one end of the power inductor L71 to the output terminal 142 via the bypass path BP2.

[0203] According to this, when the input voltage is higher than the specified voltage, the input voltage can be stepped down and output to the output terminal 142. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power amplifier 2B from being unnecessarily supplied with a high voltage, and the PAE can be improved. In addition, when the input voltage is lower than the specified voltage, the input voltage can be output to the output terminal 142 as it is via the bypass paths BP1 and BP2. Therefore, the resistance of the bypass path can be reduced, and the loss of the input voltage can be reduced.

[0204] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the switch S73 may be included in the same integrated circuit 80 as the switches S11 to S14 and S21 to S24 .

[0205] This can suppress an increase in the number of components due to the switch S73 and achieve miniaturization of the tracker circuit 1 .

[0206] Furthermore, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may not include a switch in the bypass path BP1 .

[0207] According to this, since the bypass path BP1 does not include a switch, it is possible to suppress an increase in the resistance of the bypass path BP1 due to the on-resistance of the switch.

[0208] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may also include a smoothing capacitor C62 connected between the path P1 between the power inductor L71 and the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the ground, and the bypass path BP1 may connect a point to the output terminal 142, which is a point between the capacitor C62 and the switched capacitor circuit 20 and a point on the path P1 between the power inductor L71 and the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0209] Thus, a point on path P1 between smoothing capacitor C62 and switched capacitor circuit 20 is connected to output terminal 142. Therefore, when a voltage is output to output terminal 142 via bypass path BP1, capacitor C62 can smooth the voltage, and the voltage output to output terminal 142 can be stabilized.

[0210] In addition, for example, in the tracker circuit 1 of this embodiment, the pre-regulator circuit 10 may also include a switch S74 in a bypass path BP3 configured to bypass the power inductor L71, or the bypass path BP3 may connect one end of the power inductor L71 to the other end of the power inductor L71.

[0211] Accordingly, the tracker circuit 1 can output the input voltage to the output terminal 142 via the bypass paths BP3 and BP1. Therefore, when the input voltage is supplied without supplying a plurality of discrete voltages, in addition to reducing the loss caused by the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the power modulation circuit 30, the loss caused by the power inductor L71 can also be reduced.

[0212] In addition, in the voltage supply method of the present embodiment, the input voltage is converted into an adjustment voltage using a power inductor L71 (S103), a plurality of discrete voltages are generated based on the adjustment voltage (S105), at least one voltage is selected from the plurality of discrete voltages based on the envelope signal of the high-frequency signal and supplied to the power amplifier 2A (S107 and S109), the generation of the plurality of discrete voltages and the selection of at least one voltage are skipped, and the input voltage or the adjustment voltage is supplied to the power amplifier 2B (S119 or S129).

[0213] Accordingly, when the input voltage or the adjusted voltage is supplied to the power amplifier 2B (for example, in the constant voltage mode), the generation of multiple discrete voltages and the selection of at least one voltage can be skipped, thereby reducing the loss caused by these generation and selection.

[0214] In addition, in the voltage supply method of the present embodiment, when the input voltage is higher than the specified voltage ("Yes" in S111), the adjusted voltage may be supplied to the power amplifier 2B (S119); and when the input voltage is not higher than the specified voltage ("No" in S111), the conversion of the input voltage to the adjusted voltage may be skipped and the input voltage may be supplied to the power amplifier 2B (S129).

[0215] According to this, when the input voltage is higher than the specified voltage, the input voltage can be stepped down and the regulated voltage can be supplied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary supply of a high voltage to the power amplifier 2B, and improve PAE. Furthermore, when the input voltage is lower than the specified voltage, the conversion of the input voltage to the regulated voltage can be skipped, and the loss caused by the conversion can be reduced.

[0216] (Other Embodiments)

[0217] The tracker circuit and the voltage supply method of the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments, but the tracker circuit and the voltage supply method of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Other embodiments implemented by combining any of the constituent elements in the above embodiments, modified examples obtained by implementing various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention, and various devices having the above tracker circuit built therein are also included in the present invention.

