Envelope Tracking Amplifier for 5G SA and NSA Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G-NR wireless communication systems face challenges in power consumption and thermal dissipation due to increased output power, which compromises performance and user experience, especially in non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) modes, where efficient power management is needed to enhance amplifier linearity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An envelope tracking (ET) amplifier apparatus is designed to operate in both 5G SA and NSA modes, featuring distributed amplifier circuits and an ET integrated circuit that generates and provides ET voltage and current to selected amplifier circuits, enabling concurrent transmission in multiple bands and improving power amplifier efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If output power of 5G RF signals is increased to achieve higher data rate, then data rate is improved, but power consumption and thermal dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment through envelope tracking, where the supply voltage to the power amplifier is dynamically modulated to follow the signal envelope. This allows the amplifier to operate at optimal efficiency points across varying power levels, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high data rate capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the power amplifier by implementing envelope tracking with voltage amplifiers that adjust the supply voltage in real-time. This parameter modulation enables the system to achieve high data rates with reduced power consumption by operating the amplifier in its most efficient region dynamically rather than at fixed high power.
2Productivity
If output power of 5G RF signals is increased to achieve higher data rate, then data rate is improved, but thermal dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic envelope tracking system continuously adjusts the supply voltage to match the signal envelope, enabling the power amplifier to operate efficiently across a wide dynamic range. This dynamic operation reduces excessive voltage application and minimizes thermal dissipation while maintaining the capability to transmit at high power levels when needed for high data rates.
3Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking is implemented to improve power amplifier efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the envelope tracking system with multi-functional voltage amplifiers that can operate in different configurations to support both 5G standalone and non-standalone modes. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining power efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power amplifier system into distinct functional blocks including separate voltage amplifiers for different frequency bands and a distributed switch circuit. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each block and simplifies the control architecture, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining envelope tracking functionality for power efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If distributed amplifier circuits are used to support multiple 5G bands, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed amplifier circuits are designed with universal functionality to support multiple 5G frequency bands through a single integrated architecture. The voltage amplifiers and switch circuit can be configured to operate across different bands without requiring completely separate amplifier chains, thereby achieving multi-band adaptability while limiting the increase in device complexity through shared components and unified control.
Data Source
AI summary
An envelope tracking (ET) amplifier apparatus is provided. In examples discussed herein, the ET amplifier apparatus can be configured to operate in a fifth-generation (5G) standalone (SA) mode and a 5G non-standalone (NSA) mode. In the SA mode, the ET amplifier apparatus can enable a first pair of amplifier circuits to amplifier a 5G signal for concurrent transmission in a 5G band(s). In the NSA mode, the ET amplifier apparatus can enable a second pair of amplifier circuits to amplify a non-5G anchor signal and a 5G signal for concurrent transmission in a non-5G anchor band(s) and a 5G band(s), respectively. As such, the ET circuit may be provided in a communication apparatus (e.g., a 5G-enabled smartphone) to help improve power amplifier linearity and efficiency in both 5G SA and NSA modes.