Fast Tracking Power Supply with Segmented Linear and Switch Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fast tracking power supplies for radio communication systems, particularly those using variable envelope modulation, face challenges in achieving high power amplification efficiency due to the limitations of traditional switch power supplies, leading to low overall efficiency in power amplification.
Innovation Solution
A fast tracking power supply system incorporating a combined controllable voltage source, current detection unit, and tracking current source, where the combined controllable voltage source includes a linear amplifier and a power supply voltage switching unit, adjusts power supply voltage ranges and output currents to optimize power amplification efficiency by reducing the power consumption of the linear amplifier and increasing the tracking bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common switch power supply is used for fast tracking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bandwidth and efficiency requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into two independent parts: a linear power supply for high-frequency power output with voltage closed-loop tracking, and a switch power supply for low-frequency power output with current closed-loop tracking. Each part handles specific frequency ranges independently, allowing the system to meet high bandwidth and efficiency requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a linear power supply is used to ensure low distortion output, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the overall power amplification efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply functionality is segmented by frequency range: the linear power supply handles high-frequency components where low distortion is critical, while the switch power supply handles low-frequency components where efficiency is more important. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, achieving both low distortion and high efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality characteristics are applied to different parts of the power supply output based on frequency requirements. The linear power supply provides high-precision voltage tracking for high-frequency signals requiring low distortion, while the switch power supply provides efficient current delivery for low-frequency signals. Each part has optimized local characteristics suited to its operational requirements.
3Loss of energy
If the switch power supply outputs low-frequency power, then the power amplification efficiency is improved, but the tracking bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency spectrum is segmented into two ranges: low-frequency components are handled by the efficient switch power supply, while high-frequency components are handled by the fast-response linear power supply. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning each frequency range to the power supply type best suited for its requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear power supply and switch power supply are merged in parallel to provide combined power output. The linear power supply's fast tracking capability compensates for the switch power supply's bandwidth limitation, while the switch power supply's efficiency compensates for the linear power supply's energy loss. Together, they achieve both wide bandwidth and high efficiency.
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
The solution enhances the overall power amplification efficiency of the fast tracking power supply, enabling high-efficiency low-frequency tracking and reducing power consumption while maintaining high-bandwidth and high-precision signal output.
Implementation Method 1
The linear amplifier is configured to receive a first control signal extracted from a reference signal, and control a load voltage according to the received first control signal
Implementation Method 2
The current detection unit is configured to detect an output current of the combined controllable voltage source, and output a third control signal according to a detection result
Implementation Method 3
The tracking current source is configured to receive the third control signal output by the current detection unit, and adjust an output current of the tracking current source according to the third control signal, so as to implement high-efficiency low-frequency tracking of a load current
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method for controlling a fast tracking power supply, a fast tracking power supply, and a system are provided. The fast tracking power supply adopts a combined controllable voltage source (11) to control a load voltage, and the combined controllable voltage source (11) is connected to a tracking current source (13) in parallel to provide a current for a load (14). The tracking current source (13) is responsible for providing a low-frequency high current for the load (14) to implement high-efficiency low-frequency tracking of the load current and reducing an output current of the combined controllable voltage source (11) as much as possible. Meanwhile, a power supply voltage switching unit (112) in the combined controllable voltage source (11) adjusts a power supply voltage range of a linear amplifier (111) in the combined controllable voltage source (11), thereby reducing power consumption of the combined controllable voltage source.