[0218] For example, in the circuit configurations of the various circuits of the above embodiments, other circuit elements and wirings may be inserted between the paths connecting the circuit elements and signal paths disclosed in the drawings. For example, an impedance matching circuit may be inserted between the power amplifier 2A and the filter 3A.

[0219] In addition, in the above embodiment, the tracker circuit supplies voltage to two power amplifiers 2A and 2B, but it may supply voltage to three or more power amplifiers. In this case, the same voltage as that of the power amplifier 2A or 2B may be supplied to the additional power amplifier, or a different voltage from that of the power amplifier 2A and 2B may be supplied to the additional power amplifier. For example, Fig. 9 As shown, when different voltages are supplied to two power amplifiers 2A in the digital ET mode, the tracker circuit 1 may include a pre-regulator circuit 10, a switched capacitor circuit 20, two power supply modulation circuits 30 connected to the switched capacitor circuit 20, and two filter circuits 40 respectively connected to the two power supply modulation circuits 30. Thus, the pre-regulator circuit 10 and the switched capacitor circuit 20 can be shared by the two power amplifiers 2A, and an increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

[0220] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a plurality of discrete voltages are supplied from the switched capacitor circuit to the power modulation circuit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of voltages may be supplied from a plurality of DCDC converters, respectively. In addition, when the voltage levels of the plurality of discrete voltages are equally spaced, it is preferable to use a switched capacitor circuit, which is effective for miniaturization of the tracker module.

[0221] In the above embodiment, four discrete voltages are supplied, but the number of discrete voltages is not limited to 4. For example, PAE can be improved as long as the plurality of discrete voltages include at least a voltage corresponding to the maximum output power and a voltage corresponding to the output power with the highest generation frequency.

[0222] In the above embodiment, the plurality of circuit components of the tracker circuit 1 are arranged on the main surface 90a of the module substrate, but may be arranged on both the main surfaces 90a and 90b. In this case, for example, the integrated circuit 80 may also be arranged on the main surface 90b.

[0223] The following describes the features of the tracker circuit and the voltage supply method described based on the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0224] <1> A tracker circuit, comprising:

[0225] a pre-regulator circuit configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage using a power inductor;

[0226] a switched capacitor circuit configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage; and

[0227] The power modulation circuit is configured to select at least one voltage from the plurality of discrete voltages and output the selected voltage to the first output terminal.

[0228] The pre-regulator circuit is configured to output the input voltage or the regulated voltage to the second output terminal via a first bypass path, wherein the first bypass path is configured to bypass the switched capacitor circuit and the power supply modulation circuit.

[0229] The first bypass path is configured to connect a path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit to the second output terminal.

[0230] <2> A tracker circuit according to <1>, wherein:

[0231] The pre-regulator circuit is further configured to output the input voltage to the second output terminal via a second bypass path, wherein the second bypass path is configured to bypass the power inductor, the switched capacitor circuit, and the power modulation circuit.

[0232] The second bypass path is configured to connect a path between a DC power supply and the power inductor to the second output terminal.

[0233] <3> A tracker circuit according to <2>, wherein:

[0234] The pre-regulator circuit further includes a switch in the second bypass path.

[0235] <4> A tracker circuit according to <3>, wherein:

[0236] When the input voltage is higher than a predetermined voltage, the switch of the pre-regulator circuit does not conduct the second bypass path.

[0237] When the input voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage, the switch of the pre-regulator circuit turns on the second bypass path.

[0238] <5> A tracker circuit according to <3> or <4>, wherein:

[0239] The switch of the pre-regulator circuit and the switch included in the switched capacitor circuit are included in the same integrated circuit.

[0240] <6> The tracker circuit according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein:

[0241] The pre-regulator circuit does not include a switch in the first bypass path.

[0242] <7> The tracker circuit according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein:

[0243] The pre-regulator circuit further includes a smoothing capacitor connected between the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit and ground.

