Power Supply Switch Circuit for Shared Multi-Standard Amplifiers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices require multiple power amplifiers for different communication standards, leading to inefficiencies as only one standard can be active at a time, resulting in underutilized power supply ICs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply switch circuit with a control voltage generator and switch controller that dynamically switches between power supply voltages based on RF signal envelopes, allowing multiple communication standards to share power supply circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power supply ICs are used for each power amplifier to ensure reliable power supply, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single power supply IC that can serve multiple power amplifiers by dynamically switching its output voltage to match different communication standards. The power supply IC transitions between different voltage levels (e.g., first voltage for first standard, second voltage for second standard) based on which communication standard is actively using the power amplifier, making one power supply IC universal for multiple amplifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply IC employs dynamic voltage switching capability, where the output voltage is not fixed but changes according to the operational requirements of different communication standards. The controller dynamically adjusts the power supply voltage level based on real-time detection of which communication standard is in use, enabling adaptive power management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supply ICs are used to support multiple communication standards simultaneously, then adaptability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to unused power supply ICs
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply IC is designed to be universal by supporting multiple output voltage levels corresponding to different communication standards. Instead of having dedicated power supply ICs for each standard, one IC can adapt its output voltage to serve any of the connected power amplifiers regardless of which communication standard they operate on.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic voltage switching based on communication standard detection. The controller automatically identifies which communication standard is in use and adjusts the power supply voltage accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention or additional power supply ICs to remain in standby mode.
3Device complexity
If a single power supply IC serves multiple power amplifiers with dynamic voltage switching, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller detects which communication standard is actively using the power amplifier and uses this information to precisely control the voltage switching. The feedback loop ensures that the power supply voltage is accurately adjusted to the required level for the active communication standard, maintaining precise voltage control despite the dynamic switching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the number of power supply circuits needed by enabling simultaneous operation of multiple communication standards, optimizing power usage and reducing circuit complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a comparator configured to compare the first voltage with the first reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
a charge pump configured to receive the first power supply voltage, the predetermined second voltage, and the waveform signal to generate the first control voltage
Implementation Method 3
a first switch configured to supply a first power supply voltage to a power supply terminal of a power amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply switch circuit includes a first switch configured to supply a first power supply voltage to a power supply terminal of a power amplifier, a control voltage generator configured to compare a first voltage of the power supply terminal with a predetermined first reference voltage to generate a first control voltage higher than the first power supply voltage, and a switch controller configured to use the first control voltage to generate a switching driving signal controlling the first switch.