Envelope-Tracking Amplifier Supply Using Switching and Linear Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evolution of wireless communication systems, particularly from 3G to 4G and now 5G, demands high-efficiency and high-linearity power amplifiers due to increased data transmission rates and wider signal bandwidths, leading to challenges in applying envelope tracking (ET) technology effectively across wide bandwidths without significant power consumption and distortion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a linear regulator within the transmission circuitry to control the switching regulator, allowing the amplifier to receive a voltage corresponding to the envelope of the input signal, thereby enabling efficient power management and reduced distortion across wide bandwidths, even when the ET modulator is positioned at a longer distance from the transmission circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking technology is applied to power amplifiers with fixed power supply voltages, then power consumption is reduced and efficiency is improved, but signal distortion increases and linearity deteriorates when applied to wide bandwidth signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply voltage dynamic rather than fixed. The envelope tracking modulator continuously adjusts the power supply voltage to the amplifier based on the instantaneous envelope of the RF signal, enabling the system to adapt to varying signal conditions and maintain both efficiency and linearity across wide bandwidths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of power supply voltage from a fixed value to a variable parameter that tracks the signal envelope. By modulating the voltage parameter in real-time according to the RF signal characteristics, the system achieves improved power efficiency while maintaining signal fidelity through precise voltage control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the ET modulator and transmission circuitry is increased, then device layout flexibility is improved, but voltage control precision deteriorates due to longer trace lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary low-dropout (LDO) regulator between the switching regulator and the amplifier. This LDO regulator acts as a buffer that isolates the amplifier from voltage ripple and noise generated by the switching regulator, thereby maintaining precise voltage control even when the ET modulator is positioned at a distance from the transmission circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the voltage regulation function into a separate LDO regulator stage, decoupling the voltage control precision from the physical distance between components. By separating the switching regulation function from the precise voltage delivery function, the system maintains control precision regardless of trace length
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 configuration enhances the efficiency and linearity of power amplifiers, particularly in 5G systems, by minimizing power consumption and reducing signal distortion, even with wider bandwidths and more complex signal modulation schemes.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator configured to selectively supply a voltage to at least one amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers
Implementation Method 2
the linear regulator provides the amplifier with a voltage corresponding to an envelope of an input signal input to the amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclose a method and a device including: an antenna, a switching regulator, communication chip including an amplifier and a linear regulator operably connected to the amplifier and the switching regulator, the communication chip configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal from the electronic device through the antenna, and control circuitry configured to control the communication chip such that the linear regulator provides the amplifier with a voltage corresponding to an envelope of an input signal input to the amplifier, the input signal corresponding to the radio-frequency signal.