RF Power Amplifier Failover Switching for Cascading Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication devices with multiple power amplifier modules, an abnormality in one power amplifier can cause other amplifiers powered by the same power module to malfunction, affecting user experience and device performance.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency module with multiple power modules and transmission groups, where each power amplifier module is switchably connected to any of the power modules, and a power supply control circuit that monitors and switches normal amplifiers to a different power module when an abnormality is detected, ensuring continued operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power amplifier modules share a common power module, then device complexity is reduced and power efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates when one amplifier fails causing cascading failures to other amplifiers on the same power module
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power modules, each capable of powering specific transmission groups. This segmentation isolates failures to individual power modules, preventing cascading failures across the entire system while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power supply configuration by switching transmission groups between different power modules based on detected abnormalities. When a power module fails, its associated transmission groups are reconfigured to be powered by alternative power modules, thereby adapting the system parameters to maintain reliability.
2Reliability
If power amplifier modules are switchably connected to multiple power modules, then reliability is improved through failover capability, but device complexity increases due to additional switching components and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
Each transmission group is designed with universal power supply capability, meaning it can be powered by any available power module through the switching network. This multi-functionality allows flexible reconfiguration and failover without requiring dedicated power paths, reducing the overall switching complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching network acts as an intermediary between power modules and transmission groups, providing intelligent routing and failover capabilities. This mediator layer abstracts the complexity of multiple connections, managing the switching logic centrally to coordinate power distribution and ensure continuous operation during failures.
3Quantity of substance
If a power module failure affects other amplifiers on the same power module, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but loss of service increases due to cascading failures affecting multiple transmission groups
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements prior cushioning by pre-configuring alternative power supply paths and detecting power module abnormalities in advance. When a power module shows signs of failure or actually fails, the system has already prepared or immediately activates alternative power routing, cushioning against the impact of cascading failures and maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply control circuit continuously monitors the status of power modules and transmission groups, providing real-time feedback on system health. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of power assignments, allowing the system to respond to failures by redistributing power resources to maintain the maximum number of functional amplifiers and service availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a radio frequency module, a power supply control method, and a communication device. The radio frequency module includes at least two power modules, at least two transmission groups and a power supply control circuit. Each transmission group includes at least two power amplifier modules, each power amplifier module is switchably connected to any one of the at least two power modules, and individual power amplifier modules in a same transmission group are configured to perform power amplification on received radio frequency signals under power supply of a same power module. Working statuses of individual power amplifier modules are acquired by the power supply control circuit, and an abnormal transmission group where an abnormal power amplifier module is located may be determined therefrom, and each normal power amplifier module in the abnormal transmission group is controlled to switch to being connected with a target power module.