PMOS-Switched PA Power Supply for Envelope Tracking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices require RF circuitry that is low cost, small, simple, and efficient to support multiple wireless communication protocols while minimizing size, cost, and power consumption, especially in portable devices where battery power is limited.
Innovation Solution
A power amplifier (PA) power supply system incorporating a first envelope tracking (ET) power supply, power supply control circuitry, and PMOS switching elements that operate in specific modes to adjust voltage and select states of switching elements, enabling efficient power supply signals based on ET power supply signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication protocols are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is designed to support multiple wireless communication protocols (LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) through a single unified circuit implementation. The PA circuit can be configured to operate in different modes (single-protocol or multi-protocol simultaneous operation) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each protocol, thereby achieving multi-functionality while controlling complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If RF circuitry is simplified to reduce complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to support multiple protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including envelope tracking power supply that adjusts voltage in real-time based on the operating protocol and signal characteristics. The circuit can dynamically switch between different operating modes (Class A, Class AB, Class C) and configure its impedance matching networks adaptively, allowing a single simplified circuit design to support multiple protocols through dynamic reconfiguration rather than requiring multiple static circuits.
3Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking power supply voltage is increased to improve PA efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but switching element reliability deteriorates due to excessive voltage stress
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope tracking power supply incorporates feedback control that continuously monitors the voltage across the PMOS switching element and adjusts the tracking voltage accordingly. The system uses the drain-source voltage of the switching element as a feedback signal to modulate the envelope tracking voltage, ensuring that the voltage across the switching element remains within safe operating limits while still achieving high efficiency through envelope tracking. This feedback mechanism prevents voltage overstress on the switching elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply voltage parameters are dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. The envelope tracking power supply varies the voltage level in real-time according to the signal envelope, and the system selectively enables or disables envelope tracking for different protocol combinations (e.g., enabling ET for LTE-Wi-Fi coexistence but disabling it for LTE-Bluetooth). This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes efficiency while maintaining component reliability under different operating scenarios.
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 solution allows for efficient power amplification in RF communications systems, accommodating various wireless protocols with reduced size and power consumption, enhancing flexibility and performance while maintaining low cost and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a first P-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) switching element, and a second PMOS switching element
Data Source
AI summary
A PA power supply, which includes a first ET power supply, power supply control circuitry, a first PMOS switching element, and a second PMOS switching element, is disclosed. During a first operating mode, the power supply control circuitry selects an OFF state of the first PMOS switching element, selects an ON state of the second PMOS switching element, and adjusts a voltage of a first switch control signal to maintain the OFF state of the first PMOS switching element using a voltage at a source of the first PMOS switching element and a voltage at a drain of the first PMOS switching element; the PA power supply provides a first PA power supply signal; and the first ET power supply provides a first ET power supply signal, such that the first PA power supply signal is based on the first ET power supply signal.