Cross-segment power management system in wireless communication device

Abstract

A cross-segment power management system is provided. In embodiments, the cross-segment power management system may be provided in a wireless communication device to support a plurality of power amplifiers organized into a plurality of amplifier segments, such as a pair of amplifier segments disposed on top and bottom of the wireless communication device. Further, the cross-segment power management system includes a plurality of voltage segments, each capable of providing a modulated voltage to any one of the amplifier segments. Through the cross-segment power management system, the wireless communication device can be flexibly configured to perform multiple concurrent transmissions via the most suitable antenna. Accordingly, unexpected interference (e.g., hand blocking) may be mitigated to achieve a better user experience.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 489,440, filed March 10, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 467,366, filed May 18, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The technology disclosed herein generally relates to a power management system in a wireless communication device. Background Technology

[0004] Mobile communication devices have become increasingly prevalent in modern society for providing wireless communication services. The functionality of these devices is driven in part by the many features now enabled on them. The increased processing power in these devices means that they have evolved from mere communication tools into sophisticated mobile multimedia hubs capable of enhancing the user experience.

[0005] Modern mobile communication devices must be able to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals across various wireless communication systems, such as LTE and NR, based on multiple transmit / receive configurations, including uplink / downlink multiple-input multiple-output (UL / DL-MIMO), enhanced dual connectivity (EN-DC), and diversity reception (DRX). For example, numerous multitransmitter proposals have been put forward for 3GPP Release 18 to support concurrent UL-MIMO and EN-DC transmissions across multiple RF bands. In this regard, wireless communication devices need to transmit at least three RF signals simultaneously (2xMIMO + 1xEN-DC). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a cross-segment power management circuit. In embodiments, a cross-segment power management system can be provided in a wireless communication device to support multiple power amplifiers organized into multiple amplifier segments, such as a pair of amplifier segments disposed at the top and bottom of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, the cross-segment power management system includes multiple voltage segments, each capable of providing a modulated voltage to any one of the amplifier segments. With the cross-segment power management system, the wireless communication device can be flexibly configured to perform multiple concurrent transmissions via the most suitable antenna. Therefore, accidental interference (e.g., hand obstruction) can be mitigated to obtain a better user experience.

[0007] In one aspect, a cross-band power management system is provided. The cross-band power management system includes a first amplifier segment comprising at least two first power amplifiers. The cross-band power management system further includes a second amplifier segment comprising at least three second power amplifiers. The cross-band power management system also includes a first voltage segment configured to generate at least two first modulated voltages. The cross-band power management system further includes a second voltage segment configured to generate at least three second modulated voltages. The cross-band power management system further includes control circuitry configured to provide at least two of the at least two first modulated voltages and at least two of the at least three second modulated voltages to at least two of the at least two first power amplifiers and at least two of the at least three second power amplifiers, respectively.

[0008] In another aspect, a wireless communication device is provided. The wireless communication device includes a cross-band power management system. The cross-band power management system includes a first amplifier segment comprising at least two first power amplifiers. The cross-band power management system further includes a second amplifier segment comprising at least three second power amplifiers. The cross-band power management system further includes a first voltage segment configured to generate at least two first modulated voltages. The cross-band power management system further includes a second voltage segment configured to generate at least three second modulated voltages. The cross-band power management system further includes control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to provide at least two of the at least two first modulated voltages and at least two of the at least three second modulated voltages to at least two of the at least two first power amplifiers and at least two of the at least three second power amplifiers, respectively.

