Segmented RF Power Transmitter Center-Out Activation for Linear Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digitally controlled segmented RF power transmitters face issues with current distribution effects and irregularities in the CWD-to-RF output signal transfer, particularly at higher power levels, leading to degraded signal quality and spectral purity.

Innovation Solution

A method is employed to control segments by activating specific ones of the segments depending on the code word CWD, starting from center ones towards outer ones for increasing code word values, using a combination of thermometer and binary coding, and applying a digital pre-distortion arrangement to correct for linearity imperfections, ensuring a monotonic CWD-to-RF output signal transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If segments are activated in conventional order (not from center), then device complexity is reduced, but current redistribution effects cause irregularities in CWD-to-RF output signal transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCWD-to-RF output signal transfer regularityVSAvoidactivation scheme complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by reversing the conventional activation pattern: instead of activating segments from outer edges inward, the invention activates segments from the center outward. This asymmetric activation approach balances current redistribution effects across the segmented output stage, eliminating irregularities in the CWD-to-RF output signal transfer while maintaining straightforward implementation logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If multiple activation moments are used to realize RF output waveform, then signal quality is improved, but current redistribution during RF cycle degrades performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcurrent redistribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temporal parameter of segment activation by introducing multiple activation moments within each RF cycle. By strategically timing when different segments are activated and by combining this with center-outward activation ordering, the system achieves smooth RF output waveforms while minimizing harmful current redistribution effects that would otherwise degrade performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If digital pre-distortion is applied to correct linearity imperfections, then spectral purity is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral purityVSAvoidpre-distorter algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing digital pre-distortion that compensates for linearity imperfections before the signal undergoes segmentation and multiple activation moments. By pre-correcting the input signal characteristics based on anticipated distortion from the segmented architecture, the system achieves high spectral purity while keeping the pre-distorter algorithms relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12500617B2Method of applying an activation scheme to a digitally controlled segmented RF power transmitter
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 TECH UNIV DELFT
  • US12500617B2 patent drawing
  • US12500617B2 patent drawing
  • US12500617B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of applying an activation scheme to a digitally controlled segmented RF power transmitter having a plurality of adjacent segments (3), each segment (3) having an associated activation area, the segments (3) being controlled by one or more code words (CWD) The method includes controlling segments (3) by activating a specific segment (3) using an activation scheme for activating specific ones of the segments (3) depending on the code word (CWD), the activation scheme starting from center ones of the plurality of segments (3) towards outer ones of the plurality of segments (3) for increasing code word (CWD) values. This method can be applied in any digitally controlled segmented RF power transmitter, be it in polar or Cartesian implementations, and in single ended or push-pull output configurations.