RF Power Amplifier Control for Rapid Envelope Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PA circuits struggle to efficiently amplify high-frequency RF signals due to difficulties in following rapid amplitude variations of the RF signal.

Innovation Solution

A power amplifier circuit that includes a transmission circuit with an amplifier element, a control circuit, and terminals for receiving serial data and digital signals. The control circuit adjusts the transmission circuit's operation in response to digital signals, optimizing power supply voltage and impedance to enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the power supply voltage is increased to amplify high-frequency RF signals, then the power amplification capability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplification capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies envelope tracking to dynamically adjust the power supply voltage to the amplifier element in real-time based on the instantaneous amplitude of the RF signal. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the amplifier to maintain high power output when needed while reducing power consumption during low-signal periods, resolving the contradiction between power amplification capability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power supply voltage parameter dynamically according to the signal envelope amplitude. By varying this critical parameter in response to signal conditions, the system achieves high power amplification when required while minimizing power consumption during lower demand periods, effectively resolving the power versus energy consumption contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the power supply voltage changes rapidly to follow amplitude variations, then the efficiency is improved, but the operation of the transmission circuit cannot follow rapid amplitude variations at high frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidresponse speed to amplitude variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a predistortion circuit that receives the RF signal and generates a predistorted signal before amplification. This preliminary processing allows the system to anticipate and compensate for amplitude variations, enabling the transmission circuit to follow rapid changes more effectively while maintaining efficiency through envelope tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control circuit monitors the RF signal characteristics and adjusts the power supply voltage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to respond accurately to rapid amplitude variations, maintaining both efficiency and tracking capability at high frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12206439B2Power amplifier circuit, radio frequency circuit, communication device, radio frequency module, and amplification method
Publication Date: 2025.01.21 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US12206439B2 patent drawing
  • US12206439B2 patent drawing
  • US12206439B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power amplifier circuit is provided that includes a transmission circuit, a control circuit, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The transmission circuit includes an amplifier element that amplifies power of a radio frequency signal. The control circuit controls the transmission circuit. The first terminal receives a serial data signal that is based on a serial data standard. The second terminal receives a digital signal different from the serial data signal. The control circuit then controls the transmission circuit in response to the digital signal received from the second terminal.