Front End Module PA Isolation Using Power Sensing Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with front end modules (FEMs) face issues with power amplifier (PA) damage, leading to decreased device usability and communication performance, as a malfunctioning PA can cause voltage fluctuations affecting connected PAs and potentially burning out both the PA and the device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power sensing circuitry and control circuitry to detect PA damage by monitoring voltage differences across the PA and disconnecting the power supply from the damaged PA to prevent further damage and maintain functionality of other PAs connected to the same power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple PAs share a common power supply circuitry, then device complexity is reduced and power efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates because a damaged PA can cause voltage fluctuations affecting other PAs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces individual switching elements (first switch, second switch) for each PA to segment the power distribution control. This allows independent connection/disconnection of each PA from the common power supply, preventing voltage fluctuations from one damaged PA from affecting others while maintaining the benefits of shared power supply circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs switching elements as intermediary components between the power supply circuitry and individual PAs. These switches act as mediators that can isolate a damaged PA from the common power supply, preventing harmful voltage fluctuations from propagating to other PAs while allowing healthy PAs to continue operating.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply is shared among multiple PAs, then power efficiency is improved, but harmful effects increase because a malfunctioning PA can burn out other PAs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by continuously monitoring voltage levels at each PA's power input through sensing circuitry. When voltage fluctuations indicating PA damage are detected, the control circuitry immediately actuates switching elements to disconnect the damaged PA from the common power supply, preventing harmful effects from spreading to other PAs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where power sensing circuitry continuously monitors voltage levels at each PA's power input and feeds this information to the control circuitry. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of voltage fluctuations caused by PA damage and triggers automatic isolation of the affected PA through switching elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The electronic device includes power supply circuitry. The electronic device includes a first front end module (FEM) including a switch, a power amplifier (PA) connected to the power supply circuitry through the switch to obtain a transmit (Tx) power of a first wireless signal transmitted through the first antenna based on a voltage from the power supply circuitry, and a control circuitry. The electronic device includes a second FEM including a PA connected to the power supply circuitry to obtain a Tx power of a second wireless signal transmitted through the second antenna based on the voltage from the power supply circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to obtain a signal indicating whether the PA in the first FEM connected to the power supply circuitry through the switch is at least partially damaged. The control circuitry is configured to control the switch to disconnect the power supply circuitry from the PA in the first FEM, in response to the signal indicating that the PA in the first FEM is at least partially damaged.