Dynamic Doherty Power Amplifier Input Split for Base Station Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifiers in communication base stations face inefficiencies due to a trade-off between linearity and efficiency, particularly in handling signals with high peak-to-average ratios, where the fixed power split ratio in Doherty architecture limits further improvements in power amplification efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed power amplifier design includes a main and auxiliary power amplifier unit, an envelope acquisition unit, and a power control unit with dynamic power control assemblies that adjust the input power and split ratio based on the instantaneous power of the electrical signal, allowing flexible distribution of power between the main and auxiliary amplifiers to improve efficiency and linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed power split ratio is used in Doherty architecture, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power amplification efficiency cannot be further improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed power split ratio to a dynamic power split ratio that adjusts in real-time based on signal characteristics. The power control unit continuously monitors the input signal and dynamically allocates power between the carrier amplifier and peak amplifier, enabling the system to adapt to varying signal conditions and maximize efficiency across different operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the power split ratio parameter based on signal envelope detection. The system detects the envelope of the input signal and uses this information to adjust the power distribution parameter between amplifiers, thereby optimizing efficiency through parameter adaptation rather than maintaining a fixed parameter value.
2Loss of energy
If power amplifiers operate at high efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but linearity deteriorates causing signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power amplification function into two separate amplifier paths: a carrier amplifier for the main signal and a peak amplifier for the peak signal components. This segmentation allows each amplifier to operate in its optimal efficiency region while the power control unit combines their outputs to maintain overall signal linearity and reduce distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to dynamically adjust the power split ratio based on the detected signal envelope. By changing the power distribution parameter in real-time, the system ensures that the main amplifier operates efficiently during low-power conditions while the peak amplifier supplements during high-power conditions, maintaining linearity across the full dynamic range.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a power amplifier, comprising a main power amplifier unit, an auxiliary power amplifier unit, an envelope acquisition unit and a power control unit, wherein input ends of both the main power amplifier unit and an input end of the auxiliary power amplifier unit are connected to an electrical signal, and output ends of the two are coupled to each other; the power control unit comprises a first power control assembly and/or a second power control assembly, at least one main power amplifier unit is connected to the electrical signal through the first power control assembly, and a control end of the first power control assembly is connected to the envelope acquisition unit; and at least one auxiliary power amplifier unit is connected to the electrical signal through the second power control assembly, and a control end of the second power control assembly is connected to the envelope acquisition unit.