Envelope Tracking IC Supply Switching for Multi-Amplifier Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing envelope tracking (ET) systems in mobile communication devices suffer from efficiency degradation when multiple power amplifier circuits operate concurrently, as they require separate supply voltages that can lead to inefficiency and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A multi-amplifier ET apparatus with an integrated circuit (ETIC) that dynamically selects and provides optimal supply voltages to each power amplifier circuit based on their respective time-variant target voltages, using a control circuit to toggle between low and high constant supply voltages, thereby improving operating efficiency without increasing footprint or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate supply voltages are provided to multiple power amplifier circuits, then each amplifier can operate independently, but power consumption increases and operating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the supply voltage generation for multiple power amplifier circuits into a single integrated ETIC that dynamically allocates supply voltage to multiple amplifiers. Instead of providing separate continuous supply voltages to each amplifier, the system combines the voltage generation function and dynamically switches supply between amplifiers based on operational needs, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining independent operation capability.
2Reliability
If separate supply voltages are provided to multiple power amplifier circuits, then each amplifier can operate independently, but operating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic supply voltage allocation where the ETIC continuously monitors the operational status of multiple power amplifier circuits and dynamically switches supply voltage between them based on real-time demands. This dynamic approach ensures that supply voltage is provided only to amplifiers that are actively transmitting, thereby improving operating efficiency while maintaining the ability of each amplifier to operate independently when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking is implemented to improve power amplifier efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ETIC that serves multiple power amplifier circuits with a single envelope tracking implementation. The ETIC generates time-variant supply voltages and dynamically allocates them to multiple amplifiers based on their operational status, thereby implementing envelope tracking across the entire multi-amplifier system through a single unified controller rather than requiring separate envelope tracking systems for each amplifier, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-amplifier envelope tracking (ET) apparatus is provided. The multi-amplifier ET apparatus includes an ET integrated circuit (ETIC). The ETIC includes a first voltage circuit that generates the first ET voltage based on a first supply voltage and a first time-variant target voltage. The ETIC also includes a second voltage circuit that generates the second ET voltage based on a second supply voltage and a second time-variant target voltage. In embodiments disclosed herein, the ETIC is configured to determine the first supply voltage and the second supply voltage in accordance to the first time-variant target voltage and the second time-variant target voltage, respectively. As a result, both the first and the second voltage circuits can operate with optimal efficiency, thus helping to improve overall operating efficiency of the multi-amplifier ET apparatus.