[0244] The first bypass path is configured to connect a point between the smoothing capacitor and the switched capacitor circuit and a point on the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit to the second output terminal.

[0245] <8> The tracker circuit according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein:

[0246] The pre-regulator circuit further includes a switch in a third bypass path, wherein the third bypass path is configured to bypass the power inductor.

[0247] The third bypass path is configured to connect a path between a DC power supply and the power inductor to the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit.

[0248] <9> A tracker circuit, comprising:

[0249] Pre-regulator circuit;

[0250] a switched capacitor circuit connected to the pre-regulator circuit;

[0251] a power modulation circuit connected to the above-mentioned switched capacitor circuit;

[0252] input terminals; and

[0253] a first output terminal and a second output terminal,

[0254] The above-mentioned switched capacitor circuit comprises:

[0255] a first capacitor having a first electrode and a second electrode;

[0256] a second capacitor having a third electrode and a fourth electrode; and

[0257] a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, a sixth switch, a seventh switch and an eighth switch,

[0258] One end of the first switch and one end of the third switch are connected to the first electrode.

[0259] One end of the second switch and one end of the fourth switch are connected to the second electrode.

[0260] One end of the fifth switch and one end of the seventh switch are connected to the third electrode.

[0261] One end of the sixth switch and one end of the eighth switch are connected to the fourth electrode.

[0262] The other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch and the other end of the sixth switch are connected to each other.

[0263] The other end of the third switch is connected to the other end of the seventh switch.

[0264] The other end of the fourth switch is connected to the other end of the eighth switch.

[0265] The power modulation circuit comprises:

[0266] a ninth switch connected between the other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch, the other end of the sixth switch and the first output terminal; and

[0267] a tenth switch connected between the other end of the third switch and the other end of the seventh switch and the first output terminal,

[0268] The above-mentioned pre-regulator circuit comprises:

[0269] an eleventh switch connected between the input terminal and one end of the power inductor; and

[0270] a twelfth switch connected between one end of the power inductor and ground,

[0271] The other end of the power inductor is connected to the other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch, and the other end of the sixth switch.

[0272] The other end of the power inductor is connected to the second output terminal via a first bypass path, and the first bypass path is configured to bypass the switched capacitor circuit and the power supply modulation circuit.

[0273] <10> A tracker circuit according to <9>, wherein:

[0274] The one end of the power inductor is connected to the second output terminal via a second bypass path, and the second bypass path is configured to bypass the power inductor, the switched capacitor circuit, and the power supply modulation circuit.

[0275] <11> A tracker circuit according to <10>, wherein:

[0276] The pre-regulator circuit further includes a thirteenth switch in the second bypass path.

[0277] <12> A tracker circuit according to <11>, wherein:

[0278] When the input voltage is higher than a predetermined voltage, the thirteenth switch connects the one end of the power inductor to the second output terminal without passing through the second bypass path.

[0279] When the input voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage, the thirteenth switch connects the one end of the power inductor to the second output terminal via the second bypass path. <13> The tracker circuit according to <11> or <12>, wherein:

[0280] The thirteenth switch is included in the same integrated circuit as the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, the seventh switch, and the eighth switch.

[0281] <14> The tracker circuit according to any one of <9> to <13>, wherein:

[0282] The pre-regulator circuit does not include a switch in the first bypass path.

[0283] <15> The tracker circuit according to any one of <9> to <14>, wherein:

[0284] The pre-regulator circuit further includes a third capacitor for smoothing, wherein the third capacitor is connected between a path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit and ground.

[0285] The first bypass path connects a point between the third capacitor and the switched capacitor circuit and a point on the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit to the first output terminal.

[0286] <16> The tracker circuit according to any one of <9> to <15>, wherein:

[0287] The pre-regulator circuit further includes a fourteenth switch in a third bypass path, wherein the third bypass path is configured to bypass the power inductor.

