Current-Controlled Power Amplifier Energy Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for energy and performance adaptivity in electronic circuits, particularly in communication systems, are limited to system-level implementations and focus on optimizing transmission properties rather than reducing energy consumption, with voltage control offering a small control range and high costs, and lacking effective compensation for changes in amplification with supply voltage variations.

Innovation Solution

A method that regulates the supply current of electronic circuits using a controllable current source and stored tables to adjust load and feedback resistances, allowing for adaptive energy and performance control, thereby reducing energy consumption by dynamically adjusting the operating points of circuits and maintaining constant output potentials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If voltage-controlled power amplifiers with variable gain are used to adapt transmission power to transmission conditions, then energy consumption can be reduced, but the control range is limited and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcontrol range
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from supply voltage to supply current. By controlling the supply current of the power amplifier, the invention achieves a much larger control range (current can be varied from near-zero to maximum) compared to voltage control, while also reducing energy consumption through dynamic adaptation to transmission conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements dynamic control of the power amplifier's supply current based on real-time transmission conditions (distance, bit error rate, attenuation). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption by adjusting the current level to match the actual transmission requirements rather than operating at fixed voltage levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If supply voltage is controlled to reduce energy requirements of microprocessors, then energy consumption decreases, but the control range is small and implementation costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidimplementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent switches from voltage control to current control for power management. Current-controlled implementations are simpler and less costly than voltage-controlled implementations because they avoid the need for complex DC/DC converters and voltage regulation circuits, while providing a broader control range for energy optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical voltage control system with a current control system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex voltage conversion hardware (DC/DC converters, voltage regulators) and replaces it with simpler current control circuitry, reducing both complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If data connections are used at maximum capacity to ensure maximum data load, then data transmission capability is maximized, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of the power amplifier's supply current based on actual transmission conditions. Instead of operating continuously at maximum capacity, the system dynamically adjusts the current level to match the required data transmission capability, ensuring maximum performance when needed while reducing energy consumption during lower-demand periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameter from fixed maximum voltage to variable current levels. By controlling the supply current to match the actual data transmission requirements (rather than maintaining maximum voltage continuously), the system achieves the needed productivity while significantly reducing energy consumption during non-peak transmission periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2762989B1Method for controlling or regulating an energy requirement and/or the power of an electronic circuit
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DRESDEN
  • EP2762989B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2762989B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP2762989B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention, which relates to a method for controlling or regulating the energy consumption and/or performance of an electronic circuit, is based on the objective of providing a method for reducing the energy consumption of electronic circuits, components, and systems, particularly in communication technology. This objective is achieved by controlling or regulating the supply current ISS of the electronic circuit by means of a controllable or adjustable current source and by compensating for a shift in the output potential of the circuit caused by a change in the supply current ISS.