Hybrid Envelope Tracking Supply for Wideband RF Amplifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current envelope tracking (ET) technologies face challenges in efficiently managing high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) signals in 5G wireless communication systems, particularly due to the complexity of wideband signal modulation and increased power consumption in RF power amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a linear regulator within the transmission circuitry to provide a voltage corresponding to the envelope of an input signal, in conjunction with a switching regulator, to optimize power supply and reduce power dissipation in amplifiers, allowing for efficient operation across wide bandwidths without distance limitations between the ET modulator and transmission circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a switching regulator is used to supply voltage to multiple amplifiers, then power efficiency is improved, but voltage control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage supply system is segmented into two distinct regulators: a switching regulator for bulk power conversion and a linear regulator for precise voltage control. Each regulator handles a different aspect of the power supply function, allowing the system to achieve both high efficiency and precise voltage control simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines a switching regulator and a linear regulator into a hybrid power supply system. The switching regulator handles high-power bulk conversion while the linear regulator provides precise voltage regulation, merging the advantages of both regulator types to resolve the contradiction between efficiency and precision.
2Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking technology is applied to wideband signals, then power consumption is reduced, but signal distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the linear regulator continuously monitors and adjusts the voltage supplied to the amplifier based on the envelope signal. This feedback control ensures that the voltage tracking remains accurate even for wideband signals, preventing signal distortion while maintaining power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system dynamically adapts to wideband signals by using the linear regulator to continuously adjust voltage levels in real-time according to the envelope variations. This dynamic control capability allows the system to maintain both efficiency and signal fidelity across wide bandwidths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between ET modulator and transmission circuitry is increased, then layout flexibility is improved, but voltage tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The linear regulator acts as an intermediary between the switching regulator and the amplifier, compensating for voltage drops and tracking errors that occur over distance. This intermediary component ensures that the amplifier receives accurate envelope-tracking voltage even when located far from the ET modulator, thus maintaining voltage tracking accuracy while allowing layout flexibility.
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
This configuration enhances the linearity and efficiency of RF power amplifiers, enabling effective transmission of high-PAPR signals in 5G systems by minimizing power consumption and maintaining signal quality across wider bandwidths, even with increased distances between components.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator configured to selectively supply a voltage to the amplifiers
Implementation Method 2
a linear regulator operably connected to the amplifier and the switching regulator, the linear regulator configured to provide a voltage corresponding to an envelope of an input signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments disclose a method and a device including: an antenna, a switching regulator, communication chip including an amplifier and a linear regulator operably connected to the amplifier and the switching regulator, the communication chip configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal from the electronic device through the antenna; and control circuitry configured to control the communication chip such that the linear regulator provides the amplifier with a voltage corresponding to an envelope of an input signal input to the amplifier, the input signal corresponding to the radio-frequency signal.