Envelope Tracker Circuit With Switched-Capacitor Voltage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital envelope tracking (D-ET) techniques for power amplifiers in communication devices do not achieve optimal power-added efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tracker circuit comprising a converter circuit, a switched-capacitor circuit, a supply modulator, and a selector switch circuit, which converts input voltage into regulated voltage and generates discrete voltages to be selectively output to a power amplifier, improving power-added efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If digital envelope tracking (D-ET) is implemented with discrete voltage levels, then power amplifier efficiency is improved, but further improvement in power-added efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage supply is segmented into multiple discrete voltage levels generated by the switched-capacitor circuit, allowing the power amplifier to operate at optimized voltage points that improve power-added efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker circuit dynamically switches between different discrete voltage levels based on the envelope signal, enabling adaptive voltage supply that optimizes power-added efficiency across varying operating conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous voltage regulation is implemented, then power supply flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous regulation, the voltage supply is segmented into discrete levels, reducing the complexity of the regulation mechanism while maintaining sufficient adaptability for power amplifier operation
Solution Approach 2:
The switched-capacitor circuit acts as an intermediary that generates discrete voltage levels from a single input voltage, providing voltage flexibility without requiring complex continuous regulation circuitry
3Loss of energy
If multiple discrete voltage levels are generated, then power efficiency is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switched-capacitor circuit is designed to generate multiple discrete voltage levels using a unified structure that processes a single input voltage, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining multiple output levels
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes voltage parameters through capacitive switching rather than complex transformation circuits, achieving multiple voltage levels through parameter manipulation of existing components
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
Enhances power-added efficiency in the D-ET mode by dynamically adjusting power supply voltage based on radio frequency signals, thereby optimizing energy utilization in communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
The switched-capacitor circuit includes a plurality of first input terminals that receive the input voltage and the regulated voltage. The switched-capacitor circuit is configured to generate and output a plurality of discrete voltages.
Implementation Method 2
The converter circuit is configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracker circuit is provided that includes a pre-regulator circuit, a switched-capacitor circuit, a supply modulator, and a selector switch circuit. The pre-regulator circuit is configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage. The switched-capacitor circuit includes a plurality of input terminals that receive the input voltage and the regulated voltage. The switched-capacitor circuit generates a plurality of discrete voltages. The supply modulator selectively outputs at least one of the plurality of discrete voltages to a power amplifier. The selector switch circuit selects one of the plurality of input terminals and outputs the input voltage to the selected input terminal. The selector switch circuit also selects an other input terminal and outputs the regulated voltage to the other input terminal.