[0288] The third bypass path connects one end of the power inductor and the other end of the power inductor.

[0289] <17> A voltage supply method, wherein:

[0290] The input voltage is converted to a regulated voltage using a power inductor,

[0291] Based on the above adjustment voltage, a plurality of discrete voltages are generated.

[0292] Based on the envelope signal of the high frequency signal, at least one voltage is selected from the plurality of discrete voltages and supplied to the first amplifier,

[0293] The generation of the plurality of discrete voltages and the selection of the at least one voltage are skipped, and the input voltage or the adjustment voltage is supplied to the second amplifier.

[0294] <18> The voltage supply method according to <17>, wherein:

[0295] When the input voltage is higher than a predetermined voltage, the adjustment voltage is supplied to the second amplifier.

[0296] When the input voltage is not higher than the predetermined voltage, conversion of the input voltage to the adjustment voltage is skipped and the input voltage is supplied to the second amplifier.

[0297] Industrial Applicability

[0298] The present invention can be widely used in communication equipment such as mobile phones as a tracker circuit for supplying voltage to a power amplifier.

[0299] Explanation of reference numerals: 1...tracker circuit; 2A, 2B...power amplifier; 3A, 3B...filter; 4...PA control circuit; 5...RFIC; 6...antenna; 7...communication device; 10...pre-regulator circuit; 20...switched capacitor circuit; 30...power modulation circuit; 40...filter circuit; 50...DC power supply; 60...digital control circuit; 61...first controller; 62...second controller; 80...integrated circuit; 80a...PR switch section; 80b...SC switch section; 80c...SM switch section; 80d...digital control section; 90...module substrate; 90a, 90b...main surface; 91...resin member; 92...shielding electrode layer; 100...tracker module; 110, 131, 132, 133, 134, 140...input terminal; 111, 112, 113, 114, 130, 141, 142...output terminal; 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 140...input terminal; 111, 112, 113, 114, 130, 141, 142...output terminal; 115, 116, 117, 118, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 140...input terminal; 111, 112, 6...inductor connection terminal; 150...pad electrode; 601, 602, 603, 604...control terminal; BP1, BP2, BP3...bypass path; C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C20, C30, C40, C51, C52, C61, C62, C63, C64, C81, C82...capacitor; L51, L52, L53...inductor; L71...power inductor; N1, N2 , N3, N4...node; P1, P2...path; R51...resistance; S1, S2, S3...control signal; S11, S12, S13, S14, S21, S22, S23, S24, S31, S32, S33, S34, S41, S42, S43, S44, S51, S52, S53, S54, S61, S62, S63, S71, S72, S73, S74...switch; V1, V2, V3, V4...voltage; V ET 、V 2G ...supply voltage.

Claims

1. A tracker circuit, wherein: have: a pre-regulator circuit configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage using a power inductor; a switched capacitor circuit configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage; as well as a power modulation circuit configured to select at least one voltage from the plurality of discrete voltages and output the selected voltage to a first output terminal, The pre-regulator circuit is configured to output the input voltage or the regulated voltage to a second output terminal via a first bypass path, wherein the first bypass path is configured to bypass the switched capacitor circuit and the power supply modulation circuit. The first bypass path is configured to connect a path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit to the second output terminal.

2. The tracker circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit is further configured to output the input voltage to the second output terminal via a second bypass path, the second bypass path being configured to bypass the power inductor, the switched capacitor circuit, and the power modulation circuit, The second bypass path is configured to connect a path between a DC power supply and the power inductor to the second output terminal.

3. The tracker circuit of claim 2, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit also includes a switch in the second bypass path.

4. The tracker circuit of claim 3, wherein: When the input voltage is higher than a predetermined voltage, the switch of the pre-regulator circuit does not conduct the second bypass path. When the input voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage, the switch of the pre-regulator circuit turns on the second bypass path.

5. The tracker circuit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The switches of the pre-regulator circuit are included in the same integrated circuit as switches included in the switched capacitor circuit.

