RF Power Amplifier Supply Control for Multi-Power Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF modules in base stations are limited to supporting a single power amplification capability, leading to inefficiencies and increased production and maintenance burdens due to the need for multiple power amplifier modules with different requirements, which can result in power amplifier burnout from improper assembly or overlarge input voltages.
Innovation Solution
An RF module with an adjustable power module that calculates and adjusts the power amplifier voltage based on received RF parameters, determining a corresponding relationship between transmit power and power amplifier voltage through calibration and testing, allowing the power amplifier to support multiple powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the RF module uses a fixed voltage output to the power amplifier module, then the power amplifier module can work stably, but the RF module cannot support multiple power amplification capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by replacing the fixed voltage output with a controllable voltage source that can vary the power amplifier module's supply voltage according to different power requirements. The control module dynamically changes the voltage level to match the desired power output level, enabling the same hardware to support multiple power capabilities without requiring multiple dedicated power amplifier modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power amplifier module to achieve different power amplification capabilities. By adjusting the supply voltage parameter, the system can adapt to different power requirements (e.g., 20W, 40W, 60W) without changing the physical hardware configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the RF module supports multiple power amplification capabilities, then different application requirements can be met, but the manufacturing and testing processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RF module universal by designing it to support multiple power amplification capabilities through a single configurable architecture. The control module can be programmed with different voltage-power correspondence relationships to support various power levels (20W, 40W, 60W, etc.), eliminating the need for different hardware versions and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing different hardware versions for different power capabilities, the patent uses parameter changes in the voltage-power correspondence relationship stored in the control module. This software-based configuration approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing post-production customization without requiring complex manufacturing process changes.
3Reliability
If the power amplifier module is assembled improperly or receives overlarge input voltages, then the power amplifier module may be burnt, but using multiple power amplifier module types increases the risk of improper assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control module reads the actual voltage output and compares it with the expected voltage based on the stored correspondence relationship. This feedback loop ensures that the voltage supplied to the power amplifier module is always within the safe range, preventing burnout even when operating at different power levels. The system automatically adjusts the voltage to match the power amplifier module's capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent protects the power amplifier module by pre-configuring safe voltage limits in the control module's correspondence relationship. Before any voltage is applied, the system checks the stored safety parameters to ensure the voltage will not exceed the power amplifier module's tolerance, providing beforehand cushioning against potential damage from overvoltage conditions.
4Productivity
If the RF module uses a single power amplifier module type, then production efficiency is high, but the module cannot meet different operator requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single power amplifier module to dynamically adapt to different power requirements through voltage adjustment. The control module can switch between different voltage-power correspondence relationships to meet various operator requirements (20W, 40W, 60W, etc.), maintaining high production efficiency by using a single module type while achieving the versatility needed to satisfy different market demands.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for enabling a power amplifier to support multiple powers includes: calculating a transmit power according to RF parameters delivered by a baseband board, determining a power amplifier voltage according to the transmit power and a corresponding relationship between the transmit power and the power amplifier voltage, and adjusting a supply voltage of the power amplifier according to the determined power amplifier voltage so as to adjust an output power of the power amplifier. An RF module includes a conversion module that converts a baseband board signal into an RF signal, an antenna linear device, a storage module, a power amplifier module, an adjustable power module, and a power control module. A test method is employed to determine the relationship between a transmit power and a power amplifier voltage.