Multiphase DC-DC Converter Timing for TDD Radio Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies for TDD radios are inefficient over a range of power output, and there is a need for more efficient techniques to enhance the efficiency of voltage converters used in time division duplexing (TDD) radios.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase DC-DC voltage converter is synchronized with an external time source to determine TDD frame configurations and reference times, enabling and disabling phases based on the start and end times of downlink and uplink subframes to optimize power delivery to TDD radios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional power supply is used to provide DC power to a TDD radio, then the system can operate continuously, but the power efficiency deteriorates over a range of power output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of enabled phases in the DC-DC voltage converter variable rather than fixed. The converter dynamically adjusts the number of active phases based on real-time power requirements of the TDD radio, enabling efficient operation across a range of power output levels. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its power conversion efficiency to match varying operational demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action by synchronizing the phase enablement/disablement with the periodic TDD frame structure. The converter enables additional phases during downlink subframes when power demand is high and disables them during uplink subframes when power demand is low. This periodic adjustment aligns the power conversion efficiency with the periodic nature of TDD operation, resolving the efficiency contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If additional phases are enabled in the multiphase DC-DC voltage converter, then power efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the DC-DC voltage conversion function into multiple independent phases. Each phase can be independently enabled or disabled based on power requirements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high efficiency when needed by activating multiple phases, while maintaining manageable complexity by keeping each phase as a modular, independent unit rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the multiphase converter where each phase can serve multiple functions: power conversion during downlink subframes, idle during uplink subframes, and providing redundancy. This multi-functionality allows the converter to achieve high efficiency through selective phase activation without proportionally increasing complexity, as each phase is a standardized module that can be selectively deployed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the multiphase DC-DC voltage converter is synchronized with external time source and phases are dynamically adjusted, then power efficiency improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the external time source synchronization to create a closed-loop control system. The converter receives timing information about upcoming downlink and uplink subframes, automatically adjusts the number of enabled phases accordingly, and maintains efficient operation. This feedback mechanism automates the complexity of dynamic phase adjustment, reducing manual control complexity while achieving high power efficiency through synchronized phase enablement/disablement.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for improving power efficiency of a multiphase direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter configured to provide DC power to a time domain duplexing radio by enabling a number of phases during a downlink subframe and disabling the number of phases on or after cessation of the downlink subframe.