[0009] In another aspect, a method for providing cross-band power management in a wireless communication device is provided. The method includes generating at least two first modulated voltages in a first voltage band. The method further includes generating at least three second modulated voltages in a second voltage band. The method further includes providing at least two of the at least two first modulated voltages and at least two of the at least three second modulated voltages to at least two of at least two first power amplifiers and at least two of at least three second power amplifiers, respectively.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will understand the scope of this disclosure and implement its additional aspects after reading the following preferred embodiments associated with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless communication device incorporated into the cross-band power management system of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-segment power management system in the diagram;

[0014] Figures 3A-3C It provides Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating some exemplary operating scenarios of a cross-segment power management system;

[0015] Figure 4A yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary power management integrated circuit (PMIC) used to generate envelope tracking (ET) voltage in a cross-segment power management system;

[0016] Figure 4B yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary lightweight PMIC (PMICLite) used to generate ET voltage in a cross-segment power management system.

[0017] Figure 5A yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary PMIC used to generate average power tracking (APT) voltage in a cross-segment power management system;

[0018] Figure 5B yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary PMICLite used to generate APT voltage in a cross-segment power management system;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user element, in which the following can be provided Figure 2 Cross-segment power management system; and

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process, in which Figure 1 Wireless communication devices can be configured to support cross-band power management. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments described below illustrate the information necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and demonstrate the best mode of practice. After reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of this disclosure and will appreciate the application of these concepts, which are not specifically set forth herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

[0022] It will be understood that while terms such as first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish different elements. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] It should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as "on another element" or "extending to another element," it may be directly located on or directly extended to the other element, or intermediate elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly located on another element" or "directly extended to another element," no intermediate elements are present. Similarly, it should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as "on top of another element" or "extending over another element," it may be directly located on top of or directly extended over the other element, or intermediate elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly located on top of another element" or "extending directly over another element," no intermediate elements are present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or intermediate elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, no intermediate elements are present.

[0024] For example, relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms, and those discussed above, are intended to include different orientations of the device other than those depicted in the figures.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “described” are also intended to include the plural forms. It should also be understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that the terms used herein shall be interpreted in a meaning consistent with that in the context of this specification and relevant precedents, and shall not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0027] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a cross-segment power management system. In embodiments, a cross-segment power management system can be provided in a wireless communication device to support multiple power amplifiers organized into multiple amplifier segments, such as a pair of amplifier segments disposed at the top and bottom of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, the cross-segment power management system includes multiple voltage segments, each capable of providing a modulated voltage to any one of the amplifier segments. With the cross-segment power management system, the wireless communication device can be flexibly configured to perform multiple concurrent transmissions via the most suitable antenna. Therefore, unintended interference (e.g., hand obstruction) can be mitigated to obtain a better user experience.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless communication device 10 incorporated into the cross-segment power management system 12 of this disclosure. The wireless communication device 10 (e.g., a smartphone) includes a plurality of first antennas 14(1)-14(M) (M ≥ 2) and a plurality of second antennas 16(1)-16(N) (N ≥ 3). The first antennas 14(1)-14(M) and the second antennas 16(1)-16(N) are typically positioned on opposite edges of the wireless communication device 10 (e.g., top edge 18 and bottom edge 20) to help mitigate accidental interference caused, for example, by hand obstruction.

[0029] Additionally, the first antennas 14(1)-14(M) and / or the second antennas 16(1)-16(N) can also be used to enable multiple concurrent transmissions, including but not limited to concurrent uplink multiple-input multiple-output (UL-MIMO) and enhanced dual-connectivity (EN-DC) transmissions. As described in detail below, the cross-band power management system 12 can be flexibly and dynamically configured to amplify one or more radio frequency (RF) signals 22 for concurrent transmission via any suitable combination of the first antennas 14(1)-14(M) and the second antennas 16(1)-16(N). Thus, the wireless communication device 10 can transmit the RF signal 22 via the most suitable antenna, thereby improving RF performance and the end-user experience.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-segment power management system 12 configured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and 2 Common components are shown with common component numbers and will not be described again in this article.

