Energy Recycling Control Circuit for RF Envelope Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing devices, especially those used for RF transmission, residual energy from capacitors and parasitic elements is often lost as heat, leading to decreased energy efficiency and increased cooling requirements due to the need for rapid switching at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit with an energy recapture module that captures residual energy during high voltage levels and returns it to the input power signal during low voltage levels, using an inductor and diode configuration to store and reuse this energy, thereby reducing energy loss and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If circuits operate at high switching frequencies to process and exchange data at increased speeds, then communication speed and data processing capability are improved, but residual energy from capacitors is lost as heat, decreasing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the harmful residual energy that would normally be dissipated as heat during capacitor discharge and converts it into a useful resource by storing it in an energy storage element (inductor or capacitor). This recovered energy is then reused to supply power during subsequent switching cycles, thereby converting the harmful energy loss into a beneficial energy recovery mechanism that improves overall energy efficiency while maintaining high switching frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an energy recovery mechanism that captures residual energy from capacitors during discharge phases and stores it for later reuse. The energy recapture module monitors the discharge process and redirects the residual energy to the energy storage element instead of allowing it to dissipate as heat, thereby recovering what would otherwise be wasted energy and improving the overall energy efficiency of the high-frequency switching circuit
2Power
If circuits switch on and off loads at high frequency rates for RF transmission, then transmission power capability is improved, but residual energy is dissipated as heat, increasing cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat-generating residual energy from capacitor discharge into a beneficial resource by capturing and storing it in an energy storage element. This recovered energy is then reused to supply power during subsequent high-power transmission cycles, thereby reducing the amount of energy that must be dissipated as heat and lowering the cooling requirements while maintaining high transmission power capability
Solution Approach 2:
The energy recapture module recovers residual energy from capacitors during the off-phase of high-frequency switching and stores it in an energy storage element for later reuse during the on-phase. This recovery process prevents the residual energy from being dissipated as heat, thereby reducing thermal load and cooling requirements while maintaining the high power transmission capability needed for RF applications
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 approach enhances power efficiency, produces a better output power signal, and reduces energy and cooling requirements, enabling higher frequency operations without energy loss as heat.
Implementation Method 1
using an inductor and diode configuration to store and reuse this energy
Implementation Method 2
using an inductor and diode configuration to store and reuse this energy
Data Source
AI summary
Control circuits with energy recycling for envelope elimination and restoration and related methods are disclosed. A control circuit includes a filter module configured to condition an input power signal to provide an output power signal. An energy recapture module is electrically coupled to the filter module and is configured to capture a portion of residual energy from the filter module and return the portion of the residual energy to the input power signal. A control module is electrically coupled to the filter module and the energy recapture module and is configured to control the filter module to provide the output power signal and is further configured to control the energy recapture module to capture and return the portion of the residual energy to the input power signal.