Selective Amplifier Voltage Supply for Wideband Envelope Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evolution of wireless communication systems, particularly from 4G to 5G, demands high-efficiency and high-linearity power amplifiers due to increased signal bandwidth and peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), which existing technologies struggle to meet, especially in applying envelope tracking (ET) technology to wideband signals without significant power consumption and distortion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a linear regulator within the transmission circuitry to control the switching regulator, allowing the amplifier to receive a voltage corresponding to the envelope of the input signal, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing linearity, while minimizing the distance between the ET modulator and the transmission circuitry to reduce signal distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking technology is applied to wideband signals with increased signal bandwidth, then power efficiency is improved, but signal distortion increases due to the distance between the ET modulator and transmission circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ET modulator and transmission circuitry into a single integrated device, eliminating the distance between them. This integration allows the amplifier to receive the envelope signal directly without transmission losses or distortions that would occur over distance, while still maintaining the power efficiency benefits of envelope tracking technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linear regulator as an intermediary component between the switching regulator and the amplifier. This linear regulator is strategically placed within the transmission circuitry to condition the envelope signal, filtering out high-frequency switching noise while preserving the low-frequency envelope information, thereby reducing signal distortion without compromising power efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a switching regulator is used to supply voltage to the amplifier, then power consumption is reduced, but signal linearity deteriorates due to switching noise
Solution Approach 1:
The linear regulator serves as an intermediary between the switching regulator and the amplifier. It receives the switched voltage from the switching regulator, smooths out the high-frequency noise through its inherent filtering characteristics, and provides a clean, linear voltage to the amplifier. This preserves the power efficiency of the switching regulator while eliminating its negative impact on signal linearity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different regulation approaches to different parts of the power supply system. The switching regulator handles the bulk power conversion from input to output, providing high efficiency. The linear regulator handles the final stage close to the amplifier, providing high linearity. Each regulator operates in its optimal performance region, achieving both efficiency and linearity.
3Device complexity
If the distance between the ET modulator and transmission circuitry is increased, then device complexity is reduced, but signal distortion increases due to trace inductance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ET modulator and transmission circuitry into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for external connections and traces. This integration removes the source of inductance-related distortion while actually simplifying the overall device architecture by reducing the number of separate components and interconnections required.
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 configuration enables efficient and linear signal amplification for wideband signals, reducing power dissipation and maintaining high-linearity characteristics, even with increased signal bandwidths, thus supporting advanced 5G communication standards.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator configured to selectively supply a voltage to at least a first amplifier and a second amplifier
Implementation Method 2
the ET technology applies an envelope signal of an RF input signal, which is applied to an amplifier (for example, an RF power amplifier), as a power supply voltage of the amplifier, thereby reducing power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclose a method and a device including: an antenna, a switching regulator, communication chip including an amplifier and a linear regulator operably connected to the amplifier and the switching regulator, the communication chip configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal from the electronic device through the antenna, and control circuitry configured to control the communication chip such that the linear regulator provides the amplifier with a voltage corresponding to an envelope of an input signal input to the amplifier, the input signal corresponding to the radio-frequency signal.