Power Amplifier Bias Control for Modulation-Aware Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices in wireless networks consume significant energy due to the constant operation of power amplifiers, which often exceed the necessary power requirements for signal transmission, leading to unnecessary energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a power amplifier that adjusts its bias voltage based on parameters such as frequency channel and modulation, dynamically adapting power supply to match transmission needs, thereby reducing unnecessary power reserve and consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power amplifier operates with a fixed nominal bias voltage to ensure sufficient power supply for all transmission conditions, then the reliability of signal transmission is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to unnecessary power reserve during low-power transmission scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bias voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the bias voltage of the power amplifier based on transmission conditions (modulation type, frequency channel, signal power requirements). This allows the amplifier to operate at optimal power levels for each specific scenario, ensuring sufficient power when needed while reducing power consumption during low-power transmission scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the power amplifier by adjusting the bias voltage according to different transmission conditions. The controller selects appropriate bias voltage values from a set of predefined voltages based on factors such as modulation type (QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM), frequency channel, and required signal power. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching power supply to actual transmission needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power amplifier supplies maximum power to meet all possible transmission requirements, then the adaptability to different transmission conditions is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to constant operation at high power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains adaptability through dynamic adjustment of the bias voltage based on real-time transmission conditions. The controller receives information about modulation type, frequency channel, and signal requirements, then selects the appropriate bias voltage from multiple available levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the amplifier to be versatile across different conditions without constantly operating at maximum power, thereby reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the bias voltage according to specific transmission parameters such as modulation scheme (with different constellation points requiring different power levels), frequency channel characteristics, and signal power requirements. This approach maintains full adaptability to different transmission scenarios while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption by not operating at maximum power when lower power suffices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the bias voltage is reduced to decrease power consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the power supply capability of the amplifier decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic adjustment of the bias voltage. The controller monitors transmission conditions and adjusts the bias voltage in real-time: reducing it to decrease power consumption when high power is not needed, and increasing it when high power supply capability is required. This dynamic behavior ensures that the amplifier maintains sufficient power capability when needed while achieving energy efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by selecting from multiple predefined bias voltage levels based on transmission requirements. For low-order modulations (QPSK, 16-QAM) or low-power scenarios, lower bias voltages are applied to reduce consumption. For high-order modulations (64-QAM, 256-QAM) or high-power requirements, higher bias voltages are selected to ensure adequate power supply capability. This conditional parameter adjustment balances energy efficiency with power capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a power amplifier configured to amplify a signal being emitted on a frequency channel; a variable voltage source to supply a bias voltage of the amplifier; a memory comprising software code and a processor which, when executing the software code, causes the device to adjust the bias voltage according to the frequency channel or a modulation of the signal; the processor adapted to produce, from pre-programmed data and as a function of the at least one parameter, a control signal that is representative of the adjusted value of the bias voltage; the pre-programmed data being such that for a given frequency channel, a bias voltage produced for a first modulation defined by a constellation comprising a first number of points is greater than a bias voltage produced for a second modulation comprising a second number of points that is greater than the first number of points.