Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier Voltage Control for Idle Slot Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-carrier base stations experience reduced energy efficiency due to static power amplifier voltage adjustments, leading to decreased power amplifier efficiency at low power output and deteriorated RF transmit indices from dynamic power amplifier voltage turn-off during idle time slots.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for dynamically adjusting power amplifier voltage based on statistical time periods, using carrier power control information and power amplifier output power-efficiency relations to select target voltages and adjust voltages in real-time, ensuring the power amplifier operates within a linear amplification area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If static power amplifier voltage adjustment is applied after base station power-up, then device complexity is reduced, but power amplifier efficiency deteriorates at low power output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage adjustment complexityVSAvoidpower amplifier efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power amplifier voltage adjustment by continuously monitoring output power levels and automatically adjusting drain voltage accordingly. The system transitions from static post-power-up adjustment to real-time dynamic adjustment, ensuring the power amplifier operates at optimal efficiency across varying power output conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the power amplifier by adjusting drain voltage based on output power levels. When output power decreases, the system reduces drain voltage to maintain optimal efficiency, and when output power increases, it increases voltage accordingly. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If dynamic turn-off of power amplifier voltage during idle time slots is applied, then energy consumption is reduced, but RF transmit index deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidRF transmit index
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling during idle time slots rather than complete turn-off. The system adjusts drain voltage to lower levels during idle periods, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient voltage to preserve RF transmit characteristics. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy saving and performance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of completely turning off the power amplifier during idle slots (excessive action), the system applies partial voltage reduction. This partial action is sufficient to achieve significant energy savings while avoiding the complete performance degradation that would result from full shutdown, thus resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and RF quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If power amplifier voltage is not dynamically adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automated feedback control where the power amplifier monitoring system automatically detects output power levels and adjusts drain voltage without manual intervention. This self-adjusting mechanism improves energy efficiency across varying operating conditions while keeping control system complexity manageable through standardized control algorithms and sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring power amplifier output power and using this information to adjust drain voltage. The feedback loop ensures the system responds automatically to changing conditions, improving energy efficiency without requiring complex manual control systems. The feedback mechanism balances the need for adaptability with system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2254237B1Method and device for adjusting power amplifier voltage and controlling time slots
Publication Date: 2012.07.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2254237B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2254237B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2254237B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and a device for adjusting a power amplifier voltage and controlling time slot occupancy are provided. A method for adjusting a power amplifier voltage includes: determining, by a base station, a power amplifier voltage in a statistical time period according to carrier power control information and a relation between a power amplifier output power and a power amplifier efficiency; selecting a power amplifier voltage in the previous statistical time period of the statistical time period of the current time point as a target power amplifier voltage; and adjusting a power amplifier voltage at the current time point according to the target power amplifier voltage. A power amplifier of a multi-carrier module works in a linear amplification area in the statistical time period. Through the method, dynamic adjustment of a power amplifier voltage and dynamic time slot control may be realized for the multi-carrier module.