[0031] In this embodiment, the cross-segment power management system 12 is configured to... Figure 1 The wireless communication device 10 supports at least two of the first antennas 14(1)-14(M) (referred to as "14(1), 14(2)" for illustrative purposes) and at least three of the second antennas 16(1)-16(N) (referred to as "16(1), 16(2), 16(3)" for illustrative purposes). In a non-limiting example, the first antennas 14(1), 14(2) are disposed on the top edge 18 of the wireless communication device 10, while the second antennas 16(1), 16(2), 16(3) are disposed on the bottom edge 20 of the wireless communication device 10.

[0032] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-segment power management system 12 includes a first amplifier segment 24 and a second amplifier segment 26. The first amplifier segment 24 includes at least two first power amplifiers 28(1) and 28(2) respectively coupled to first antennas 14(1) and 14(2). The second amplifier segment 26 includes at least three second power amplifiers 30(1), 30(2), and 30(3) respectively coupled to second antennas 16(1), 16(2), and 16(3).

[0033] In this embodiment, the first power amplifiers 28(1), 28(2) are positioned closer to the top edge 18 of the wireless communication device 10, and therefore closer to the first antennas 14(1), 14(2). In contrast, the second power amplifiers 30(1), 30(2), 30(3) are positioned closer to the bottom edge 20 of the wireless communication device 10, and therefore closer to the second antennas 16(1), 16(2), 16(3). By providing the first power amplifiers 28(1)-28(2) closer to the first antennas 14(1)-14(2) and the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3) closer to the second antennas 16(1)-16(3), the coupling distance to the respective antennas can be reduced. Therefore, signal distortion associated with the coupling distance can be reduced.

[0034] The cross-segment power management system 12 also includes a first voltage segment 32 and a second voltage segment 34. The first voltage segment 32 is configured to generate at least two first modulated voltages V. CC-U1 and V CC-U2 The second voltage segment 34 is configured to generate at least three second modulated voltages V. CC-L1 V CC-L2 and V CC-L3 .

[0035] The first voltage segment 32 also includes a first switching circuit 36, which is coupled to first power amplifiers 28(1) and 28(2) via at least two first local voltage lines 40 and 42. Therefore, by controlling the first switching circuit 36, the first modulated voltage V can be... CC-U1 and V CC-U2 Any one of the voltage lines 40 and 42 is provided to either of the first power amplifiers 28(1) and 28(2). In an embodiment, the first voltage segment 32 is configured to be closer to the first power amplifiers 28(1) and 28(2) than to any of the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3). Therefore, the first local voltage lines 40 and 42 can be shortened to reduce the first modulated voltage V. CC-U1 and V CC-U2 Distortion in the image.

[0036] The second voltage segment 34 also includes a second switching circuit 38, which is coupled to the second power amplifier 30(1)-30(3) via at least three second local voltage lines 44, 46 and 48. Therefore, by controlling the second switching circuit 38, the second modulated voltage V can be... CC-L1 V CC-L2 and V CC-L3 Any one of the first power amplifiers 28(1)-30(3) is provided to any one of the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3). In an embodiment, the second voltage segment 34 is configured to be closer to the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3) than to any one of the first power amplifiers 28(1) and 28(2). Therefore, the second local voltage lines 44, 46 and 48 can be shortened to reduce the second modulated voltage V. CC-L1 V CC-L2 and V CC-L3 Distortion in the image.

[0037] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cross-segment power management system 12 further includes a cross-segment line 50 shared by the first voltage segment 32 and the second voltage segment 34. In this regard, the first switching circuit 36 ​​can be further controlled to switch the first modulated voltage V... CC-U1 and V CC-U2 Any one of the following can be supplied to any one of the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3), and the second switching circuit 38 can be further controlled to supply the second modulated voltage V. CC-L1 V CC-L2 and V CC-L3 Either of them is provided to either of the first power amplifiers 28(1) and 28(2).

