Dual-Power-Amplifier Transmitter for IoT Battery-Range Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low power networked devices, such as IoT devices, face challenges in energy efficiency due to battery constraints, which affects the trade-off between range and battery life in battery-operated transmitters.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter design featuring multiple gain power amplifiers and a power supply switch that selectively couples different supply voltage terminals to the power amplifiers, allowing for adjustable gain levels based on transmitter power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If higher power amplification is used to extend transmission range, then transmission range is improved, but battery life deteriorates due to increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by making the power amplifier's supply voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically switch between different supply voltage levels (first supply voltage and second supply voltage) depending on the required transmission range, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption to actual communication needs rather than operating at maximum power continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the power amplifier by providing multiple supply voltage levels. The first power amplifier can operate at different gain levels corresponding to different supply voltages, enabling the system to adjust transmission power to match the required range, thus reducing energy consumption when full power is not needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power amplifiers with different gain levels are used to optimize energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power amplification function into multiple parallel power amplifiers with different characteristic gain levels. Instead of using a single complex variable gain amplifier, the system uses multiple simpler amplifiers that can be selectively activated, dividing the power amplification task into discrete segments that can be independently controlled
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply switch serves multiple functions: it selectively connects different supply voltage terminals to different power amplifiers, controls which amplifier is active, and manages the overall power distribution. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate control circuits for each amplifier, thereby managing complexity
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
This solution enhances energy efficiency by allowing for optimized gain levels, thereby extending battery life while maintaining or improving transmission range.
Implementation Method 1
a first power amplifier connected to the port, a second power amplifier connected to the port... provide an amplified transmit signal based on the transmit signal
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter has a port configured to receive a transmit signal, a first power amplifier connected to the port, a second power amplifier connected to the port, a power supply switch configured to selectively couple one of a first supply voltage terminal or a second supply voltage terminal to one of a supply terminal of the first power amplifier or a supply terminal of the second power amplifier, a first antenna output terminal connected to the first power amplifier, a second antenna output terminal connected to the second power amplifier, and a control unit configured to control the power supply switch based on a transmitter power requirement to provide an amplified transmit signal based on the transmit signal at one of the first antenna output terminal or the second antenna output terminal.