RF Power Amplifier Correction for Memory and Current Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-frequency (RF) power amplifiers face inefficiencies due to non-linear designs and issues such as memory effects and current collapse, leading to distorted signal output and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A power amplification system that includes a monitor and adapt system to measure forward and reverse power, supply current, and temperature, using artificial intelligence and neural networks to generate control signals for adjusting parameters like gate-source voltage and supply voltage, and implementing a variable transistor array size to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a power amplifier operates at high efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but signal linearity deteriorates due to non-linear design
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies digital predistortion to the input signal before amplification, pre-compensating for the non-linear characteristics of the power amplifier. This preliminary correction ensures that the combined response of the predistorter and amplifier produces a linear output, maintaining signal fidelity while operating at high efficiency points
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the amplifier's output and use this information to dynamically adjust operating parameters. By continuously measuring forward and reverse power, supply current, and temperature, the system can correct non-linearities in real-time while maintaining efficient operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If a power amplifier uses non-linear design for efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but memory effects and current collapse occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies digital predistortion and memory effect compensation algorithms before the signal enters the power amplifier. These preliminary corrections anticipate and counteract the memory effects and current collapse that would otherwise occur during high-efficiency non-linear operation
Solution Approach 2:
The monitor and adapt system continuously measures operating conditions including supply current and temperature, using this feedback to dynamically adjust predistortion parameters and compensation levels, ensuring reliable operation even under varying load conditions that trigger memory effects
3Device complexity
If a fixed transistor array is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective transistor array configuration by selectively enabling or disabling portions of the array based on real-time monitoring of operating conditions. This allows the amplifier to adapt its gain and output capabilities to match varying signal requirements while maintaining a relatively simple fixed physical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as bias voltages, gate-source voltages, and supply voltages applied to different portions of the transistor array based on monitored conditions. These parameter adjustments enable the fixed array to exhibit variable behavior suitable for different operating scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
Amplification system having power amplifier memory correction and/or current collapse correction. In some embodiments, a power amplification system can include a power amplifier including an amplifying transistor configured to receive an input signal and provide an amplified signal, and a monitoring system configured to monitor one or more of a supply current for the amplifying transistor, an injection voltage point of the amplifying transistor, forward power at an output of the amplifying transistor, and temperature of the amplifying transistor. The power amplification system can further include a control system configured to obtain monitored information, and based on the information, generate a control signal for correcting either or both of a memory effect of the amplifying transistor and a current collapse effect of the amplifying transistor.