Envelope-Tracking Power Amplifier Circuit for Subarray Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subarray beamforming systems face inefficiencies due to AB-type power amplifiers operating in deep power back-off areas, leading to low efficiency and high power consumption, which is exacerbated by the need for multiple power amplifiers to meet 5G NR's EIRP requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an envelope tracking power amplifier system with separate envelope signal generating circuits for each transmit channel, allowing power amplifiers to operate in an envelope tracking mode, dynamically adjusting their output voltage based on the envelope signal, thereby improving average efficiency without altering the hardware structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AB-type power amplifier is used to ensure high linearity, then system linearity is improved, but power amplifier efficiency deteriorates in deep power back-off area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static power supply voltage to a dynamic envelope tracking power supply voltage that adapts to the signal characteristics. The envelope tracking circuit dynamically adjusts the power supply voltage according to the envelope of the RF signal, enabling the power amplifier to operate efficiently across varying power levels while maintaining linearity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply voltage parameter from a fixed value to a dynamically varying envelope tracking voltage. This parameter change allows the power amplifier to operate in different regions of its characteristic curve, improving efficiency in deep power back-off conditions while maintaining the necessary linearity through appropriate voltage modulation.
2Power
If multiple power amplifiers are configured for each subarray antenna to meet EIRP requirements, then system power output is improved, but overall system power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply control for multiple power amplifiers into a unified envelope tracking system. By sharing the envelope detection and control circuitry across multiple amplifiers in the same subarray, the system achieves coordinated power output while reducing redundant circuitry and improving overall power efficiency through centralized envelope management.
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 amplification efficiency and compatibility with conventional technologies by optimizing power amplifier performance through dynamic voltage modulation, achieving improved efficiency and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an envelope signal generating circuit, configured to generate an envelope signal based on the transmit channel signal
Implementation Method 2
a power amplifier, configured to amplify the transmit channel signal based on dynamically modulated power supply voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a power amplifier circuit used in a subarray beamforming system and a subarray beamforming system. The subarray beamforming system in this application includes a plurality of transmit channels, the transmit channel includes a signal preprocessing module, a first digital-to-analog converter, a radio frequency link, and a subarray module that are sequentially connected, and the subarray module includes at least one antenna array module. The power amplifier circuit includes a plurality of power amplifier sub-circuits, the power amplifier sub-circuit includes an envelope signal generating circuit, a power supply modulation module, and a power amplifier unit that are sequentially connected, and the power amplifier unit includes at least one power amplifier. The plurality of power amplifier sub-circuits are in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of transmit channels. For each of the transmit channels, an input end of the envelope signal generating circuit in the corresponding power amplifier sub-circuit is connected to a connection point in the transmit channel, and at least one power amplifier in the corresponding power amplifier sub-circuit is disposed at an input end of each antenna array module in the transmit channel. This application improves power amplification efficiency of a subarray beamforming system.