Multi-Amplifier Envelope Tracking with Dynamic Supply Voltage Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing envelope tracking (ET) systems in mobile communication devices suffer from efficiency degradation when multiple power amplifier circuits operate concurrently, as they require separate supply voltages that can lead to inefficiency and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A multi-amplifier ET apparatus with an integrated circuit (ETIC) that dynamically selects and provides optimal supply voltages to each power amplifier circuit based on their respective time-variant target voltages, using a control circuit to toggle between low and high constant supply voltages, thereby improving operating efficiency without increasing footprint or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate supply voltages are provided to each power amplifier circuit, then each amplifier can operate independently, but overall system efficiency decreases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate supply voltage sources into a single shared supply voltage source that serves all power amplifier circuits. This consolidation reduces the total number of voltage sources required, thereby decreasing power consumption while maintaining the ability to independently control each amplifier through individual ET voltage generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single supply voltage source is designed to serve multiple power amplifier circuits simultaneously, making it a universal supply that can support any combination of amplifiers. This multi-functional supply voltage source reduces overall system power consumption while maintaining flexibility in amplifier operation.
2Reliability
If multiple separate ET voltage sources are used for each power amplifier, then each amplifier can be optimized individually, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate ET voltage generation circuits into a single shared ET voltage source that can dynamically adjust and serve multiple power amplifier circuits. This consolidation reduces device complexity and component count while maintaining the capability to individually optimize each amplifier through independent control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared ET voltage source incorporates dynamic switching and control mechanisms that allow it to adaptively serve different power amplifier circuits based on their instantaneous power requirements. This dynamic capability enables individual amplifier optimization without requiring separate static voltage sources for each amplifier.
3Device complexity
If a single shared supply voltage is used for all power amplifier circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but individual amplifier efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control mechanisms that allow the shared supply voltage and ET voltage source to adapt their output characteristics based on the instantaneous requirements of individual power amplifier circuits. This dynamic adjustment enables each amplifier to operate at optimal efficiency while sharing common voltage sources, resolving the trade-off between complexity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameters (magnitude, timing, waveform) of the shared supply and ET voltages dynamically based on which amplifiers are active and their power requirements. This parameter adjustment allows efficient operation of individual amplifiers while maintaining a reduced number of voltage circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-amplifier envelope tracking (ET) apparatus is provided. The multi-amplifier ET apparatus includes an ET integrated circuit (ETIC). The ETIC includes a first voltage circuit that generates the first ET voltage based on a first supply voltage and a first time-variant target voltage. The ETIC also includes a second voltage circuit that generates the second ET voltage based on a second supply voltage and a second time-variant target voltage. In embodiments disclosed herein, the ETIC is configured to determine the first supply voltage and the second supply voltage in accordance to the first time-variant target voltage and the second time-variant target voltage, respectively. As a result, both the first and the second voltage circuits can operate with optimal efficiency, thus helping to improve overall operating efficiency of the multi-amplifier ET apparatus.