Adaptive PA Supply and Predistortion for Transmit Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless transmitters provide a fixed supply voltage to power amplifiers, which is often higher than needed for most operating conditions, leading to inefficient power usage and potential distortion in signal amplification.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that adjusts the power supply for a power amplifier based on identified parameters such as target transmit power levels and characteristics of the baseband signal, using a controller to generate control signals for both the power supply and predistortion filter to optimize voltage and current settings, thereby improving power efficiency and reducing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed supply voltage higher than needed is provided to the power amplifier, then the power amplifier can operate under worst expected operating conditions, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed supply voltage to a dynamic supply voltage that adjusts in real-time based on actual operating conditions. The controller continuously monitors the power amplifier's operating state and modifies the supply voltage accordingly, ensuring the voltage matches the actual needs rather than always providing the maximum worst-case voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the supply voltage parameter based on operating conditions. The controller changes the voltage parameter dynamically, adjusting it to appropriate levels according to the power amplifier's current state, thereby optimizing power efficiency while maintaining reliable operation.
2Device complexity
If a fixed supply voltage is provided to the power amplifier, then the power supply design is simplified, but power efficiency and performance optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control loop where the controller monitors the power amplifier's operating conditions and uses this information to adjust the supply voltage. The performance information feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from actual operation and optimize the voltage supply accordingly, balancing the trade-off between complexity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through the controller that automatically adjusts the supply voltage based on monitored operating conditions. The power supply system serves itself by using performance feedback to make autonomous adjustments, reducing the need for manual intervention while optimizing power efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the supply voltage is dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions, then power efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism allows the controller to automatically adjust the supply voltage based on actual performance information, improving power efficiency while managing complexity through automated control rather than manual intervention. The feedback loop enables the system to optimize itself without requiring overly complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces what would traditionally be a complex mechanical or manual voltage adjustment system with an electronic control system. The controller uses electronic signaling to adjust the supply voltage, substituting simpler electronic mechanisms for more complex mechanical adjustment systems, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to at least one aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a power amplifier configured to amplify an input signal to generate an amplified output signal and provide the amplified output signal to an antenna, a power supply coupled to the power amplifier and configured to provide power to the power amplifier based on a power supply control signal, and a controller coupled to the power supply. The controller is configured to identify a target transmit power level for transmission of a wireless signal, generate the power supply control signal based on the target transmit power level using information indicative of a relationship between the target transmit power level and a setting of the power supply, generate performance information indicative of a characteristic of the communication system when the wireless signal is transmitted, and update the information indicative of the relationship using the performance information.