Outphasing-Doherty Power Amplifier for Deep Backoff Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power amplifiers face inefficiencies in the backoff area due to high peak-to-average-ratio (PAR) signals, leading to increased size and complexity, making it difficult to implement deep backoff areas without significantly increasing the number of auxiliary power amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing system combining outphasing load modulation and Doherty load modulation, utilizing parallel load modulation modules with a main and auxiliary power amplification modules, including outphasing and digital polar power amplifier arrays, to dynamically control power amplifier activation based on signal amplitude and phase thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the number of auxiliary power amplifiers is increased to improve backoff area efficiency, then the efficiency in the backoff area is improved, but the size and complexity of the power amplifier system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines outphasing load modulation and Doherty load modulation into a unified power amplifier system. The outphasing module and Doherty module are merged to work together, where the outphasing module handles signal processing with amplitude and phase modulation, while the Doherty module provides power amplification with load modulation. This integration allows the system to achieve deep backoff area efficiency without requiring multiple separate auxiliary power amplifier systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the number of auxiliary power amplifiers is increased to achieve deep backoff areas, then the backoff area depth is improved, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power amplifier system into distinct functional modules: an outphasing module that performs amplitude and phase modulation, a Doherty module that provides power amplification with load modulation, and a combining module that integrates their outputs. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, enabling deep backoff area operation without requiring a monolithic increase in system size. The modular approach facilitates efficient space utilization while achieving the desired backoff performance.
3Reliability
If conventional power amplifiers operate with high PAR signals, then signal transmission is maintained, but efficiency decreases and temperature increases requiring complex heat dissipation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes where the power amplifier can switch between different working states based on signal conditions. The outphasing module dynamically adjusts amplitude and phase, while the Doherty module dynamically modulates load impedance. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain signal transmission quality for high PAR signals while operating more efficiently across varying power levels, thereby reducing heat generation and avoiding the need for complex heat dissipation systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a signal processing method, apparatus, and system. The system includes n paths of load modulation modules and a combination module, where the n paths of load modulation modules are connected in parallel, an output end of each path of load modulation module is connected to an input end of the combination module, and n is an integer greater than 1; the n paths of load modulation modules include one path of main power amplification module and (n-1) paths of auxiliary power amplification modules, and the auxiliary power amplification modules are turned on when power values of signals received by input ends of the load modulation modules are greater than a first threshold; and the main power amplification module includes two outphasing power amplification units, and each path of auxiliary power amplification module includes two outphasing power amplifier arrays or one digital polar power amplifier array. Therefore, a system that can effectively improve efficiency of a backoff area, and in particular, that can improve efficiency of a deep backoff area is provided.