Power Amplifier Supply Circuit With Symbol-Level Envelope Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power amplifier power supply circuits in radio frequency communication systems face inefficiencies due to static power supply voltages that do not adapt quickly enough to changing transmit power requirements, leading to energy losses and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A power amplifier power supply circuit with a first and second power supply circuit connected in parallel, where the second power supply circuit dynamically adjusts the power supply voltage at the symbol level based on an envelope signal, using a main power supply branch with transistors and a gate driving circuit to rapidly change the power supply voltage, and an auxiliary branch to stabilize voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a static power supply voltage is used for the power amplifier, then the circuit structure is simple, but the work efficiency is low and energy losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structureVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static power supply voltage to a dynamic power supply voltage that changes over time. The power supply voltage is modulated to follow the envelope signal of the power amplifier output, enabling the power supply to adapt to instantaneous transmit power requirements and improve work efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the power supply voltage parameter dynamically. The voltage parameter is adjusted according to the envelope signal characteristics, allowing the power amplifier to operate at optimal efficiency points under different transmit power conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the power supply voltage changes rapidly to track envelope signal, then the work efficiency improves, but voltage fluctuations and instability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using the envelope signal (which represents the instantaneous power requirement) as a feedback parameter to control the power supply voltage. This closed-loop control ensures the power supply voltage tracks the required power level while maintaining stability through proportional control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by modulating the power supply voltage at the symbol level, synchronizing with the periodic nature of communication signals. This allows the power supply to efficiently track the envelope signal while maintaining stability through rhythmic, predictable adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If symbol-level power supply adjustment is implemented, then energy losses are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossesVSAvoidpower supply circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing symbol-level power supply adjustment where the power supply voltage changes dynamically at each symbol period. This enables precise energy efficiency optimization by matching the power supply to the instantaneous transmit power requirements of each symbol

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements segmentation by dividing the power supply control into discrete symbol-level segments. Each symbol period receives independently optimized power supply voltage, allowing fine-grained energy efficiency improvements without requiring continuous complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240364283A1Power Amplifier Power Supply Circuit and Communication Apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.10.31 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US20240364283A1 patent drawing
  • US20240364283A1 patent drawing
  • US20240364283A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power amplifier power supply circuit includes a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit that are connected in parallel, where the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit jointly supply power to a power amplifier by using a power supply end of the power amplifier. The second power supply circuit is configured to adjust a power supply voltage of the power amplifier at a symbol level. Power supply voltages output by the second power supply circuit and the first power supply circuit change based on a change of an envelope signal output by the power amplifier.