Multi-Use Voltage Regulator Adaptive Power Amplifier Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems in mobile devices are inefficient due to the need for specialized DC-DC converters and complex control circuitry to vary the DC supply voltage for power amplifiers, leading to increased cost and power consumption, especially when only low-power signals are transmitted.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use voltage regulator system that generates multiple regulated voltage supplies from an unregulated voltage, allowing selection based on output signal power levels to efficiently power both the power amplifier and other devices, using existing system voltages and minimizing additional complexity, cost, and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a specialized DC-DC converter is used to vary the DC supply voltage for the power amplifier, then power amplifier efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is designed to serve multiple functions: it regulates voltage for the power amplifier and simultaneously provides voltage to other devices in the mobile device. This multi-use approach eliminates the need for separate specialized DC-DC converters for different components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power amplifier efficiency through adaptive voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the voltage regulation function for the power amplifier with voltage supply function for other devices into a single integrated voltage regulator system. By merging these functions, the system avoids the complexity of multiple separate converters and control circuitries while achieving efficient power management through unified voltage adaptation.
2Loss of energy
If the DC supply voltage is varied to match the instantaneous envelope of the transmitted signal, then power consumption is reduced, but control circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically adapts the DC supply voltage to match the instantaneous envelope of the transmitted signal. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the system to reduce power consumption during low-power transmission while maintaining adequate voltage during high-power transmission, achieving energy efficiency without requiring overly complex control circuitry through smooth continuous regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter of the DC supply to optimize power consumption. By continuously adjusting the supply voltage parameter based on the transmitted signal envelope, the system achieves significant power savings while using relatively simple control mechanisms compared to discrete voltage switching approaches.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a dedicated variable-output-voltage DC-DC converter is used for the power amplifier, then power efficiency is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is designed to serve multiple functions: it regulates voltage for the power amplifier and simultaneously provides voltage to other devices in the mobile device. This multi-use approach eliminates the need for separate specialized DC-DC converters for different components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power amplifier efficiency through adaptive voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the voltage regulation function for the power amplifier with voltage supply function for other devices into a single integrated voltage regulator system. By merging these functions, the system avoids the complexity of multiple separate converters and control circuitries while achieving efficient power management through unified voltage adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus of a multi-use voltage regulator providing a supply voltage to a power amplifier and at least one other device are disclosed. One method includes generating a plurality of regulated voltage supplies from an unregulated voltage. An output signal power level of the power amplifier is determined. A one of the regulated plurality of voltage supplies and the unregulated voltage supply is selected as a power amplifier voltage supply for the power amplifier based at least in part on the output signal power level of the power amplifier. If the selected power amplifier voltage supply is one of the plurality of regulated voltage supplies, then the selected one of the plurality of regulated voltage supplies is simultaneously provided to the power amplifier and the at least one other device.