Envelope-Tracking Line Driver Power Supply for Lower xDSL Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing line driver in xDSL communications systems experiences high ineffective power consumption due to the use of charge pumps for power supply, leading to inefficient energy utilization and increased heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A line driving apparatus comprising a signal output module, a first power supply module, and a second power supply module, where the first power supply module generates a voltage greater than the signal amplitude and the second power supply module provides additional voltage only when the signal amplitude exceeds a threshold, optimizing voltage utilization and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a charge pump is used to supply power to the line driver, then the power supply voltage is sufficient to meet peak signal amplification requirements, but the voltage difference between power supply voltage and output signal is large for extended periods, causing high ineffective power consumption and thermal energy conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak signal amplification capabilityVSAvoidineffective power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power supply voltage adjustment by tracking the envelope of the input signal and dynamically adjusting the power supply voltage to match the signal amplitude. This dynamic adaptation ensures the power supply voltage is sufficient for peak signals while minimizing voltage difference during low-signal periods, thereby reducing ineffective power consumption and thermal energy conversion in the line driver

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power supply voltage parameter dynamically based on the signal envelope. By continuously adjusting the power supply voltage to track the signal amplitude, the system optimizes the voltage parameter to match actual signal requirements, reducing the voltage difference and associated power losses during normal operation while maintaining sufficient headroom for peak signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a charge pump is used to supply power to the line driver, then the power supply can meet peak signal requirements, but the overall energy utilization efficiency is low due to extended periods of large voltage difference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak power supply capabilityVSAvoidenergy utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power supply voltage to track the signal envelope, ensuring peak power capability is maintained when needed while optimizing energy utilization during normal operation. The dynamic tracking mechanism allows the power supply to adapt its output voltage to match the actual signal requirements, improving overall energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback through envelope tracking, where the power supply voltage is continuously adjusted based on the detected signal envelope. This feedback mechanism ensures the power supply voltage matches the signal amplitude, optimizing energy utilization by minimizing voltage difference during low-signal periods while maintaining sufficient power headroom for peak signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3737051B1Line drive apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3737051B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3737051B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a
  • EP3737051B1 patent drawingFigure 4b~5

AI summary

This application provides a line driving apparatus. The apparatus includes: a signal output module, configured to output a first signal to a first power supply module, output a second signal to a second power supply module, and output a third signal to a line driving module; the first power supply module, configured to generate a corresponding first voltage based on an amplitude of the first signal at each moment, and output the first voltage to the line driving module, where a difference between an amplitude of the first voltage at the moment and the amplitude of the first signal at the moment is within a specified range; the second power supply module, configured to: determine whether an absolute value of an amplitude of the second signal is greater than or equal to a specified threshold; if the absolute value of the amplitude of the second signal is greater than or equal to the specified threshold, generate a second voltage based on the amplitude of the second signal and output the second voltage to the line driving module; and if the absolute value of the amplitude of the second signal is less than the specified threshold, output no signal, where an amplitude of the second voltage is greater than the amplitude of the second signal; and the line driving module, configured to perform power amplification on the third signal based on the first voltage and the second voltage.