Multi-Path Power Amplifier for Deep Backoff Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power amplifiers face inefficiencies and increased size when trying to improve the efficiency of backoff areas, especially in deep backoff scenarios, due to the need for additional auxiliary power amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
The proposed signal processing system combines outphasing load modulation with Doherty load modulation, utilizing a main power amplification module with two outphasing power amplification units and auxiliary power amplification modules with outphasing power amplifier arrays or digital polar power amplifier arrays, without increasing the number of auxiliary power amplifier paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the quantity of auxiliary power amplifiers is increased to improve backoff area efficiency, then the efficiency of backoff area is improved, but the size of the power amplifier greatly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is divided into multiple parallel paths, each handling different signal power levels. The main power amplification module processes signals across the full power range, while auxiliary power amplification modules are selectively activated only when signal power exceeds specific thresholds, segmenting the amplification task to improve backoff efficiency without permanently increasing overall size
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power amplification modules are designed to be dynamically switched on and off based on signal power levels. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its effective size to operational needs, maintaining compact dimensions when auxiliary modules are inactive while providing enhanced backoff performance when they are activated
Solution Approach 3:
Different regions of the power amplifier system are assigned different functional qualities - the main power amplification module handles baseline amplification continuously, while auxiliary modules provide enhanced amplification capability only in specific high-power conditions, creating localized quality improvements without uniform size increase
2Productivity
If high-order QAM modulation and large bandwidth are used to increase transmission rate, then the transmission rate is increased, but the peak-to-average-ratio of the signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier system dynamically adjusts its configuration based on the high PAR characteristics of high-order QAM signals. Auxiliary power amplification modules are activated only during peak power periods when the signal envelope exceeds thresholds, allowing the system to handle high peak powers without continuously operating at high power levels, thus maintaining efficiency despite high PAR
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters dynamically - switching between different amplification paths based on instantaneous signal power levels. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate the varying power demands of high-order QAM modulation, maintaining both high transmission rates and acceptable power efficiency
3Reliability
If the PA operates in backoff area to ensure lossless transmission, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but system energy loss increases and temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplification function is segmented across multiple parallel paths with different activation thresholds. The main power amplification module handles normal operation, while auxiliary modules are activated only when needed for high-power signals, ensuring reliable transmission without continuously incurring the energy penalties of operating in deep backoff conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that at least the main power amplification module is always active and optimized for efficiency. Auxiliary modules provide supplemental capacity only when required, maintaining continuous reliable transmission while minimizing periods of inefficient operation
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing system includes n paths of load modulation modules and a combination module, where the n paths of load modulation modules are connected in parallel, an output end of each path of the load modulation modules is connected to an input end of the combination module, and n is an integer greater than 1; the n paths of load modulation modules include one path of main power amplification module and (n−1) paths of auxiliary power amplification modules, and the auxiliary power amplification modules are turned on when power values of signals received by input ends of the load modulation modules are greater than a first threshold; and the main power amplification module includes two outphasing power amplification units, and each path of auxiliary power amplification module includes two outphasing power amplifier arrays or one digital polar power amplifier array.