Power Amplifier Tracker Circuit With Bypass Path for Higher PAE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing envelope tracking (ET) techniques for power amplifiers result in reduced power-added efficiency (PAE).
Innovation Solution
A tracker circuit and method that includes a converter circuit generating discrete voltages, a supply modulator selectively outputting these voltages to a power amplifier, a bypass path to directly output an input voltage to the power amplifier, and a switch to control the bypass path, allowing for improved power-added efficiency by switching between discrete voltage supply and direct input voltage supply based on the RF signal envelope and power class.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital envelope tracking mode is used to supply discrete voltages to a power amplifier, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but power-added efficiency deteriorates due to losses in the converter circuit and supply modulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two operational modes: digital envelope tracking mode (for high voltage regulation precision during signal peaks) and average power tracking mode (for improved efficiency during low-activity periods). The bypass switch dynamically connects or disconnects the converter circuit based on signal conditions, optimizing the balance between voltage regulation precision and power-added efficiency across different operating states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage supply path into two parallel routes: one through the converter circuit and supply modulator for precise voltage control, and another through the bypass path for direct voltage supply with minimal losses. This segmentation allows selective use of each path depending on the required precision and efficiency trade-offs
2Measurement precision
If the bypass path is disconnected to enable discrete voltage supply, then voltage control precision is improved, but circuit losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass switch dynamically adjusts the circuit configuration based on operational requirements, connecting the bypass path during average power tracking mode to minimize losses, and disconnecting it during digital envelope tracking mode when precise voltage control is prioritized. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes the trade-off between voltage control precision and circuit losses
3Loss of energy
If the bypass path is connected for direct voltage supply, then power-added efficiency is improved, but voltage regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between bypass connection and disconnection based on the required voltage regulation precision. During average power tracking mode, the bypass is connected for maximum efficiency. During digital envelope tracking mode, the bypass is disconnected to enable precise discrete voltage supply through the converter circuit, thus adapting to different precision requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed solution enhances power-added efficiency by allowing fine regulation of the power supply voltage to the power amplifier and reducing losses in the converter and supply modulator circuits, thereby improving overall efficiency across different power classes.
Implementation Method 1
a switched-capacitor circuit including a first input terminal and a plurality of first output terminals, the first input terminal being connected to the first external connection terminal
Implementation Method 2
a first bypass path connected between the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal without passing through the switched-capacitor circuit and the first supply modulator; and a first switch connected between the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal on the first bypass path
Data Source
AI summary
A tracker circuit is provided that includes a switched-capacitor circuit configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on a first input voltage; a supply modulator configured to selectively output at least one of the plurality of discrete voltages to a power amplifier; a bypass path configured to bypass the switched-capacitor circuit and the supply modulator to output the first input voltage to the power amplifier; and a switch configured to switch between a connection and a disconnection of the bypass path.