Charge Pump Tracker Switching for Interleaved and Parallel Boost
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G-NR wireless communication systems require efficient power management for radio frequency amplifiers, particularly in average power tracking and envelope tracking modes, where existing technologies struggle to deliver high voltages and currents efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A switch controller for charge pump tracker circuitry that alternates discharging phases in an interleaved mode for average power tracking and provides a parallel mode for envelope tracking, using boost logic circuitry to control switch networks and flying capacitors, ensuring efficient power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single charge pump circuit is used for both average power tracking and envelope tracking modes, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot efficiently deliver high voltages and currents for average power tracking while maintaining efficiency for envelope tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit is divided into two separate charge pump circuits, each with its own flying capacitors and switch networks. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for specific operating conditions, enabling the system to deliver high voltages and currents for average power tracking while maintaining efficiency for envelope tracking modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs dynamic reconfiguration through a controller that switches between two operational modes: interleaved mode for average power tracking and parallel mode for envelope tracking. This dynamic switching allows the circuit to adapt its behavior based on the required tracking mode, optimizing performance for each condition.
2Loss of energy
If charge pump circuits operate in parallel mode for envelope tracking, then efficiency is improved, but continuous power delivery capability is reduced compared to interleaved mode
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuits operate using periodic switching actions with flying capacitors that charge and discharge in alternating phases. In interleaved mode, the periodic actions of two circuits are staggered to provide continuous power delivery, while in parallel mode, they operate synchronously to maximize efficiency for envelope tracking applications.
3Power
If monitoring circuits track voltage across flying capacitors during discharging phases, then power delivery control is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Monitoring circuits continuously track the voltage across flying capacitors during discharging phases and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of power delivery by allowing the controller to adjust switching timing and duration based on actual capacitor voltage states, ensuring optimal performance while managing complexity through integrated monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables higher continuous power delivery in average power tracking mode and increased efficiency in envelope tracking mode, meeting the power demands of 5G-NR wireless devices while optimizing power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a first flying capacitor during a first discharging phase. A second monitoring circuitry is configured to monitor a second voltage across a second flying capacitor during a second discharging phase
Data Source
AI summary
A switch controller for charge pump tracker circuitry is disclosed. The switch controller includes first monitoring circuitry configured to monitor a first voltage across a first flying capacitor during a first discharging phase. A second monitoring circuitry is configured to monitor a second voltage across a second flying capacitor during a second discharging phase. Further included is boost logic circuitry in communication with the first monitoring circuitry and the second monitoring circuitry, wherein the boost logic circuitry is configured in response to control a first switch network coupled to the first flying capacitor and a second switch network coupled to the second flying capacitor so that the first discharging phase and the second discharging phase alternate in an interleaved mode, and so that the first discharging phase and the second discharging phase are in phase during a parallel boost mode.