Hybrid Supply Modulator Current Shaping for ET Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supply modulators (SMs) in wireless communication systems, particularly those used in 6G communication systems, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption due to their relatively lower power efficiency compared to other SMs, especially when operating in broader frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an electronic device in a wireless communication system that includes a power amplifier (PA) and a supply modulator (SM) configured to supply power to the PA. The SM comprises a linear SM for envelope tracking (ET) and a first SM with a DC-DC converter and lumped elements, which converts the ET signal into digital signals to control the converter and adjust the current output based on voltage changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linear supply modulator is used to operate in a broader frequency band, then the frequency band coverage is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply modulator is divided into multiple parallel channels, each handling a specific frequency band or signal component. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall power consumption while maintaining broad frequency coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply modulator implements dynamic power adjustment by varying the operating state of different channels based on the actual signal requirements. When certain frequency bands are not actively used, their corresponding channels can be powered down or reduced to low-power mode, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to operate across broad frequency bands when needed.
2Power
If high-voltage power is supplied to achieve high peak-to-average power ratio, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supply modulator employs periodic switching of power supply to the power amplifier, providing high voltage only during the necessary peaks rather than continuously. This periodic activation maintains the required peak-to-average power ratio for signal transmission while minimizing energy loss during non-peak periods when full power is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the voltage parameter of the power supply based on the instantaneous signal requirements. By adjusting the voltage level in real-time to match the signal envelope, the system achieves high peak power when needed while operating at lower voltage levels during normal conditions, thereby improving overall power 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
This configuration reduces or minimizes the power consumption of the SM by optimizing the current output through digital signal processing and dynamic control of the lumped elements, thereby enhancing the overall power efficiency of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a first converter for direct current (DC)-DC conversion
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a data transmission rate higher than a 4G communication system such as LTE. An electronic device in a wireless communication system may include a PA and an SM configured to supply power to the PA, wherein the SM may include a linear SM to which a signal for an envelope tracking (ET) is input, and a first SM connected to the linear SM and comprising a first converter for direct current (DC)-DC conversion and at least one lumped element connected to the first converter, and the first SM may be configured to convert the signal for the ET into a first digital signal, to generate a first control signal for the first converter based on a change of a voltage value of the first digital signal, to generate a second digital signal by delaying the first digital signal by a predetermined clock, and to control the at least one lumped element based on the first digital signal and the second digital signal to adjust a current output from the first SM.