Multi-Level RF PA Supply Voltage Switching for Fast 5G Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fixed-voltage power supply methods for radio frequency power amplifiers in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G, result in inefficient energy consumption due to slow voltage regulation and high switching losses, failing to meet the demands of rapid voltage adjustment required by 5G communication technology.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulation apparatus comprising a voltage controller and a multi-level power supply modulator with multiple branches, each equipped with switching transistors, dynamically adjusts the supply voltage by generating a voltage selection signal to control the conduction of branches, reducing the number of switching transistors and minimizing switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional fixed-voltage power supply method is used, then the power supply structure is simple, but the amplifier efficiency is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation by switching between multiple voltage levels (e.g., VDD, VDD/2, VDD/4, or 0V) based on the operating state of the power amplifier. The voltage controller dynamically selects appropriate voltage levels to match the amplifier's power output requirements, enabling the power supply to adapt to varying operational conditions and improve overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter supplied to the power amplifier by providing multiple discrete voltage levels instead of a fixed voltage. The voltage controller adjusts the supply voltage according to the amplifier's operating state, allowing the system to optimize efficiency across different power output levels while managing the complexity through controlled parameter variation.
2Speed
If voltage regulation speed is increased to meet 5G requirements, then the communication performance is improved, but switching losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation by switching between multiple voltage levels (e.g., VDD, VDD/2, VDD/4, or 0V) based on the operating state of the power amplifier. The voltage controller dynamically selects appropriate voltage levels to match the amplifier's power output requirements, enabling the power supply to adapt to varying operational conditions and improve overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated voltage controller component that manages the switching between different voltage levels. This separate control unit handles the switching operations, allowing the main power amplifier to focus on signal amplification while the controller manages the transient switching operations, thereby reducing switching losses in the amplifier itself.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic voltage adjustment is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation by switching between multiple voltage levels (e.g., VDD, VDD/2, VDD/4, or 0V) based on the operating state of the power amplifier. The voltage controller dynamically selects appropriate voltage levels to match the amplifier's power output requirements, enabling the power supply to adapt to varying operational conditions and improve overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter supplied to the power amplifier by providing multiple discrete voltage levels instead of a fixed voltage. The voltage controller adjusts the supply voltage according to the amplifier's operating state, allowing the system to optimize efficiency across different power output levels while managing the complexity through controlled parameter variation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~5a
AI summary
A voltage regulation apparatus, a radio frequency amplification apparatus and a voltage selection method. The voltage regulation apparatus (100, 610) comprises: a voltage controller (101, 611) and a multi-level power supply modulator (102, 612). The multi-level power supply modulator (102, 612) comprises a plurality of branches; an input voltage (V1, V2, V3, V4, ...., Vn) is input into an input end of any branch, and the other end thereof is connected to a voltage output end of the multi-level power supply modulator (102, 612), each branch being provided with one or two switching transistors. The controller (101, 611) is used for generating a voltage selection signal (DRV1, DRV2, DRV3, DRV4, DRV5) according to a received voltage regulation command, and sending the voltage selection signal (DRV1, DRV2, DRV3, DRV4, DRV5) to the multi-level power supply modulator (102, 612). The multi-level power supply modulator (102, 612) is used for controlling, according to the voltage selection signal (DRV1, DRV2, DRV3, DRV4, DRV5), the completion of a circuit from the input end of one target branch among the plurality of branches to a voltage output port.