Integrated DC-DC Converter Control for Multi-Band RF Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for electronic devices, particularly in carrier aggregation, require large component counts and inefficient circuitry to manage power amplifiers across multiple frequency bands, leading to increased size, cost, and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A power management device comprising multiple DC-DC converters and a controller that toggles switches to provide regulated output voltages, implemented on a single semiconductor die, allowing for efficient power management across multiple frequency bands with reduced component count and area usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing power management techniques are used for carrier aggregation, then power management across multiple frequency bands is achieved, but component count increases and circuitry efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power management device that can manage power for multiple frequency bands through a single integrated circuit. The device includes multiple DC-DC converters that can be selectively activated based on which frequency bands are being used, allowing one device to perform multiple power management functions instead of requiring separate circuits for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple power management functions into a single integrated circuit device. The first and second DC-DC converters, along with their associated switches and control logic, are merged into one device that can simultaneously or selectively manage power for different frequency bands, reducing the overall component count compared to using separate power management circuits for each band.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing power management techniques are used for carrier aggregation, then power management across multiple frequency bands is achieved, but circuitry efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the controller selectively activates or deactivates specific DC-DC converters and switches based on the current operational requirements. When only a single frequency band is active, only the necessary converter is enabled, improving circuitry efficiency by avoiding unnecessary power conversion operations while maintaining the capability to manage multiple bands when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by selectively enabling or disabling specific DC-DC converters based on the active frequency band. The controller monitors which band is in use and adjusts the power management configuration accordingly, optimizing efficiency by using only the necessary power conversion paths rather than operating all converters continuously.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple DC-DC converters are integrated on a single semiconductor die, then area usage is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management device into distinct functional modules, each with its own DC-DC converter and associated switches. This modular segmentation allows for systematic integration on the semiconductor die, where each module can be designed and manufactured using standardized processes, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite the multiple converters being integrated on a single die.
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 enables efficient power management across multiple frequency bands, reducing component count and area usage while maintaining high performance, supporting advanced communication standards like LTE-Advanced with increased bandwidth and power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC-DC converter coupled to a first output voltage line
Implementation Method 2
a second DC-DC converter coupled to a second output voltage line
Implementation Method 3
the controller is configured to receive feedback from the first output voltage line and to receive feedback from the second output voltage line
Data Source
AI summary
A power management device is disclosed, including a first DC-DC converter coupled to a first output voltage line, a second DC-DC converter coupled to a second output voltage line, a first set of switches associated with the first DC-DC converter, and a second set of switches associated with the second DC-DC converter. The power management device may further include a controller configured to toggle one or more switches of the first set of switches and one or more switches of the second set of switches, and a multi-mode radio-frequency front-end block communicatively coupled to the controller.