[0038] Here, the cross-segment power management system 12 also includes a control circuit 52, which, as an example, may be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control circuit 52 can be configured to selectively and dynamically control the first switching circuit 36 ​​and / or the second switching circuit 38 to modulate the first modulated voltage V. CC-U1 V CC-U2 Second modulated voltage V CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 At least two of the modulated voltages are provided to the first power amplifiers 28(1) and 28(2) in the first amplifier section 24, and the first modulated voltage V CC-U1 V CC-U2 Second modulated voltage V CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 At least three of the modulated voltages are supplied to the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3) in the second amplifier segment 26. In this regard, the control circuit 52 can selectively and dynamically control the first switching circuit 36 ​​and / or the second switching circuit 38 to achieve local and cross-segment voltage coupling in the cross-segment power management system 12.

[0039] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first voltage segment 32 includes a first power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 54 and a first lightweight PMIC (PMICLite) 56. The first PMIC 54 is configured to generate a first modulated voltage V. CC-U1 And the first PMICLite 56 is configured to generate a first modulated voltage V. CC-U2 As discussed further later, the first PMICLite 56 contains fewer components than the first PMIC 54, and therefore has a smaller footprint relative to the first PMIC 54.

[0040] Similarly, the second voltage segment 34 includes a pair of second PMICs 58 and 60 and a second PMICLite 62. The second PMICs 58 and 60 are configured to generate a second modulated voltage V, respectively. CC-L1 V CC-L2 And the second PMICLite 62 is configured to generate a second modulated voltage V. CC-L3 Like the first PMICLite 56, the second PMICLite 62 also has a smaller footprint compared to the second PMIC 58 and 60.

[0041] Figures 3A-3C It provides Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating some exemplary operating scenarios of the cross-segment power management system 12. Figure 2 and3A Common elements between -3C are shown in common element designations and will not be described again here.

[0042] refer to Figure 3A The cross-band power management system 12 can support three simultaneous transmissions via one of the first antennas 14(1) and 14(2) and two of the second antennas 16(1)-16(3). In this regard, the control circuit 52 can control the first switching circuit 36 ​​to switch the first modulated voltage V CC-U1 Provided to a selected one of the first power amplifiers 28(1)-28(2) (e.g., 28(1)), and controls the second switching circuit 38 to convert the second modulated voltage V CC-L1 and V CC-L2 Coupled to selected two of the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3) (e.g., 30(1), 30(2)). In a non-limiting example, control circuitry 52 may deactivate the first PMICLite 56 and the second PMICLite 62.

[0043] refer to Figure 3B The cross-segment power management system 12 can support three simultaneous transmissions via the second antenna 16(1)-16(3). In this regard, the control circuit 52 can control the second switching circuit 38 to switch the second modulated voltage V CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 Each of them is coupled to a corresponding one of the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3). The control circuit 52 further controls the first switching circuit 36 ​​to couple the first PMIC 54 to the crossover line 50, so that the first PMIC 54 can transmit the low-frequency current I DC A second PMICLite 62 is provided. In a non-limiting example, the control circuit 52 can deactivate the first PMICLite 56.

[0044] refer to Figure 3C The cross-band power management system 12 can support three simultaneous transmissions via a selected one of the first antennas 14(1), 14(2) and the second antennas 16(1)-16(3). In this regard, the control circuit 52 can control the first switching circuit 36 ​​to respectively switch the first modulated voltage V CC-U2 V CC-U1 It provides power to the first power amplifiers 28(1) and 28(2) and controls the second switching circuit 38 to switch the second modulated voltage V. CC-L2Coupled to one of the second power amplifiers 30(1)-30(3) (e.g., 30(2)). Control circuit 52 also controls the second switching circuit 38 to couple the second PMIC 58 to the crossover line 50, such that the second PMIC 58 can transmit low-frequency current I... DC Provided to the first PMICLite 56. In a non-limiting example, the control circuit 52 can deactivate the first PMIC 54.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first modulated voltage V CC-U1 V CC-U2 Second modulated voltage V CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 This could be an envelope tracking (ET) voltage. In this respect, Figure 4A It provides Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary illustration of the first PMIC 54 and the second PMICs 58, 60 in the cross-segment power management system 12. Figure 2 and 4A The common elements between them are shown in the document with common element designations, and will not be described again here.

