Envelope-Tracking PA Power Supply With PMOS Switching Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices require RF circuitry that is low cost, small, simple, and efficient to support multiple wireless communication protocols while minimizing size, cost, and power consumption, especially in portable devices where battery power is limited.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier (PA) power supply system incorporating a first envelope tracking (ET) power supply, power supply control circuitry, and PMOS switching elements that operate in specific modes to adjust voltage and select states of switching elements, ensuring efficient power supply signals for RF transmit signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used to support multiple wireless communication protocols, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power supply architecture where a single power supply unit with multiple output nodes can serve multiple power amplifiers operating under different wireless communication protocols. The power supply control circuitry dynamically configures the power distribution to accommodate various protocol requirements, making the power supply system multi-functional and adaptable to different communication standards without requiring separate dedicated power supplies for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system employs dynamic voltage adjustment capabilities through envelope tracking technology, where the power supply voltage dynamically follows the envelope of the RF signal. This dynamic operation allows the same power supply circuitry to efficiently support multiple communication protocols with different power requirements and signal characteristics, reducing the need for fixed, protocol-specific power supply designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used to support multiple wireless communication protocols, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope tracking power supply operates in a periodic manner, dynamically adjusting the power supply voltage to match the instantaneous envelope of the RF signal. This periodic adjustment ensures that power is supplied only when needed and at the appropriate levels, preventing continuous high power consumption even when multiple power amplifiers are available. The system activates and adjusts power delivery based on the actual signal requirements of the current communication protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system changes its operating parameters dynamically by varying the output voltage according to the envelope of the modulated RF signal. This parameter change capability allows the system to optimize power delivery for different communication protocols and signal conditions, ensuring efficient power usage across multiple protocols rather than operating at fixed, potentially excessive power levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used to support multiple wireless communication protocols, then adaptability is improved, but size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single integrated power supply unit that can serve multiple power amplifiers. By combining the power supply circuitry, control logic, and voltage regulation functions into one unified system with multiple output nodes, the design eliminates the need for separate, dedicated power supply modules for each power amplifier or communication protocol, thereby reducing the overall space required for RF circuitry while maintaining support for multiple protocols.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used to support multiple wireless communication protocols, then adaptability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can support multiple wireless communication protocols through a single integrated circuitry design. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate power supply components, control circuits, and associated passive elements that would be required for dedicated per-protocol power supplies, thereby lowering component count, assembly complexity, and overall manufacturing cost while maintaining protocol flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A PA power supply, which includes a first ET power supply, power supply control circuitry, a first PMOS switching element, and a second PMOS switching element, is disclosed. During a first operating mode, the power supply control circuitry selects an OFF state of the first PMOS switching element, selects an ON state of the second PMOS switching element, and adjusts a voltage of a first switch control signal to maintain the OFF state of the first PMOS switching element using a voltage at a source of the first PMOS switching element and a voltage at a drain of the first PMOS switching element; the PA power supply provides a first PA power supply signal; and the first ET power supply provides a first ET power supply signal, such that the first PA power supply signal is based on the first ET power supply signal.