Charge Pump LC Power Input Circuit for Buck-Boost RF Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply circuits for RF power amplifiers are inefficient due to the need for high power input to achieve maximum output, and they cannot generate output voltages higher than the input voltage, limiting their application in average power tracking methods.

Innovation Solution

A power input circuit comprising a charge pump and an LC filter, where the charge pump includes multiple switches and capacitors to convert input power into switching power, and the LC filter further processes this power to achieve the desired output voltage, capable of generating output voltages lower or higher than the input voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a general buck converter is used for the power supply circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but it cannot generate output voltage higher than input voltage, limiting its usability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage rangeVSAvoidconverter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic voltage conversion system that can switch between buck (step-down) and boost (step-up) modes based on real-time power requirements. The converter dynamically adjusts its operating mode to match the RF power amplifier's output power demands, enabling both voltage reduction and elevation as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a buck converter when output voltage is lower than input voltage, and as a boost converter when output voltage exceeds input voltage. This multi-functional capability allows a single circuit to replace what would traditionally require separate buck and boost converters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If high power is supplied to the power amplifier to ensure maximum output, then the output power is sufficient, but the efficiency is relatively low when output is lower than supplied power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates average power tracking that continuously monitors the RF power amplifier's output power and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the power supply voltage. When output power is low, the supplied power is reduced accordingly, and when output power increases, the supplied power is increased to match, thereby optimizing efficiency across all operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit dynamically adjusts its output voltage in real-time based on the RF power amplifier's instantaneous power requirements, transitioning from static high-power supply to dynamic adaptive power supply that matches actual demand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 proposed power input circuit enhances efficiency by dynamically adjusting the output voltage to match the necessary voltage for the load, improving power management and reducing chip size through a reduced number of switches.

Implementation Method 1

The charge pump includes a first capacitor, a first end of the first capacitor being electrically connected to the second end of the first switch, and a second end of the first capacitor being electrically connected to the second end of the third switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitor charging and discharging: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The LC filter includes a first inductor and a second capacitor. The first inductor of the LC filter is electrically connected to the second end of the first capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductor filtering: Inductor

Implementation Method 3

The LC filter includes a first inductor and a second capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitor filtering: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250149986A1Power input circuit, electronic device including power input circuit, and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250149986A1 patent drawing
  • US20250149986A1 patent drawing
  • US20250149986A1 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a power input circuit may include a charge pump and an LC filter. The charge pump may include a first switch configured to receive input power from a power source. The charge pump may include a second switch electrically connected to the first switch. The charge pump may include a third switch configured to receive the input power from the power source. The charge pump may include a fourth switch electrically connected to the third switch. The charge pump may include a first capacitor. The LC filter may include a first inductor and a second capacitor. The first inductor of the LC filter may be electrically connected to the first capacitor.