Millimeter-Wave PA Gain Control Using Averaged Input Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining power amplifier input power in phased array antenna systems are inefficient, leading to inaccuracies and reliability issues due to the inability to accurately capture input power values for multiple amplifiers in a short period, resulting in variations such as 2 dB in narrow resource block waveforms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to simultaneously provide and average input signal strengths across multiple power amplifiers in a millimeter wave phased array system, determining voltage headroom, estimating power backoff values, and calculating gain control values to ensure optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to determine power amplifier input power sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately capture input power values for multiple amplifiers in a short period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input power detector outputs into a single averaged value using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Instead of processing each power amplifier's input power separately through individual control paths, the system merges all detector outputs into one composite signal that represents the average input power across all amplifiers, thereby improving measurement accuracy without proportionally increasing control system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single averaged input power value obtained through the ADC serves multiple functions simultaneously: it characterizes the overall input power level for all power amplifiers, enables determination of voltage headroom, and provides the basis for estimating power backoff values. This universal measurement approach eliminates the need for separate measurement systems for each amplifier
2Measurement precision
If simultaneous measurement of all power amplifiers is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional ADC requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) as an intermediary component that bridges the analog outputs of multiple input power detectors and the digital processing system. The ADC performs the critical function of converting and averaging multiple analog signals into a single digital value, serving as a mediator that enables simultaneous measurement of all power amplifiers while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized signal processing
3Reliability
If individual control for each power amplifier is used, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple control paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control approach by using a single averaged input power measurement to control all power amplifiers collectively. Instead of implementing separate control loops for each amplifier that would increase system complexity, the system combines the control function into a unified approach where the averaged power value drives the control of all amplifiers simultaneously, maintaining reliability through consistent control while avoiding the complexity of individual control paths
Data Source
AI summary
A system for power amplifier control includes a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, wherein the processor and the memory are configured to simultaneously provide input signal strength of each of a plurality of power amplifiers in a millimeter wave (mmW) phased array system, determine an average input signal strength of the plurality of power amplifiers based on the provided input signal strengths using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), determine a voltage headroom for the plurality of power amplifiers based on the determined average input signal strength, estimate a power backoff value based on the voltage headroom, and determine a gain control value based on the estimated power backoff value.