Non-Periodic Envelope Tracking for PA Efficiency and Signal Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 6G extreme-MIMO systems, power amplifiers consume a significant portion of the base station's power budget and have low power-added efficiency (PAE), leading to thermal concerns and increased operational costs, while conventional digital envelope tracking (DET) systems face challenges with signal quality degradation due to high switching frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing non-periodic digital envelope tracking (DET) with a DET level calculator and a DET decision module refined by a Low Power Search (LPS) algorithm to adjust supply voltages based on input power levels, minimizing power consumption and maintaining signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If digital envelope tracking (DET) dynamically adjusts bias voltage to improve power amplifier efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but signal quality degrades due to transition and settling time disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between periodic and non-periodic DET modes based on signal characteristics. The system continuously monitors the signal and adapts the DET switching behavior, transitioning from fixed-period switching to event-driven non-periodic switching that responds to actual signal envelope changes, thereby optimizing both power efficiency and signal quality in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the DET switching parameters by introducing a non-periodic switching mechanism that adjusts switching timing based on signal conditions. When signal quality is prioritized, the system extends settling time between transitions; when power efficiency is prioritized, it increases switching frequency. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between power consumption and signal quality
2Use of energy by moving object
If DET switching frequency increases to improve power efficiency, then power consumption decreases, but signal quality degradation becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor signal quality metrics and power consumption levels. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the DET switching frequency and mode, increasing frequency when power efficiency is critical and decreasing it when signal quality becomes compromised, thus resolving the trade-off between these two parameters
3Device complexity
If conventional periodic DET is used to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but signal disruptions occur during voltage transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting optimal switching times based on signal envelope trends before actual transitions occur. This allows the system to schedule voltage changes during natural signal minima or stable periods, minimizing disruptions while maintaining relatively simple control logic through predictive rather than reactive switching
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for non-periodic digital envelope tracking for power amplifiers. A method includes setting a default digital envelope tracking (DET) level in a DET level module of a Faster-than-Symbol Power Tracking (FSPT) module and receiving baseband data using the FSPT module. The method also includes calculating an input signal amplitude using the DET level module based on the received IQ baseband data and processing the IQ baseband data using a low power search (LPS) module to produce an LPS output. The method further includes generating a DET signal using a DET decision module based on the input signal amplitude and the LPS output. The DET decision module is configured to use non-periodic DET to generate the DET signal. The method includes providing the DET signal to a supply modulator to drive a power amplifier.