Integrated RF Power Supply Modulator Using Switched-Capacitor Balancer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF systems with power amplifiers face inefficiencies in voltage modulation due to the need for separate regulation and switching of discrete supply levels, which complicates the creation of multiple supply levels and rapid switching, especially in dynamic environments like those encountered in RF signal processing.
Innovation Solution
An integrated power supply and modulator system that combines magnetic and capacitive energy transfer using a switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage and output switching stages to achieve efficient voltage regulation and switching, allowing for high-frequency voltage modulation with reduced component size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate regulation and switching of discrete supply levels are used, then voltage modulation can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the regulation and switching functions into a single integrated switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage. This single stage simultaneously regulates multiple discrete supply voltages and switches between them, eliminating the need for separate regulation and switching components while maintaining full voltage modulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage performs multiple functions: it regulates multiple discrete supply voltage levels, switches between these levels rapidly, and maintains ratiometric relationships between voltages. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete supply levels are created through multi-output converters, then voltage regulation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate multi-output converters followed by a switching network, the patent merges these functions into a single switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage that simultaneously creates multiple regulated voltage levels and switches between them, reducing component count while maintaining regulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage automatically maintains ratiometric relationships between multiple output voltages through its inherent capacitor-based architecture. The circuit self-regulates the voltage ratios without requiring external control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable voltage regulation.
3Speed
If rapid switching among discrete voltage levels is implemented, then high-frequency voltage modulation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the switching network functionality directly into the switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage, combining voltage level selection and switching operations in a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate switching networks while enabling rapid switching through the inherently fast capacitor-based architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-efficiency operation with reduced component size and complexity, allowing for efficient regulation and switching of supply voltages, improving the overall performance of RF systems by maintaining ratiometric voltage relationships and enabling high-speed switching without the need for 'flying' switch drivers.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated power supply and modulator system utilizes both magnetic and capacitive energy transfer in a cooperative manner
Implementation Method 2
the switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage functions to regulate relative voltages on a set of capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments provide an integrated power supply and modulator system. The system includes a magnetic regulation stage, a switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage, and at least one output switching stage. The switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage is coupled to an output of the magnetic regulation stage, and maintains a substantially ratiometric set of voltages with respect to a reference potential. The magnetic regulation stage includes an inductor and at least two switches to selectively couple the inductor to two or more of (a) an input of the magnetic regulation stage, (b) a first voltage node of the switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage, and (c) a second voltage node of the switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage. The output switching stage selectively couples at least two voltages from the switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage to an output of the system in response to control signals. The system may include startup circuitry, feedback/feedforward circuitry, and control circuitry.