Envelope-Tracking PA Circuit for Flexible Multi-Transmission RF Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, existing power management circuits face challenges in efficiently managing multiple RF signals across various multi-transmission schemes, such as MIMO and dual connectivity, due to susceptibility to propagation attenuation and interference in the mmWave spectrum, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and thermal dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-transmission power management circuit is developed, comprising multiple quadrature power amplifier circuits and an envelope tracking integrated circuit (ETIC) that generates modulated voltages to support different multi-transmission schemes, with a control circuit determining which power amplifiers and voltages are needed for each scheme, allowing flexible configuration for various transmission scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are employed to concurrently amplify multiple RF signals in multi-transmission schemes, then the system can support MIMO and dual connectivity, but power consumption and thermal dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment through envelope tracking, where the supply voltage to power amplifiers is continuously modulated to match the instantaneous signal envelope. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide high power only when needed for multi-transmission schemes while reducing voltage and power consumption during low-signal periods, directly addressing the contradiction between versatility and energy usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of power amplifiers by varying the supply voltage according to the signal envelope characteristics. This parameter modulation enables the amplifiers to operate efficiently across different power levels required by various multi-transmission schemes, resolving the conflict between maintaining adaptability and reducing overall power consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are employed to concurrently amplify multiple RF signals, then multi-transmission schemes can be supported, but thermal dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dynamically adjusting the supply voltage to match the signal envelope, the system reduces the time-averaged power dissipation in power amplifiers. This dynamic control prevents continuous high-power operation and associated thermal generation, while still supporting multi-transmission schemes when required, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and thermal management
3Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking voltage tracks the amplitude of RF signals, then power amplifier efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the envelope detection function with the power management circuitry, integrating multiple functions into a unified system. This consolidation achieves efficient envelope tracking for improved power amplifier efficiency while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating separate dedicated components, directly addressing the contradiction between efficiency improvement and system complexity
4Device complexity
If a single ETIC provides ET voltage to multiple power amplifiers, then the circuit is simplified, but the ability to support different multi-transmission schemes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional ETIC capable of providing multiple independent envelope tracking voltages to different power amplifiers. This universal design allows a single circuit to support various multi-transmission schemes including MIMO and dual connectivity by dynamically allocating ET voltages as needed, resolving the contradiction between circuit simplicity and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-transmission power management circuit is provided. In embodiments disclosed herein, the multi-transmission power management circuit includes multiple quadrature power amplifier circuits each configured to concurrently generate multiple amplified radio frequency (RF) signals based on a respective modulated voltage(s). The multi-transmission power management circuit also includes an envelope tracking (ET) integrated circuit (ETIC) configured to concurrently generate multiple modulated voltages. A control circuit is configured to determine one or more of the multiple quadrature power amplifier circuits that are involved in a multi-transmission scheme. Accordingly, the control circuit can cause the ETIC to provide one or more of the multiple modulated voltages to each of the quadrature power amplifier circuits involved in the multi-transmission scheme. In this regard, the multi-transmission power management circuit can be flexibly configured to support different multi-transmission schemes.