RF Module Power Amplifier Supply Control for Multi-Power Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RF modules in base stations are limited to supporting a single power level, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs due to the need for multiple power amplifier types, which can result in overvoltage issues and reduced productivity during manufacturing and testing.

Innovation Solution

An RF module with an adjustable power module and power control module that calculates and adjusts the power amplifier voltage based on received RF parameters, enabling the power amplifier to support multiple power levels by determining a corresponding relationship between transmit power and power amplifier voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the RF module uses a fixed voltage power amplifier module, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the module can only support a single power level and requires multiple amplifier types for different powers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidpower level support
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed voltage power amplifier to an adjustable voltage power amplifier. The power amplifier's supply voltage can be dynamically adjusted based on the required transmit power, allowing a single amplifier module to support multiple power levels. This is achieved through a power supply module that receives control signals and adjusts the voltage accordingly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and power level versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power amplifier from a fixed value to an adjustable parameter. By modifying the supply voltage parameter, the same power amplifier module can operate at different power levels. The system includes a power supply module that adjusts the voltage based on control signals, enabling flexible power support without requiring multiple amplifier types, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of power amplifier modules are used to support different powers, then the RF module can meet different application requirements, but the device complexity and maintenance burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower level flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of amplifier types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a power amplifier module that can perform multiple power levels through voltage adjustment. Instead of having separate amplifier modules for different power levels, a single universal amplifier module is used with a power supply module that adjusts the voltage to match the required power level. This reduces device complexity and maintenance burden while maintaining the ability to support multiple power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic voltage adjustment to enable a single power amplifier module to adapt to different power requirements. The power supply module receives control signals indicating the required transmit power and adjusts the amplifier's supply voltage accordingly. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for multiple static amplifier types, reducing device complexity while maintaining power level flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the power amplifier module is improperly assembled during production, then the manufacturing process is faster, but the module may be burnt due to overlarge input voltages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidamplifier module safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a power supply module that proactively adjusts the voltage before the power amplifier operates. During production and operation, the power supply module receives control signals and sets the appropriate voltage level in advance, preventing overvoltage conditions that could burn the amplifier. This preliminary voltage configuration ensures safety without slowing down the production process, as the voltage adjustment is automated and rapid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by having the power supply module receive control signals about the required transmit power and adjust the amplifier voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the voltage never exceeds the safe operating level for the amplifier, preventing damage even if improper assembly occurs. The feedback mechanism maintains reliability while allowing fast production, as the voltage adjustment is automatic and based on real-time operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8909178B2Method, RF module and test method for enabling power amplifier to support multiple powers
Publication Date: 2014.12.09 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US8909178B2 patent drawing
  • US8909178B2 patent drawing
  • US8909178B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for enabling a power amplifier to support multiple powers includes: calculating a transmit power, according to RF parameters delivered by a baseband board, determining a power amplifier voltage according to the transmit power and a corresponding relationship between the transmit power and the power amplifier voltage, and adjusting a supply voltage of the power amplifier, according to the determined power amplifier voltage, so as to adjust an output power of the power amplifier. A RF module includes a conversion module that converts a baseband board signal into a RF signal, an antenna linear device, a storage module, a power amplifier module, an adjustable power module, and a power control module. A test method is employed to determine the relationship between a transmit power and a power amplifier voltage.