Power Amplifier Timing Alignment Using Distorted Signal Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inefficient alignment between the input signal and supply voltage in amplifiers leads to misalignment, resulting in reduced efficiency due to processing circuitry errors in envelope tracking power supplies, particularly in RF signal amplification.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that compare the output signal with distorted versions of the input signal, each associated with different time delay values, to adjust the timing of either the input signal or supply voltage to match the output signal, thereby compensating for misalignment without actual measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If envelope tracking power supply is used to improve efficiency, then energy waste is reduced, but misalignment between supply voltage and input signal occurs due to processing circuitry errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output signal is compared with distorted versions of the input signal to determine timing misalignment. The system measures the actual alignment error and adjusts the timing of either the input signal or supply voltage based on this feedback, thereby resolving the misalignment issue while maintaining the efficiency benefits of envelope tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct timing measurement mechanisms with a signal comparison approach. Instead of measuring timing directly, the system compares distorted signal versions and determines timing offset through signal processing, substituting a complex measurement system with a more manageable signal comparison method
2Manufacturing precision
If timing measurement is implemented to improve alignment, then misalignment is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distorted versions of the input signal as an intermediary element. These distorted signals serve as reference signals that mediate between the input signal and the output signal, allowing timing alignment to be determined through comparison rather than direct measurement, thus reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the input signal with different distortion characteristics. These copied and distorted signals are used as reference signals for comparison, replacing the need for complex direct timing measurement equipment with simpler signal processing operations
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method of controlling signal alignment in a power amplifier, comprising: receiving an input signal to be amplified; receiving a supply voltage for the power amplifier, the supply voltage being derived in dependence on the signal to be amplified; amplifying the input signal to produce an output signal; comparing the output signal with a plurality of distorted versions of the input signal, each distorted version of the input signal being associated with a different time delay value; and adjusting the timing of either the input signal or the supply voltage by an amount in dependence on a time delay value determined to be associated with a distorted version of the input signal which most closely matches the output signal.