PMIC APT Voltage Acceleration for Intra-Symbol RF Peak Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G-NR wireless communication systems, power management integrated circuits (PMICs) face challenges in adapting modulated voltages to the power amplifier circuit due to inter-symbol power variations, leading to RF signal distortion or energy waste, as they either fail to keep up with peak powers or exceed necessary levels.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transmission circuit with a PMIC configured to increase the average power tracking (APT) voltage during each modulation symbol when the RF signal exceeds a predefined threshold, completing voltage changes within a defined temporal limit (e.g., <1 μs) to prevent distortion and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the PMIC adapts the modulated voltage based on the average power of the RF signal in an OFDM symbol duration, then the operating efficiency is improved, but the RF signal may be distorted due to amplitude clipping when the signal exceeds average power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The PMIC performs preliminary action by detecting the power threshold exceedance condition and proactively increasing the APT voltage before significant distortion occurs. The control circuit monitors the RF signal power and anticipates the need for voltage adjustment, completing the voltage change within a defined temporal limit to prevent amplitude clipping while maintaining efficiency.
2Reliability
If the PMIC adapts the modulated voltage based on the peak power of the RF signal in an OFDM symbol duration, then the RF signal distortion is prevented, but energy waste increases and operating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously maintaining peak voltage levels, the PMIC applies partial action by increasing the APT voltage only when and for as long as the RF signal power exceeds the predefined threshold. This selective voltage adjustment prevents distortion during peak conditions while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during normal operation, achieving a balance between reliability and efficiency.
3Reliability
If the PMIC increases the APT voltage quickly to track peak power, then RF signal distortion is prevented, but the voltage change may exceed the defined temporal limit causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The PMIC implements dynamic voltage adjustment by adapting the APT voltage in real-time based on the RF signal power conditions. The control circuit dynamically changes the voltage level within a defined temporal limit, allowing fast response to peak power conditions while maintaining stability through controlled transition timing. This dynamic approach enables the system to respond to changing signal conditions without causing voltage instability.
Data Source
AI summary
Intra-symbol voltage change acceleration in a wireless transmission circuit is disclosed. The wireless transmission circuit includes a power amplifier circuit that amplifies a radio frequency (RF) signal based on an average power tracking (APT) voltage supplied by a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The RF signal is modulated in multiple modulation symbols, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) symbols. To prevent distortion (e.g., amplitude clipping) in the RF signal, the PMIC is configured to increase the APT voltage during each of the modulation symbols whenever the RF signal exceeds a predefined power threshold. Further, the PMIC is configured according to various acceleration embodiments to complete each APT volage change within a defined temporal limit (e.g., <1 μs). By supporting intra-symbol voltage change acceleration, the wireless transmission circuit can enable fast APT voltage adaptation to thereby improve operating efficiency of the power amplifier circuit.