Power Management Apparatus for Mobile Devices Using Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mobile devices can only operate in either Average Power Tracking (APT) mode or Envelope Tracking (ET) mode for power management, limiting their ability to optimize power consumption across varying output power ranges, which restricts their power-saving capabilities and standby time.
Innovation Solution
A power management apparatus and method that includes a processor, RF circuit, power amplifier, and DC to DC converter, where the processor detects the envelope of the RF signal to generate a control signal, allowing the DC to DC converter to dynamically switch between APT and ET modes based on output power levels to optimize supply voltage and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the DC to DC converter operates in ET mode, then power consumption is reduced at higher output power levels, but power consumption increases at lower output power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between ET mode and APT mode based on the detected output power level. The processor continuously monitors the RF signal envelope and controls the DC to DC converter to operate in ET mode when output power exceeds a threshold, and in APT mode when output power is below the threshold, optimizing power consumption across varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the DC to DC converter by switching between two distinct modes (ET and APT) depending on the output power level. This parameter change allows the system to adapt its power management strategy to match the current operating conditions, achieving optimal efficiency across different power levels
2Use of energy by moving object
If the DC to DC converter operates in APT mode, then power consumption is reduced at lower output power levels, but power consumption increases at higher output power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate power management mode based on real-time detection of the RF signal envelope. When the output power level drops below a predetermined threshold, the processor switches the DC to DC converter from ET mode to APT mode, ensuring optimal power consumption at lower power levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by transitioning between APT and ET modes based on output power conditions. This parameter change enables the system to achieve reduced power consumption at lower output power levels while maintaining adaptability across the full power range
3Device complexity
If only one power management mode is selected, then the system design is simplified, but power-saving capabilities are limited across varying output power ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The DC to DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both ET mode and APT mode operations. The processor controls the converter to switch between these modes based on detected output power levels, enabling a single device to achieve the power-saving benefits of both approaches across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by continuously detecting the envelope of the RF signal and using this information to control the DC to DC converter's operating mode. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically select the most appropriate power management mode based on current power level conditions, optimizing overall power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for power management for use in a mobile device includes an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a power amplifier, a processor, and a DC to DC (Direct Current to Direct Current) converter. The processor is configured to generate a baseband signal. The RF circuit is configured to generate an RF signal according to the baseband signal. The power amplifier is configured to amplify the RF signal according to a supply voltage so as to generate an output signal. The processor is configured to detect an envelope of the RF signal, and to generate a control signal according to the envelope of the RF signal. The DC to DC converter operates in an APT (Average Power Tracking) mode or an ET (Envelope Tracking) mode so as to generate the supply voltage.