Multiple Envelope Tracking Circuits for RF Amplifier Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing power amplifiers in electronic devices with wireless communications capabilities is challenging due to inefficiencies when operating at varying power levels, particularly with conventional radio-frequency power amplifiers that receive fixed power supply voltages.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power amplifier architecture with multiple envelope tracking integrated circuits (ETICs) that adjust power supply voltages dynamically using bidirectional paths and feedback controllers to optimize efficiency across different power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional radio-frequency power amplifiers with fixed power supply voltages are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power efficiency deteriorates when operating at varying power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply voltage adjustment for radio-frequency power amplifiers through envelope tracking circuitry. The power supply voltage to each amplifier is dynamically modulated according to the instantaneous power level requirements, enabling high efficiency operation across varying power levels. This dynamic approach transforms the static fixed-voltage supply into an adaptive system that tracks the envelope of the RF signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power amplifier system into multiple independent amplifier modules, each with its own envelope tracking circuitry and power supply voltage control. This segmentation allows each amplifier to be independently optimized for its specific operating conditions and frequency band, improving overall system efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple envelope tracking integrated circuits are implemented with bidirectional paths, then power management efficiency is improved, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional paths that serve multiple functions: they carry power supply voltages from envelope tracking integrated circuits to power amplifiers, and simultaneously provide feedback signals from amplifiers back to the ETICs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated paths for power and control signals, improving power management efficiency while reducing overall routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply voltage delivery path with the feedback signal path into a single bidirectional communication channel between envelope tracking integrated circuits and power amplifiers. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate independent paths, reducing routing complexity while maintaining efficient power management through integrated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power amplifiers are disposed at different locations within an electronic device, then spatial distribution is improved, but design difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless communications circuitry into multiple independent radio-frequency amplifier modules disposed at different locations within the electronic device. Each amplifier module is paired with its own envelope tracking integrated circuit, creating self-contained units that can be independently designed, optimized for local constraints, and assembled in spatially distributed configurations without increasing overall system design difficulty.
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
Improves battery life, routing efficiency, and output power efficiency by minimizing insertion loss through efficient power management of radio-frequency amplifiers.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter coupled to an output of the first envelope tracking amplifier
Implementation Method 2
a bidirectional feedback path coupled to the feedback controller and configured to convey a feedback voltage output from the controller and to provide a feedback voltage as an input to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include a first group of radio-frequency amplifiers coupled to one or more first antenna(s) disposed at a first end of the device, a second group of radio-frequency amplifiers coupled to one or more second antenna(s) disposed at a second opposing end of the device, a first envelope tracking integrated circuit (ETIC) coupled to the first group of radio-frequency amplifiers, and a second envelope tracking integrated circuit (ETIC) coupled to the second group of radio-frequency amplifiers. The first and second ETICs can be coupled together via a bidirectional input-output voltage path and a feedback voltage path. At least the first ETIC can include a first envelope tracking amplifier, a second envelope tracking amplifier, a voltage converter coupled to an output of the first envelope tracking amplifier, and a feedback controller coupled to an output of the second envelope tracking amplifier and configured to adjust the voltage converter.