Integrated Multi-Converter Power Management for Carrier Aggregation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

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 for multiple front-end circuit blocks, implemented on a single semiconductor die, allowing for efficient power management and reduced component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing power management techniques are used for carrier aggregation, then multiple frequency bands can be managed, but component count increases and circuitry becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-band power management capabilityVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple DC-DC converters and their associated control circuits into a single integrated power management device. The controller consolidates switching control for multiple converters, and the integrated circuit implementation merges previously separate components into one unified device, reducing overall component count while maintaining multi-band power management capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power management device is designed with multiple DC-DC converters that can operate in different modes (boost, buck, buck-boost) to support multiple frequency bands. The controller provides universal control functionality across all converters, and the device can adaptively switch between different power conversion modes depending on which frequency bands are actively used, making the system versatile for various carrier aggregation configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing power management techniques are used for carrier aggregation, then multiple frequency bands can be managed, but circuitry efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-band power management capabilityVSAvoidcircuitry efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically adjusts the operation of each DC-DC converter based on real-time feedback about which frequency bands are actively used. The system transitions between different operating modes (boost, buck, buck-boost) adaptively, enabling the circuitry to operate efficiently only when needed and avoiding unnecessary power conversion operations that would waste energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power management device changes its operational parameters (conversion mode, switching frequency, duty cycle) based on the active frequency bands. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to carrier aggregation requirements, the system maintains high efficiency across different operating conditions rather than being locked into a fixed inefficient configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If multiple DC-DC converters are integrated on a single die, then component size and cost are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent countVSAvoidintegration precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit is designed with distinct functional blocks for each DC-DC converter, allowing independent optimization of each conversion stage. This segmentation enables modular layout techniques that reduce interference between converters while maintaining compact integration, balancing manufacturing feasibility with performance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables efficient power management across multiple frequency bands, reducing component size and cost while maintaining 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, a second DC-DC converter coupled to a second output voltage line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11777407B2Power management systems and methods related to a plurality of converters for providing dual integrated multi-mode power management

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method for converting voltage is disclosed, including implementing a first DC-DC converter in a power management unit; implementing a second DC-DC converter in the power management unit; implementing a controller communicatively coupled to a first output line of the first DC-DC converter and communicatively coupled to a second output line of the second DC-DC converter; coupling the power management unit to a supply voltage; and providing one or more output voltages on the first output line and the second output line.