Programmable Battery Switch Matrix for RF Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable communications devices face inefficiency in converting battery voltage to amplifier bias voltage, resulting in wasted battery capacity due to inefficient DC/DC conversion, which affects the adjustment of RF power output according to network requirements.
Innovation Solution
A programmable battery system dynamically adjusts power characteristics by using a switch matrix and controller to vary the voltage applied to device subsystems based on received power configuration commands, optimizing power delivery to match network power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a DC/DC converter is used to adjust RF output power by varying DC bias, then the RF power can be adjusted according to network requirements, but the conversion efficiency is low and much battery capacity is wasted as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The battery array is divided into multiple individually controllable battery cells. Instead of using a DC/DC converter to adjust power, the system segments the battery into discrete cells that can be independently switched, allowing precise control of voltage and current delivered to the power amplifier without inefficient conversion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the DC/DC converter (an electrical conversion system with inherent losses) with a direct battery cell switching mechanism. By using switch matrix circuitry to directly connect selected battery cells to the load, the system eliminates the need for inefficient voltage conversion and reduces energy loss as heat.
2Ease of operation
If a DC/DC converter is used to adjust RF output power, then power control can be implemented, but heat is generated reducing overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery into individually controllable cells with associated switch matrix circuitry, the system can precisely control power output by selecting which cells are active. This direct switching approach provides fine-grained power control without the heat generation inherent in DC/DC conversion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the DC/DC converter with a battery cell switching system that directly controls power delivery. This replacement eliminates the thermal losses associated with voltage conversion while maintaining the ability to implement power control according to network requirements.
3Power
If battery voltage is converted to amplifier bias voltage through DC/DC conversion, then the amplifier can operate at required power levels, but conversion efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The battery array is segmented into multiple cells that can be independently controlled. By selectively activating specific cells based on required power levels, the system directly provides the necessary voltage and current to the power amplifier without inefficient conversion, improving energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the DC/DC converter with a direct battery cell switching mechanism. This substitution eliminates conversion losses and efficiently delivers the required power to the amplifier by directly connecting the appropriate number and configuration of battery cells to the load.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronics device comprises at least one device subsystem, and a programmable battery. The programmable battery is coupled to a power input of the device subsystem and is configured to dynamically adjust a characteristic of the power that is applied to the power input in accordance with a power configuration command that is received at the battery.