Millimeter-Wave Doherty PA Switching for Lower OFDM Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, the high peak to average power ratio of uplink signals in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing technology leads to increased power consumption and reduced standby time in terminal devices, necessitating improved power amplifier efficiency while maintaining signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency system utilizing a Doherty power amplification unit with a micro control unit (MCU) and antenna array, where the Doherty power amplification unit includes two power amplifiers with equal saturation power, a switch controller, and an MCU controls transmit power by adjusting the switch controller's state, optimizing power consumption and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If OFDM technology is used for uplink modulation to improve signal processing efficiency, then signal processing efficiency is improved, but peak to average power ratio increases leading to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by controlling the power amplifier to operate in different states (linear amplification mode and saturation mode) based on signal conditions. The switch controller dynamically switches between these modes, allowing the system to adapt to varying signal requirements and reduce overall power consumption while maintaining processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the power amplifier by adjusting its工作状态 between linear mode and saturation mode. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high efficiency operation when possible, while still maintaining signal quality when needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and power consumption.
2Power
If maximum transmit power is increased to satisfy coverage requirements, then coverage is improved, but power consumption increases greatly reducing standby time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmit power levels by switching the power amplifier between linear operation mode and saturation mode. This dynamic control allows the terminal to use maximum power only when necessary for coverage, while operating at lower power levels during normal conditions, thereby extending standby time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or conditional switching between different power amplifier modes based on communication requirements. The switch controller activates saturation mode only when high power is needed, otherwise maintaining linear mode operation, creating a periodic action pattern that balances coverage and power consumption.
3Reliability
If power amplifier operates in power backoff state to maintain signal quality, then signal quality is maintained, but efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching that allows the power amplifier to transition between linear operation (maintaining signal quality) and saturation operation (improving efficiency). The switch controller determines the optimal mode based on current signal conditions, resolving the contradiction between quality and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the power amplifier by adjusting its工作状态 between linear and saturation modes. This parameter change enables the amplifier to achieve high efficiency in saturation mode when signal quality requirements are met, while still maintaining quality when operating in linear mode.
4Loss of energy
If Doherty power amplification unit with switch controller is used to improve power amplifier efficiency, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power amplifier into two distinct modes of operation (linear and saturation) controlled by a switch controller. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall efficiency while keeping the complexity manageable through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch controller provides dynamic control over the power amplifier's operation mode, enabling the system to adapt to different conditions. This dynamic control mechanism achieves high efficiency without requiring a completely complex system architecture, as it builds upon the existing amplifier structure with an added control layer.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio frequency system based on millimeter wave communication, a method for adjusting transmit power, and a terminal are provided. The radio frequency system based on millimeter wave communication includes a Doherty power amplification unit, an antenna array unit, and a micro control unit MCU, where an output end of the Doherty power amplification unit is connected to an input end of the antenna array unit, a control end of the Doherty power amplification unit and a control end of the antenna array unit are both connected to the MCU, and the MCU controls a radiation direction of an antenna in the antenna array unit; and the Doherty power amplification unit includes two power amplifiers, saturation power of the two power amplifiers is equal, a switch controller is connected in series to one of the two power amplifiers, and the MCU controls transmit power of the Doherty power amplification unit by controlling opening and closing of the switch controller.