Analog Output Regulation Circuit Using Digital Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication transmission standards, such as GSM and EDGE, face challenges in accurately setting the power of analog output signals due to the complexity of digital integration technologies and time-slot structures, which affect the precision of power regulation in variable gain amplifiers.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement comprising a signal processing unit and a regulation unit that produces a digital regulation signal as a function of an analog output signal, using components like digital/analog converters, comparison circuits, and ramp signal generators to control the power amplifier, allowing for precise power setting in both open and closed loop operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If variable gain amplifiers are designed using CMOS integration technologies, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability of power regulation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) as an intermediary component between the digital control signal and the analog power amplifier. This DAC enables precise analog voltage generation from digital codes, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision in power regulation while maintaining the benefits of digital CMOS integration. The DAC acts as a bridge that translates digital control into precise analog power control without requiring complex analog circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional analog voltage control mechanisms with a digital control system that uses a DAC and lookup tables. Instead of relying on complex analog circuitry for precise voltage control, the system uses digital signal processing and digital-to-analog conversion, which are more easily manufactured using standard CMOS technologies while maintaining or improving precision.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional analog control methods are used for power regulation, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex analog control circuits with a digital control architecture that uses a microcontroller, DAC, and lookup tables. This digital approach maintains manufacturing precision through software-based control algorithms while significantly reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for complex analog components and making the system more amenable to standard CMOS manufacturing processes.

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

3Ease of operation

If digital regulation signals are used to control analog output signals, then ease of operation is improved and adaptability is enhanced, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a high-resolution DAC as an intermediary that ensures precise analog voltage generation from digital control signals. The DAC maintains manufacturing precision by accurately converting digital codes to analog voltages, while the digital control interface provides ease of operation and adaptability for different modulation schemes and power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the DAC reference voltage and lookup table values to achieve precise power control. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on operational requirements, the system maintains high manufacturing precision while providing flexible and easy-to-operate control for various communication standards and power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8494462B2Circuit arrangement and method for setting an analog output signal
Publication Date: 2013.07.23 APPLE INC
  • US8494462B2 patent drawing
  • US8494462B2 patent drawing
  • US8494462B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A circuit arrangement includes a signal processing unit and a regulation unit. The signal processing unit processes an input signal to form an analog output signal. The regulation unit is coupled to the signal processing unit in order to produce a digital regulation signal as a function of the analog output signal for regulation of the analog output signal.