Power Supply Switch Circuit for Stable PA Voltage Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power amplifier systems require multiple power supply ICs for different communication standards, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage when switching between them, and can result in power amplifier shutdown and call drops.

Innovation Solution

A power supply switch circuit with a switch controller and a power supply circuit that includes a capacitor and diode to stabilize voltage during switching, preventing simultaneous operation of switches and ensuring continuous power supply during transition periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power supply ICs are used for different communication standards, then each power amplifier can be supplied with appropriate power, but the device complexity increases and switching between standards may cause power supply damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple communication standardsVSAvoidnumber of power supply ICs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single power supply IC. The power supply circuit includes a switch controller that selectively connects different power sources (first power source for 4G, second power source for 3G) to the power amplifier through switching elements, eliminating the need for separate power supply ICs for each communication standard while maintaining support for multiple standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single power supply IC is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different power sources for different communication standards. The switch controller implements a selection mechanism that routes the appropriate power source to the power amplifier based on the active communication standard, making one power supply IC universal for both 3G and 4G operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power supply switching is performed between communication standards, then appropriate power can be supplied for each standard, but voltage transitions may damage the power supply circuit or cause power amplifier shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching between communication standardsVSAvoidpower supply circuit stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch controller monitors the operating state and anticipates standard switching requirements. Before switching power sources, the controller prepares the switching elements and ensures proper voltage transition sequencing, preventing damaging voltage spikes or drops during the transition from 4G to 3G or vice versa.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces switching elements (transistors or MOSFETs) as intermediary components between the power sources and the power amplifier. These switching elements control the voltage transition smoothly, acting as mediators that prevent direct, abrupt connections that could cause voltage spikes or damage to the power supply circuit or power amplifier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power supply voltage transitions occur during communication standard switching, then different power sources can be utilized, but call drops may occur due to power amplifier shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source selectionVSAvoidcontinuous power amplifier operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch controller is designed to maintain continuous power supply to the power amplifier during communication standard transitions. By carefully timing the switching operations and ensuring that voltage transitions occur smoothly within acceptable ranges, the power amplifier remains operational throughout the switching process, preventing call drops and maintaining continuous communication service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Stabilizes voltage transitions, prevents power supply circuit damage, and maintains power amplifier operation, reducing the need for multiple power supply ICs and minimizing call drops.

Implementation Method 1

The power supply circuit may include a capacitor configured to supply the third power source voltage to the power supply terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a diode connected between the capacitor and the power supply terminal to form a current path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12506444B2Power supply switch circuit and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A power supply switch circuit includes a switch circuit including a first switch configured to switch a first power source voltage to a power supply terminal of a power amplifier, and a second switch configured to switch a second power source voltage to the power supply terminal; a switch controller configured to control the switch circuit; and a power supply circuit configured to supply a third power source voltage to the power supply terminal when a first voltage of the power supply terminal is lower than a predetermined second voltage.