Dynamic Power Divider Circuit Impedance Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Power amplifiers in electronic circuits, particularly in wireless devices, are inefficient due to wastage of signal power as some signal paths become less active or inactive under changing conditions, leading to increased power consumption and energy demands.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic power divider circuit using quarter wave lines and a variable impedance circuit that adjusts impedance between output paths based on input signal power, allowing for efficient routing of signal power between paths by increasing or decreasing impedance accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If signal power is divided among multiple paths in a power amplifier, then signal processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases due to waste in inactive paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between static impedance states (50 ohms and 200 ohms) based on operating conditions. The variable impedance circuit transitions between discrete states to match different signal power levels, enabling the power divider to adapt its power distribution ratio dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain multiple signal paths for versatile processing while minimizing power waste by adjusting impedance to route power efficiently to active paths only.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed impedance is used in power divider, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but power distribution efficiency deteriorates under changing operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidpower distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the impedance parameter dynamically between two fixed states (50 ohms and 200 ohms) based on operating conditions. Rather than implementing a continuously variable impedance circuit which would be complex, the invention uses discrete impedance states that can be switched using simpler components. This resolves the contradiction by providing improved power distribution efficiency under varying conditions while maintaining relative circuit simplicity through the use of discrete rather than continuous parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The dynamic power divider circuit optimizes power distribution by adjusting impedance in response to input signal power, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency in power amplifiers, thereby minimizing energy consumption and improving infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

first and second quarter wave lines that receive an input signal and produce first and second signal on second terminals of the lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuarter wave transformation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

Dynamic power division of the input signal uses a variable impedance circuit between the second terminal of the first quarter wave line and the second terminal of the second quarter wave line. The variable impedance may reduce impedance between two output paths as the input signal power increases or increase impedance between the output paths as the input signal power decreases.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVariable impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3189587B1Dynamic power divider circuits and methods
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3189587B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3189587B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3189587B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure includes dynamic power divider circuits and methods. In one embodiment, a dynamic power divider includes first and second quarter wave lines that receive an input signal and produce first and second signal on second terminals of the lines. Dynamic power division of the input signal uses a variable impedance circuit between the second terminal of the first quarter wave line and the second terminal of the second quarter wave line. The variable impedance may reduce impedance between two output paths as the input signal power increases or increase impedance between the output paths as the input signal power decreases.