Distributed CLPC Gain Control for Stable mmWave EIRP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-stage closed-loop power control systems for mmWave phase-array integrated circuits fail to maintain target Effective Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) due to limited digital-to-analog converter (DAC) gain range, especially when temperature increases rapidly, leading to EIRP reduction.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage closed-loop power control system with a centralized or distributed architecture, utilizing multiple processors and variable gain amplifiers to adjust analog and digital gains based on accumulated errors, ensuring the system meets the target EIRP across varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-stage CLPC system adjusts only DAC gain, then the system structure remains simple, but the system fails to meet target EIRP when temperature rapidly increases due to limited DAC gain range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-stage CLPC system into two independent stages: a first CLPC system that adjusts DAC gain for coarse power control, and a second CLPC system that adjusts VGA gain for fine power control. This segmentation allows each stage to operate within its optimal gain range, enabling the system to meet target EIRP even during rapid temperature increases while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If a multi-stage CLPC system with VGA gain adjustment is implemented, then target EIRP is maintained across wider temperature ranges, but system complexity and command overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two CLPC systems into a unified distributed architecture where the power detector shares a common interface with both the first and second processors. The first processor handles DAC gain control while the second processor handles VGA gain control, but both operate under a single distributed control framework that reduces command overhead and simplifies the overall system architecture compared to fully independent multi-stage systems.
3Productivity
If distributed CLPC architecture is used, then command overhead is reduced and system performance is improved, but coordination between multiple processors becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distributed control framework that acts as an intermediary between the first and second processors. This framework enables the processors to coordinate their gain adjustments independently without direct communication between them, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining the performance benefits of the multi-stage architecture. The framework manages the accumulated error distribution and ensures consistent system operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A closed-loop power control (CLPC) system is disclosed that includes a first signal path for a first polarization and a second signal path for a second polarization. The first signal path includes a first power amplifier, a first output power detector configured to detect a first output power level of the first power amplifier, and a first processor configured to determine a first analog gain for a first controller and a first gain for a first digital-to-analog converter based on a first accumulated error between the first output power level and a target Effective Isotropically Radiated Power. A second processor is configured to set a first variable gain of a first variable gain amplifier coupled to an input of the first power amplifier. The CLPC can be configured to control the gain of the first signal path separately or as one signal path.