Envelope Tracking Signal Alignment Using Distortion Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face inefficiencies and distortion due to the need for precise timing alignment between dynamic supply voltage and signal envelope in amplifiers, particularly in RF amplification, which is challenging without direct measurement of the amplifier output signal.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatic adaptive timing alignment using distortion parameters, such as phase or gain distortion, to estimate and correct timing errors in the amplification stage, allowing for continuous adjustments without requiring direct measurement of the amplifier output signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used to achieve timing alignment between power supply and signal envelope, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to required measurement circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential timing information needed for alignment by monitoring distortion parameters (phase or amplitude) in the amplifier output, rather than implementing full measurement circuitry. This allows timing alignment to be achieved by extracting and processing only the critical timing-related distortion characteristics, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces distortion parameters as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure timing alignment. Instead of directly measuring the timing relationship between power supply and signal envelope, the system uses distortion (an intermediate effect) as a proxy indicator. By monitoring how distortion varies with timing offset, the system can infer timing alignment status without requiring direct timing measurement circuitry.
2Measurement precision
If adaptive linearity control with pre-distortion block is implemented to achieve accurate timing alignment, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the timing alignment function from the complex adaptive linearity control system. By isolating and addressing only the timing synchronization aspect through distortion parameter monitoring, the system achieves timing alignment precision without implementing the full adaptive linearity control infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing only the specific timing alignment component rather than the complete adaptive linearity control system. The system performs the sufficient action needed for timing alignment (monitoring distortion parameters and adjusting timing accordingly) without the excessive complexity of full adaptive linearity control, achieving the desired precision with minimal necessary components.
3Measurement precision
If output signal measurement and down-conversion frequency translation are implemented for timing alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but system cost and complexity become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the timing information needed for alignment by monitoring distortion parameters in the amplifier output, eliminating the need for full output signal measurement and frequency translation circuitry. This approach achieves timing alignment accuracy by extracting and processing only the critical timing-related distortion characteristics, significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses distortion parameters as an intermediary to indirectly determine timing alignment, avoiding the need for direct output signal measurement and frequency translation. By monitoring how distortion varies with timing offset, the system can infer timing alignment status through this intermediate indicator, eliminating the requirement for complex measurement and frequency translation infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method for determining the timing misalignment between a power supply and an output in an envelope tracking amplification stage, the method including the steps of: estimating a distortion parameter in the amplification stage; and determining a timing error in dependence on the estimated distortion parameter.