[0046] Each of the first PMIC 54 and the second PMICs 58, 60 can be configured to include a current modulation circuit 64 and a voltage modulation circuit 66. The current modulation circuit 64 includes a series-coupled multilevel charge pump (MCP) 68 and a power inductor 70. In one embodiment, the MCP 68 may be a buck-boost DC-DC voltage converter configured to generate voltages that change with the battery voltage V. BAT And the low-frequency voltage V DC For example, the MCP 68 can operate in buck mode to generate voltages at 0×V. BAT (0 V) or 1×V BAT low-frequency voltage V DC Alternatively, it can operate in boost mode to generate voltages at 2×V. BAT low-frequency voltage V DC Furthermore, the MCP 68 can be configured to switch between buck and boost modes based on the duty cycle, thereby altering the low-frequency voltage V. DC The power inductor 70 is further based on a low-frequency voltage V. DC Induced low-frequency current I DC .

[0047] Voltage modulation circuit 66 includes a series-coupled voltage amplifier 72 and offset capacitor C. 偏移 Voltage amplifier 72 is configured to operate based on the modulated target voltage V ET. TGT and power supply voltage V SUPGenerate the initial modulated voltage V AMP Offset capacitor C 偏移 Configured to use the initial modulated voltage V AMP Increase offset voltage V 偏移 This generates the first modulated voltage V. CC-U1 Second modulated voltage V CC-L1 V CC-L2 (V) CC-U1 V CC-L1 V CC-L2 = V AMP + V 偏移 In this paper, the offset capacitor C 偏移 It can be achieved through low-frequency current I DC Charge to offset voltage V 偏移 .

[0048] Figure 4B It provides Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary illustration of the first PMICLite 56 and the second PMICLite 62 in the cross-segment power management system 12. Figure 2 , 4A The common elements between 4B and 4B are shown in the document with common element designations and will not be described again here.

[0049] In this document, each of the first PMICLite 56 and the second PMICLite 62 includes a voltage modulation circuit 66, but not a current modulation circuit 64. Therefore, the first PMICLite 56 and the second PMICLite 62 can be smaller than any of the first PMIC 54 and the second PMICs 58 and 60. Instead of generating a low-frequency current I... DC Each of the first PMICLite 56 and the second PMICLite 62 is configured to receive a low-frequency current I from the adjacent PMIC. DC For example, the first PMICLite 56 can receive a low-frequency current I from the first PMIC 54. DC The second PMICLite 62 can receive low-frequency current I from either the second PMIC 58 or 60. DC In another example, the first PMICLite 56 can receive a low-frequency current I from either the second PMIC 58 or 60. DC Furthermore, the second PMICLite 62 can receive low-frequency current I from the first PMIC 54. DC .

[0050] In another embodiment, the first modulated voltage V CC-U1 V CC-U2 Second modulated voltage VCC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 This could be an average power tracking (APT) voltage. In this respect, Figure 5A It provides Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary illustration of the first PMIC 54 and the second PMICs 58, 60 in the cross-segment power management system 12. Figure 4A and 5A The common elements between them are shown here with common element numbers and will not be described again in this document.

[0051] In this paper, each of the first PMIC 54 and the second PMICs 58, 60 can be configured to replace the first PMIC 54 with a lightweight voltage modulation circuit 74. Figure 3A The voltage modulation circuit 66 is shown in the figure. The lightweight voltage modulation circuit 74 contains only the offset capacitor C. 偏移 .

[0052] Figure 5B It provides Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary illustration of the first PMICLite 56 and the second PMICLite 62 in the cross-segment power management system 12. Figure 5A and 5B The common elements between them are shown here with common element numbers and will not be described again in this document.

