RF Power Amplifier Switching for 5G Transmission Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently managing power for high-data-rate wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G environments, where high transmission power is required, leading to increased current consumption and space occupancy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic device with a transmission circuit that includes multiple amplifiers, where a signal from a first amplifier is used as input for a second amplifier, and a processor controls the use of either the first amplifier alone or both amplifiers based on the magnitude of the output radio frequency signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the magnitude of the power amplifier is designed to be high to supply high transmission power, then power efficiency is improved in maximum output power situations, but power efficiency is reduced and current consumption increases when maximum output power is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is divided into multiple amplifiers with different magnitudes (first amplifier with higher magnitude, second amplifier with lower magnitude). The processor selectively activates only the necessary amplifier(s) based on the required transmission power level, avoiding the need to operate a high-magnitude amplifier at low power levels where it would be inefficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which amplifier is used based on real-time transmission power requirements. The processor monitors the required output power and switches between using the first amplifier alone, the second amplifier alone, or both in parallel, optimizing efficiency for each operating condition.
2Power
If multiple power amplifiers are used to supply high transmission power, then maximum output power capability is improved, but the number of Tx lines increases occupying large mounting area and increasing transceiver current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple amplifiers share a common Tx line connection to the transceiver. The amplifiers are combined in parallel for high power output but share the same transmission path, eliminating the need for separate Tx lines for each amplifier and reducing the overall mounting area required.
Solution Approach 2:
The common Tx line serves multiple amplifiers simultaneously, making it a universal transmission path that handles signals from either the first amplifier, the second amplifier, or both together, depending on the operating mode selected by the processor.
3Device complexity
If a single high-magnitude power amplifier is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to efficiently handle varying power requirements is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single amplifier is segmented into multiple amplifiers with different capabilities. While this increases the number of amplifier components, it reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for complex power management circuits that would be required to efficiently control a single high-magnitude amplifier across all power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by selecting different amplifier combinations based on power requirements. The processor adjusts which amplifiers are active and in what configuration (first only, second only, or both in parallel), adapting the system's effective gain and power output characteristics to match the required transmission level.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an antenna, a communication circuit, and a processor. The communication circuit includes a first amplifier configured to amplify a radio frequency signal; a first coupler configured to output a first amplifier output signal output from the first amplifier, to the antenna through a first port, and output at least a part of the first amplifier output signal to a first switch through a second port; and a second amplifier configured to amplify the second portion of the first amplifier output signal, output from the first switch. The processor is operably connected to the antenna and the communication circuit, wherein the processor is configured to, based on a magnitude of the first amplifier output signal, control the first switch and the second switch to use the first amplifier, or to use the first amplifier and the second amplifier.