RF Power Amplifier Architecture With Discrete Voltage Backoff Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
RF transmitters typically face a trade-off between energy efficiency and linearity, where high efficiency and high linearity cannot be achieved simultaneously, limiting their performance in amplifying and transmitting RF signals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of digital control over the amplitudes and phases of RF input signals and supply voltages in RF power amplifiers, using non-linear power amplifiers and discrete voltage levels, allows for dynamic selection of voltage levels based on data samples to optimize efficiency and linearity, enabling high efficiency and high linearity simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If non-linear power amplifiers are used to achieve high power efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but linearity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the supply voltage to the power amplifier dynamic rather than static. The supply voltage is adjusted in real-time based on the instantaneous signal conditions, allowing the amplifier to operate efficiently across varying power levels while maintaining linearity through adaptive voltage control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the supply voltage parameter dynamically to resolve the contradiction. By varying the supply voltage according to signal conditions and using discrete voltage levels, the system achieves both high efficiency (through voltage reduction during low-power conditions) and high linearity (through appropriate voltage selection during high-power conditions)
2Manufacturing precision
If digital control is implemented to maintain linearity, then linearity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous supply voltage control into discrete voltage levels. This segmentation simplifies the control complexity while maintaining effectiveness, as the controller only needs to select from a finite set of voltage levels rather than continuously adjust voltage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by predicting future signal conditions and proactively adjusting the supply voltage before linearity degradation occurs. The controller examines upcoming data samples and prepares the appropriate voltage level in advance, preventing distortion rather than correcting it
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system or transmitter includes one or more power amplifiers and a controller that is configured to adjust amplitudes and phases of RF input signals of the one or more power amplifiers and supply voltages applied to the one or more power amplifiers. In embodiments where multiple power amplifiers are used, a combiner may be provided to combine outputs of the power amplifiers. In at least one implementation, amplitude adjustment of the RF input signals of the one or more power amplifiers may be used to provide transmit power control and/or power backoff.