[0053] As shown in this document, each of the first PMICLite 56 and the second PMICLite 62 includes a lightweight voltage modulation circuit 74, but does not include... Figure 5A The current modulation circuit 64 in the middle.

[0054] Figure 2 A cross-segment power management system 12 can be provided in user components to support the above embodiments. In this regard, Figure 6 For example Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary user element 100 of a wireless communication device 10, wherein it can provide Figure 2 12. Cross-segment power management system.

[0055] In this document, user element 100 can be any type of user element, such as a mobile terminal, smartwatch, tablet computer, computer, navigation device, access point, and similar wireless communication devices supporting wireless communication, such as cellular, wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, and near field communication. User element 100 will typically include a control system 102, a baseband processor 104, a transmission circuitry system 106, a receiving circuitry system 108, an antenna switching circuitry system 110, multiple antennas 112, and a user interface circuitry system 114. In a non-limiting example, for instance, the control system 102 may be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In this regard, the control system 102 may include at least a microprocessor, embedded memory circuitry, and a communication bus interface. The receiving circuitry system 108 receives radio frequency signals from one or more base stations via antennas 112 and through the antenna switching circuitry system 110. Low-noise amplifiers and filters cooperate to amplify and neutralize broadband interference from the received signals for processing. Then, a down-conversion and digitization circuitry system (not shown) down-converts the filtered received signal to an intermediate or baseband frequency signal, which is then digitized into one or more digital streams using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0056] The baseband processor 104 processes the digitized received signal to extract the information or data bits transmitted in the received signal. This processing typically includes demodulation, decoding, and error correction operations, which will be discussed in more detail below. The baseband processor 104 is typically implemented in one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0057] For transmission, baseband processor 104 receives digitized data representing voice, data, or control information from control system 102, and encodes the digitized data for transmission. The encoded data is output to transmission circuitry 106, where a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the digitally encoded data into an analog signal, and a modulator modulates the analog signal onto a carrier signal at the desired transmission frequency or multiple frequencies. A power amplifier amplifies the modulated carrier signal to a level suitable for transmission and delivers the modulated carrier signal to antenna 112 via antenna switching circuitry 110. Multiple antennas 112 and replicated transmission circuitry 106 and receiver circuitry 108 can provide spatial diversity. Those skilled in the art will understand the modulation and processing details.

[0058] Figure 1 The wireless communication device 10 can be configured to support cross-segment power management according to the process. In this regard, Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thereby Figure 1 The wireless communication device 10 can be configured to support cross-band power management.

[0059] In this document, process 200 includes generating at least two first modulated voltages V in the first voltage segment 32. CC-U1 V CC-U2 (Step 202). Process 200 also includes generating at least three second modulated voltages V in the second voltage segment 34. CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 (Step 204). Process 200 also includes causing at least two first modulated voltages V to... CC-U1 V CC-U2 and at least three second modulated voltages V CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 At least two of them are respectively provided to at least two of at least two first power amplifiers 28(1), 28(2) and at least three second power amplifiers 30(1), 30(2), 30(3) (step 206).

[0060] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of this disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims below.

Claims

1. A cross-segment power management system (12), comprising: The first amplifier segment (24) includes at least two first power amplifiers (28(1), 28(2)); The second amplifier section (26) includes at least three second power amplifiers (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)); A first voltage segment (32), the first voltage segment being configured to generate at least two first modulated voltages (V... CC-U1 V CC-U2 ); The second voltage segment (34) is configured to generate at least three second modulated voltages (V). CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 );as well as Control circuit (52), the control circuit being configured to cause the at least two first modulated voltages (V) CC-U1 V CC-U2 ) and the at least three second modulated voltages (V CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 At least two of the above are provided to at least two of the at least two first power amplifiers (28(1), 28(2)) and at least two of the at least three second power amplifiers (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)).

