Dual Power Amplifier Supply Modulation for Low-Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supply modulated amplifiers face inefficiencies in both high and low power level regions, with power consumption increasing due to low power amplify efficiency in low power level signal transmission, as they use fixed power for low power amplification.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that adaptively generate supply voltages based on the amplitude component of the transmission signal, switching between high power and low power amplifiers depending on the output power level to optimize supply voltage regulation for both high and low power signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a supply modulated amplifier uses fixed power for low power amplification, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power amplify efficiency in low power level region deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is divided into two separate amplifiers: a high power amplifier (HPA) for high power level signals and a low power amplifier (LPA) for low power level signals. Each amplifier is optimized for its specific power range, with the HPA using supply voltage modulation and the LPA using fixed power, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and power efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the HPA and LPA based on the power level of the input signal. A switching mechanism controlled by a controller selects which amplifier to use, allowing the system to adapt to varying signal conditions and maintain high efficiency across different power levels
2Loss of energy
If a supply modulated amplifier uses supply voltage modulation for high power amplification, then the power amplify efficiency in high power level region is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is divided into two separate amplifiers: a high power amplifier (HPA) for high power level signals and a low power amplifier (LPA) for low power level signals. Each amplifier is optimized for its specific power range, with the HPA using supply voltage modulation and the LPA using fixed power, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and power efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different amplification strategies are applied to different power level regions: supply voltage modulation is used specifically for the HPA operating in high power region, while fixed power is used for the LPA in low power region. This localized optimization allows each amplifier to operate efficiently in its designated range without the complexity of a unified complex system
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operation region is expanded to cover both high and low power levels, then the adaptability is improved, but the power consume increases due to low efficiency in low power region
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the HPA and LPA based on the power level of the input signal. A switching mechanism controlled by a controller selects which amplifier to use, allowing the system to adapt to varying signal conditions and maintain high efficiency across different power levels
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a parallel architecture with two separate amplifier paths (HPA and LPA), each optimized for different power levels. This redundant but specialized configuration allows the system to copy the amplification function in two different ways, selecting the appropriate copy based on operating conditions to maintain efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for amplifying power is provided. The apparatus includes a supply modulator for generating a supply voltage based on an amplitude component of a transmission signal, and a power amplify module for amplifying power of the transmission signal using the supply voltage, wherein the power amplify module includes a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, and when an output power of the transmission signal is greater than a reference power, the first power amplifier amplifies the power of the transmission signal using the supply voltage, and when the output power of the transmission signal is equal to or less than the reference power, the second power amplifier amplifies the power of the transmission signal using the supply voltage.