6. The tracker circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit does not include a switch in the first bypass path.

7. The tracker circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit further includes a smoothing capacitor connected between the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit and ground, The first bypass path is configured to connect a point between the smoothing capacitor and the switched capacitor circuit and a point on the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit to the second output terminal.

8. The tracker circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit further includes a switch in a third bypass path configured to bypass the power inductor, The third bypass path is configured to connect a path between a DC power supply and the power inductor and the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit.

9. A tracker circuit, wherein: have: Pre-regulator circuit; a switched capacitor circuit connected to the pre-regulator circuit; a power modulation circuit connected to the switched capacitor circuit; Input terminal; as well as a first output terminal and a second output terminal, The switched capacitor circuit comprises: a first capacitor having a first electrode and a second electrode; a second capacitor having a third electrode and a fourth electrode; and a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, a sixth switch, a seventh switch and an eighth switch, One end of the first switch and one end of the third switch are connected to the first electrode, One end of the second switch and one end of the fourth switch are connected to the second electrode, One end of the fifth switch and one end of the seventh switch are connected to the third electrode, One end of the sixth switch and one end of the eighth switch are connected to the fourth electrode, The other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch and the other end of the sixth switch are connected to each other. The other end of the third switch is connected to the other end of the seventh switch, The other end of the fourth switch is connected to the other end of the eighth switch, The power modulation circuit comprises: a ninth switch connected between the other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch, the other end of the sixth switch and the first output terminal; and a tenth switch connected between the other end of the third switch and the other end of the seventh switch and the first output terminal, The pre-regulator circuit comprises: an eleventh switch connected between the input terminal and one end of the power inductor; and a twelfth switch connected between one end of the power inductor and ground, The other end of the power inductor is connected to the other end of the first switch, the other end of the second switch, the other end of the fifth switch, and the other end of the sixth switch. The other end of the power inductor is connected to the second output terminal via a first bypass path, and the first bypass path is configured to bypass the switched capacitor circuit and the power supply modulation circuit.

10. The tracker circuit of claim 9, wherein: The one end of the power inductor is connected to the second output terminal via a second bypass path, and the second bypass path is configured to bypass the power inductor, the switched capacitor circuit, and the power supply modulation circuit.

11. The tracker circuit of claim 10, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit also includes a thirteenth switch in the second bypass path.

12. The tracker circuit of claim 11, wherein: When the input voltage is higher than a predetermined voltage, the thirteenth switch connects the one end of the power inductor to the second output terminal without passing through the second bypass path. The thirteenth switch connects the one end of the power inductor to the second output terminal via the second bypass path in a state where the input voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage.

13. A tracker circuit according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The thirteenth switch is included in the same integrated circuit as the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, the seventh switch, and the eighth switch.

14. The tracker circuit according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit does not include a switch in the first bypass path.

15. The tracker circuit according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit further includes a third capacitor for smoothing, the third capacitor being connected between a path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit and ground. The first bypass path connects a point between the third capacitor and the switched capacitor circuit and a point on the path between the power inductor and the switched capacitor circuit with the first output terminal.

16. The tracker circuit according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit further includes a fourteenth switch in a third bypass path, the third bypass path being configured to bypass the power inductor, The third bypass path connects one end of the power inductor with the other end of the power inductor.

17. A voltage supply method, wherein: The input voltage is converted to a regulated voltage using a power inductor, generating a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage, Based on the envelope signal of the high frequency signal, at least one voltage is selected from the plurality of discrete voltages and supplied to the first amplifier, The generation of the plurality of discrete voltages and the selection of the at least one voltage are skipped, and the input voltage or the adjustment voltage is supplied to the second amplifier.

18. The voltage supply method according to claim 17, wherein: supplying the adjustment voltage to the second amplifier when the input voltage is higher than a predetermined voltage; When the input voltage is not higher than the predetermined voltage, conversion of the input voltage to the adjustment voltage is skipped and the input voltage is supplied to the second amplifier.

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