2. The cross-segment power management system (12) according to claim 1 further includes a cross-segment line (50) coupled between the first voltage segment (32) and the second voltage segment (34) and configured to carry low-frequency current (I0). DC It is supplied from one of the first voltage segment (32) and the second voltage segment (34) to the other of the first voltage segment (32) and the second voltage segment (34).

3. The cross-segment power management system (12) according to claim 2, wherein: The first voltage segment (32) includes: A first power management integrated circuit PMIC (54) is configured to generate one of the at least two first modulated voltages; A first lightweight PMIC PMICLite (56), the first PMICLite being configured to generate another of the at least two first modulated voltages; and A first switching circuit (36) is coupled to the first PMIC, the first PMICLite, and the crossover line; and The second voltage segment (34) includes: A pair of second PMICs (58, 60), the pair of second PMICs being configured to generate two of the at least three second modulated voltages, respectively; and A second PMICLite (62), the second PMICLite being configured to generate another of the at least three second modulated voltages; and A second switching circuit (38) is coupled to the pair of second PMICs, the second PMICLite, and the crossover line.

4. The cross-segment power management system (12) according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the first PMIC (54) and the pair of second PMICs (58, 60) includes a current modulation circuit (64) configured to generate the low-frequency current and a voltage modulation circuit (66) configured to generate a corresponding one of the at least two first modulated voltages and a corresponding two of the at least three second modulated voltages; and Each of the first PMICLite (56) and the second PMICLite (62) includes only the voltage modulation circuit (66) without the current modulation circuit (64), and is configured to generate a corresponding one of the at least two first modulated voltages and a corresponding one of the at least three second modulated voltages.

5. The cross-segment power management system of claim 4, wherein each of the first PMICLite and the second PMICLite has a smaller footprint than either the first PMIC or either of the pair of second PMICs.

6. The cross-segment power management system according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: Controlling the first switching circuit to couple the first PMIC to a selected one of the at least two first power amplifiers; and The second switching circuit is controlled to couple the pair of second PMICs to selected two of the at least three second power amplifiers.

7. The cross-segment power management system according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: Controlling the second switching circuit to couple each of the pair of second PMICs and the second PMICLite to a corresponding one of the at least three second power amplifiers; and The first switching circuit is controlled to couple the first PMIC to the span line, thereby providing the low-frequency current to the second PMICLite via the span line.

8. The cross-segment power management system according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: Control the first switching circuit to couple the first PMIC and the first PMICLite to the at least two first power amplifiers; Controlling the second switching circuit to couple one of the pair of second PMICs to one of the at least three second power amplifiers; and The second switching circuit is controlled to couple another of the pair of second PMICs to the crossover line, thereby providing the low-frequency current to the first PMICLite via the crossover line.

9. A wireless communication device (10), the wireless communication device comprising a cross-band power management system (12), the cross-band power management system comprising: The first amplifier segment (24) includes at least two first power amplifiers (28(1), 28(2)); The second amplifier section (26) includes at least three second power amplifiers (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)); A first voltage segment (32), the first voltage segment being configured to generate at least two first modulated voltages (V... CC-U1 V CC-U2 ); The second voltage segment (34) is configured to generate at least three second modulated voltages (V). CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 );as well as Control circuit (52), the control circuit being configured to cause the at least two first modulated voltages (V) CC-U1 V CC-U2 ) and the at least three second modulated voltages (V CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 At least two of the above are provided to at least two of the at least two first power amplifiers (28(1), 28(2)) and at least two of the at least three second power amplifiers (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)).

10. The wireless communication device (10) according to claim 9, further comprising: At least two first antennas (14(1), 14(2)) are disposed on the top edge (18) of the wireless communication device (10) and coupled to the first voltage segment (32); and At least three second antennas (16(1), 16(2), 16(3)) are disposed on the bottom edge (20) of the wireless communication device (10) and coupled to the second voltage segment (34).

11. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein: The first amplifier section is configured to be closer to the at least two first antennas than to any one of the at least three second antennas; The second amplifier segment is configured to be closer to the at least three second antennas than to any one of the at least two first antennas; The first voltage segment is configured to be closer to the first amplifier segment than to the segment closer to the second amplifier segment; and The second voltage segment is configured to be closer to the second amplifier segment than to the first amplifier segment.

12. The wireless communication device of claim 10, configured to use any two or more of the at least two first antennas and the at least three second antennas to support at least one of uplink multiple-input multiple-output (UL-MIMO) transmission and enhanced dual-connectivity (EN-DC) transmission.

13. The wireless communication device of claim 9, wherein the cross-band power management system further comprises a cross-band line (50) coupled between the first voltage segment (32) and the second voltage segment (34) and configured to transmit low-frequency current (I0). DC It is supplied from one of the first voltage segment (32) and the second voltage segment (34) to the other of the first voltage segment (32) and the second voltage segment (34).

14. The wireless communication device according to claim 13, wherein: The first voltage segment (32) includes: A first power management integrated circuit PMIC (54) is configured to generate one of the at least two first modulated voltages; A first lightweight PMIC PMICLite (56), the first PMICLite being configured to generate another of the at least two first modulated voltages; and A first switching circuit (36) is coupled to the first PMIC, the first PMICLite, and the crossover line; and The second voltage segment (34) includes: A pair of second PMICs (58, 60), the pair of second PMICs being configured to generate two of the at least three second modulated voltages, respectively; A second PMICLite (62), the second PMICLite being configured to generate another of the at least three second modulated voltages; and A second switching circuit (38) is coupled to the pair of second PMICs, the second PMICLite, and the crossover line.

15. The wireless communication device according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the first PMIC (54) and the pair of second PMICs (58, 60) includes a current modulation circuit (64) configured to generate the low-frequency current and a voltage modulation circuit (66) configured to generate a corresponding one of the at least two first modulated voltages and a corresponding two of the at least three second modulated voltages; and Each of the first PMICLite (56) and the second PMICLite (62) includes only the voltage modulation circuit (66) without the current modulation circuit (64), and is configured to generate a corresponding one of the at least two first modulated voltages and a corresponding one of the at least three second modulated voltages.

16. The wireless communication device of claim 15, wherein each of the first PMICLite and the second PMICLite has a smaller footprint than either the first PMIC or either of the pair of second PMICs.

17. The wireless communication device of claim 14, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: Controlling the first switching circuit to couple the first PMIC to a selected one of the at least two first power amplifiers; and The second switching circuit is controlled to couple the pair of second PMICs to selected two of the at least three second power amplifiers.

18. The wireless communication device of claim 14, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: Controlling the second switching circuit to couple each of the pair of second PMICs and the second PMICLite to a corresponding one of the at least three second power amplifiers; and The first switching circuit is controlled to couple the first PMIC to the span line, thereby providing the low-frequency current to the second PMICLite via the span line.

19. The wireless communication device of claim 14, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: Control the first switching circuit to couple the first PMIC and the first PMICLite to the at least two first power amplifiers; Controlling the second switching circuit to couple one of the pair of second PMICs to one of the at least three second power amplifiers; and The second switching circuit is controlled to couple another of the pair of second PMICs to the crossover line, thereby providing the low-frequency current to the first PMICLite via the crossover line.

20. A method for providing cross-band power management in a wireless communication device (10), comprising: At least two first modulated voltages (V) are generated in the first voltage segment (32). CC-U1 V CC-U2 ); At least three second modulated voltages (V) are generated in the second voltage segment (34). CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 );as well as Make the at least two first modulated voltages (V CC-U1 V CC-U2 ) and the at least three second modulated voltages (V CC-L1 V CC-L2 V CC-L3 At least two of the first power amplifiers (28(1), 28(2)) and at least two of the three second power amplifiers (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)) are respectively provided to at least two of the first power amplifiers (28(1), 28(2)) and at least two of the three second power amplifiers (30(1), 30(2), 30(3)).

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