RF Power Amplifier Burst Control via Gain Parameter Pre-calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF power amplifier control systems face challenges in meeting tight power specifications for discontinuous radio transmission standards like GSM and EDGE while minimizing power consumption, particularly during the initial ramp-up period of signal bursts.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that dynamically adjusts the quiescent current and supply voltage of the RF power amplifier by calculating and storing gain expansion and compression parameters from one burst to optimize performance and reduce current consumption, using a feedback loop to adjust the input power and amplifier settings for subsequent bursts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If feedback control is used to control output power by adjusting power amplifier gain, then output power accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit pre-calculates and stores gain expansion and compression parameters during idle periods before transmission bursts occur. During the actual burst transmission, these pre-computed parameters are applied directly to control the power amplifier, eliminating the need for real-time feedback adjustments and reducing power consumption during critical transmission periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a mathematical model (copy) of the power amplifier's gain behavior through gain expansion and compression parameters. This model allows the control circuit to predict and control output power without requiring continuous feedback measurements, thereby reducing the energy needed for power monitoring and adjustment operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight power specifications are met during burst transmission, then transmission compliance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gain expansion and compression parameters are calculated and stored in advance during idle periods between transmission bursts. When a burst occurs, these pre-computed parameters are immediately applied to ensure compliance with power specifications during the ramp-up period, eliminating the need for high-power real-time control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts power amplifier operating parameters (such as supply voltage and bias current) based on the pre-calculated gain expansion and compression parameters. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to meet tight power specifications during bursts while maintaining lower power consumption during idle periods and ramp-up phases.
3Measurement precision
If real-time feedback control is implemented, then power accuracy during bursts is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs all complex calculations for gain expansion and compression parameters during idle periods before transmission bursts. This preliminary computation eliminates the need for real-time calculations during bursts, ensuring both accurate power control and fast response time when transmission occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback during idle periods to measure and characterize power amplifier behavior, storing this information as gain expansion and compression parameters. During actual transmission bursts, the system relies on these pre-acquired feedback results rather than continuous feedback loops, achieving both accuracy and fast response.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling operating parameters of a radio frequency power amplifier amplifying an input signal applied in bursts with controlled input power to an input of the power amplifier, comprising responding to gain variation parameters relating to variations in the scalar gain of said amplifier starting during an initial ramp-up period of a first burst to control supply voltage and quiescent current parameters for said amplifier during a subsequent burst.