Phased Array Amplifier Supply Control for Flexible Power Capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beamformer chips for phased antenna arrays often require multiple design iterations and additional costs due to uncertain power specifications, leading to overdesign and inefficient power consumption, as well as increased development time and SKU proliferation.
Innovation Solution
A system with dedicated power converters that convert supply voltage to regulated voltages, allowing independent adjustment of the maximum power capability of power amplifiers in a communication channel, optimizing power consumption and reducing design iterations by enabling flexible power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SKUs of beamformer chips with different power capabilities are designed, then power specification adaptability is improved, but device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by introducing controllable switches that can dynamically reconfigure the power amplifier circuit topology. This allows a single beamformer chip to adapt to different power specifications through runtime configuration rather than requiring multiple fixed-design SKUs, thereby improving adaptability while reducing development complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power amplifier by adjusting its supply voltage and circuit configuration through the switch network. By varying these parameters, the same hardware can operate at different power levels, eliminating the need for multiple specialized chips and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If power amplifiers are overdesigned with higher power capability, then future power requirements are satisfied, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The switch network enables dynamic reconfiguration of the power amplifier stages, allowing the system to activate only the necessary power levels required for current operations. This prevents continuous operation at maximum power capacity and improves energy efficiency while maintaining the ability to meet future power requirements when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by enabling the power amplifier to operate at reduced power levels when full capacity is not required. The switch network allows selective activation of amplifier stages, so the system uses only the necessary portion of its power capability, improving efficiency while retaining the option to use full power when required
3Reliability
If beamformer chips are designed for uncertain power specifications, then design robustness is improved, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal beamformer chip design that can serve multiple power specification requirements through the integrated switch network. This single multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized designs, reducing development time and iteration cycles while maintaining robustness across different power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The switch network and reconfiguration capability are built into the chip design in advance, preparing it to handle various power specifications without requiring subsequent design iterations. This preliminary action embeds the adaptability mechanism during initial design, eliminating the need for multiple design cycles and reducing overall development time
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
This approach reduces unnecessary power consumption, improves signal quality, and avoids overdesign issues by allowing precise adjustment of power amplifiers, thus enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of phased antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
The power converter can be configured to convert a supply voltage to a regulated voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for adjusting a power capability of a system is described. In an example, a system can include an antenna array and a beamformer connected to the antenna array. The beamformer can include a communication channel. The system can further include a first power converter that can be configured to convert a supply voltage to a first regulated voltage. The first power converter can apply the first regulated voltage to the beamformer. The system can further include a second power converter that can be configured to convert the supply voltage to a second regulated voltage different from the first regulated voltage. The second power converter can apply the second regulated voltage to a power amplifier in the communication channel to adjust a maximum power capability of the power amplifier.