Shared RF Power Amplifier Supply Switching With Connection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices, the complexity of radio frequency (RF) signal processing circuits often requires multiple power suppliers, leading to increased physical space and complexity, and malfunctions can cause damage to power suppliers and amplifiers due to output switching issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system with multiple power supply modules and a detection module that identifies connection states between power amplifiers and supply modules, allowing for selective power control to prevent simultaneous connections and potential damage, thereby optimizing power distribution and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple power suppliers are connected to multiple power amplifiers through output switching structure, then the number of power suppliers is reduced, but the risk of damage due to malfunction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of power suppliersVSAvoidrisk of damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection module proactively monitors connection states before damage can occur. By detecting whether a power amplifier is currently connected to a power supplier beforehand, the system prevents simultaneous connections that would cause damage, rather than reacting after the damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by having the detection module continuously monitor connection states and provide information to the controller. The controller adjusts power supply operations based on this feedback, ensuring that power is only supplied when the connection state is safe, thereby preventing damage while maintaining efficient power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Area of stationary object

If at least one power supplier is connected to a plurality of power amplifiers, then the physical area occupied by the circuit is reduced, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical areaVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power supply control function into distinct components: the detection module that monitors connection states and the controller that makes supply decisions. This segmentation allows each module to have a specific, simplified function, reducing overall control complexity despite multiple power amplifiers sharing power suppliers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection module acts as an intermediary between the power suppliers and power amplifiers, providing crucial connection state information to the controller. This intermediary enables informed control decisions without requiring complex direct monitoring between all power suppliers and power amplifiers, simplifying the control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If outputs from a plurality of power suppliers are connected to one power amplifier, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but the risk of damage due to malfunction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution flexibilityVSAvoidrisk of damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection module performs preliminary detection of connection states before power is supplied. By knowing in advance which power amplifier is connected to which power supplier, the system can safely enable flexible power distribution without risking simultaneous connections that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the detection module to dynamically control power supply operations. This feedback mechanism ensures that power distribution flexibility is maintained through adaptive switching while simultaneously preventing harmful simultaneous connections by only supplying power when connection states are verified as safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12255592B2Electronic device including a plurality of power amplifiers and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a device and a method for supplying power to a plurality of power amplifiers in an electronic device. An electronic device may include: a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, a third power amplifier, a first power supply module including a power supply configured to supply power to the first power amplifier or the second power amplifier, a second power supply module including a power supply configured to supply power to the second power amplifier or the third power amplifier, and a detection module comprising circuitry configured to identify a state of a connection between the second power amplifier and the first power supply module and a state of a connection between the second power amplifier and the second power supply module, wherein the detection module may be configured to output a power control signal based on detecting that the second power amplifier is connected to the first power supply module and the second power supply module, wherein power supply to the second power amplifier from the first power supply module or the second power supply module may be shut off based on the power control signal of the detection module.