Envelope-Tracking RF Amplifier Supply Using Local Linear Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in applying envelope tracking (ET) technology to signals with wide bandwidths, as existing solutions face limitations in distance between the ET modulator and transmission circuitry, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption in RF power amplifiers, especially in 5G communication systems with complex signal modulation schemes and higher peak-to-average power ratios.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a linear regulator within the transmission circuitry to provide voltage corresponding to the envelope of an input signal, with a switching regulator connected to the amplifier, allowing for efficient power management and reduced power dissipation by tracking the envelope of RF signals, thereby enhancing the linearity and efficiency of RF power amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a switching regulator is used to supply voltage to multiple amplifiers, then power management efficiency is improved, but voltage distortion increases due to inductance in long electric paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage supply system into multiple independent linear regulators, each serving a specific amplifier. This segmentation eliminates the long electric path inductance problem by placing a regulator immediately adjacent to each amplifier, while the switching regulator maintains overall power management efficiency by supplying each linear regulator independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces linear regulators as intermediary components between the switching regulator and the amplifiers. These linear regulators act as local voltage sources that eliminate the harmful inductance effect of long electric paths, while the switching regulator serves as the ultimate power management component.
2Device complexity
If the electric path between switching regulator and amplifier is made longer to accommodate layout requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but power loss increases due to inductance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage supply function by placing individual linear regulators next to each amplifier. This allows the electric paths from the switching regulator to be longer and less critical, as each amplifier has its own local linear regulator that minimizes the critical high-current path inductance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking technology is applied to wideband signals, then power efficiency of amplifiers is improved, but signal distortion increases due to bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies envelope tracking technology through multiple independent linear regulators, each handling the envelope signal for its associated amplifier. This segmentation allows each regulator to operate optimally within its bandwidth capabilities while collectively supporting wideband signals, thereby maintaining power efficiency without introducing significant distortion.
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
This configuration enables efficient power management and reduced power dissipation, improving the linearity and efficiency of RF power amplifiers, even with wide bandwidth signals, without significant distortion, thus supporting advanced 5G communication requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator configured to selectively supply a voltage to at least one amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers
Implementation Method 2
the ET technology applies an envelope signal of an RF input signal, which is applied to an amplifier (for example, an RF power amplifier), as a power supply voltage of the amplifier
Implementation Method 3
an amplifier and a linear regulator operably connected to the amplifier and the switching regulator, the communication chip configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclose a method and a device including: an antenna, a switching regulator, communication chip including an amplifier and a linear regulator operably connected to the amplifier and the switching regulator, the communication chip configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal from the electronic device through the antenna, and control circuitry configured to control the communication chip such that the linear regulator provides the amplifier with a voltage corresponding to an envelope of an input signal input to the amplifier, the input signal corresponding to the radio-frequency signal.