Power Amplifier Electrode Control for Idle-State Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power amplifiers in base stations suffer from low efficiency due to static power dissipation during idle timeslots, with existing solutions being limited in applicability and reliability, and requiring complex high-power control circuits.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that control power amplification by outputting a voltage signal to the grid or base electrode of power amplifier transistors based on the state of the network equipment, allowing the transistors to switch on or off quickly, reducing static power dissipation and simplifying the control circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the voltage of drain electrode is adjusted to 0V to improve efficiency during idle state, then power dissipation is reduced, but response time becomes too long to track fast changes in communication services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower dissipationVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that manages the power amplifier's operation state. Instead of directly switching the drain electrode voltage (which causes long response delays), the system uses an intermediate control signal to manage the transition between working and idle states, achieving both energy savings and fast response by coordinating the switching action through a controlled intermediary process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic state management for the power amplifier, allowing it to flexibly transition between working state and idle state based on real-time communication service requirements. This dynamic approach enables the system to adjust its operation mode adaptively, achieving fast response to changing conditions while maintaining energy efficiency during idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If high-power power source is used to provide high voltage and large current to drain electrode, then power amplifier can operate in saturated output state with high efficiency, but control circuit becomes complex with high cost and low reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the control function from the high-power power source and separates it into an independent control circuit. Instead of using a complex high-power source with integrated control capabilities, the invention uses a simple control circuit that generates control signals to manage the power amplifier's operation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high output power capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical complexity of high-power control circuits with a simpler signal-based control system. By using control signals to manage the power amplifier states rather than complex power circuitry, the system achieves high power output with reduced complexity, cost, and improved reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2557697B1Method and device for controlling power amplification
Publication Date: 2015.06.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2557697B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2557697B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP2557697B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

A method and a device for controlling power amplification are provided. The method for controlling power amplification includes: outputting a voltage signal according to the state of an NE; applying the voltage signal to a grid electrode or a base electrode of at least one power amplifier transistor in a power amplifier. A device for controlling power amplification is also provided. The device includes a main control unit and a voltage control unit. The main control unit is adapted to obtain a state of an equipment, and send a voltage control signal according to the state; the voltage control unit is adapted to output a voltage signal to a grid electrode or a base electrode of a power amplifier transistor in a power amplifier unit according to the voltage control signal. Thereby, static power dissipation of the power amplifier when no RF power is output is eliminated, and the efficiency of the power amplifier is improved.