Multi-Uplink PA Powering With Shared SMPS and Linear Regulators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication devices face inefficiencies and increased cost and size due to the need for multiple switched mode power supplies (SMPSs) to support simultaneous transmissions, especially with the increased number of transmit paths in advanced wireless protocols like 5G NR, which requires more power amplifiers (PAs) and corresponding SMPSs.

Innovation Solution

A communication device that uses a combination of switched mode power supplies (SMPSs) and linear regulators, managed by an average power tracking (APT) technique, to efficiently power multiple PAs, reducing the number of SMPSs required while maintaining high overall system power efficiency by selectively using less power-efficient linear regulators during rare instances of full transmit capability usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple switched mode power supplies (SMPSs) are used to support simultaneous transmissions, then power amplification capability is improved, but device cost and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower amplification capabilityVSAvoiddevice size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single SMPS by enabling it to sequentially power different PAs based on transmission timing. The controller coordinates between the single SMPS and multiple PAs, allowing one power supply to serve multiple amplifiers at different time intervals, thus reducing the total number of SMPS components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically allocates the single SMPS to different PAs based on real-time transmission requirements. The controller monitors which PAs are actively transmitting and switches the SMPS output accordingly, ensuring that power is delivered to the correct PA at the correct time while maintaining the ability to support multiple simultaneous transmissions across different time slots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If multiple SMPSs are used to support each PA, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the number of components and inductors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The single SMPS is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially powering different PAs. It serves as a universal power source that can be dynamically assigned to any active PA, replacing the need for dedicated power supplies for each amplifier. This multi-functional approach maintains power efficiency while reducing component quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller enables the single SMPS to self-manage power distribution across multiple PAs by monitoring transmission status and automatically switching connections. The system uses linear regulators in conjunction with the SMPS to maintain appropriate voltage levels for each PA, allowing the power supply system to adaptively serve multiple amplifiers without requiring separate dedicated supplies for each.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for efficient power management across multiple transmit uplinks, reducing the need for additional SMPSs and maintaining high efficiency even during concurrent transmissions, thereby minimizing the device's size and cost while supporting increased transmit capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A communication device having a lesser number of switched mode power supplies (SMPSs) than the number of PAs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwitched mode power supply:

Implementation Method 2

The sum of the number of SMPSs and linear regulators is greater than or equal to the number of PAs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS12176854B2Communication device having power amplification for multiple transmit uplinks

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

A communication device, method and computer program product provide efficient average power tracking (APT) powering of transmit power amplifiers with fewer switching mode power supplies (SMPSs) to reduce size and cost of the communication device. A controller of the communication device detects an output voltage level of a battery supply of a communication device power amplifiers (PAs) assignable to respective transmit uplinks. The communication device includes a smaller second number of switching mode power supplies (SMPSs). The communication device includes linear regulator(s) that are powered by one of (i) output voltage of the battery supply and (ii) one of the one or more SMPSs. Controller selects a combination of SMPSs and linear regulators to power active PAs. The controller determines APT supply voltage value for each PAs and assigns the SMPS(s) and the linear regulator(s) to the PAs to achieve a highest overall or combined system power efficiency.