Shared Energy Storage DC-DC Converter for RF Power Amplifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional multi-mode multi-band RF communications devices require complex and costly circuitry to support various communication modes and frequency bands, leading to size, cost, and power consumption issues in portable wireless devices.

Innovation Solution

A DC-DC converter system incorporating a charge pump buck power supply and a buck power supply that share an energy storage element, allowing for efficient voltage conversion and mode selection based on setpoints and load conditions, thereby simplifying the RF power amplifier circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-mode multi-band RF communications devices use complex circuitry to support various communication modes and frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but device size, manufacturing cost, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication mode supportVSAvoidcircuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power supply architecture where a single DC-DC converter with shared energy storage element serves multiple RF power amplifier circuits across different frequency bands and communication modes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power supply circuits for each band, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility in supporting multiple communication modes and frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single integrated DC-DC converter by sharing the energy storage element among multiple RF power amplifier circuits. This consolidation combines what would traditionally be separate power supply circuits into one unified system, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the circuitry while still supporting multiple communication modes and frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-mode multi-band RF communications devices use complex circuitry to support various communication modes and frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal power supply system that can serve multiple RF power amplifier circuits across different frequency bands through a single DC-DC converter with shared energy storage. This multi-functional approach reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing processes, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to support multiple frequency bands and communication modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging multiple power supply functions into one integrated DC-DC converter with shared energy storage element, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces Bill of Materials costs, making it more cost-effective to produce devices that support multiple frequency bands and communication modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-mode multi-band RF communications devices use complex circuitry to support various communication modes and frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication protocol supportVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power supply architecture where a single DC-DC converter with shared energy storage element serves multiple RF power amplifier circuits used in different communication protocols and frequency bands. This eliminates redundant power conversion circuits, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to support multiple communication protocols and frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single integrated DC-DC converter, eliminating the need for separate power conversion circuits for each RF amplifier. This consolidation reduces the total power consumption by removing redundant conversion stages and sharing the energy storage element, while still providing the necessary power support for multiple communication protocols and frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-mode multi-band RF communications devices use complex circuitry to support various communication modes and frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode and band flexibilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power supply system where a single DC-DC converter with shared energy storage element serves multiple RF power amplifier circuits across different frequency bands and communication modes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power supply circuits for each band, thereby reducing the overall device volume while maintaining versatility in supporting multiple modes and bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple power supply functions into one integrated DC-DC converter by sharing the energy storage element among multiple RF power amplifier circuits. This consolidation combines what would traditionally be separate power supply circuits into a single compact unit, reducing the physical space required and making the device more suitable for portable applications while still supporting multiple communication modes and frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enables a compact, efficient, and cost-effective RF power amplifier circuitry that supports multiple communication modes and frequency bands, reducing size and power consumption while maintaining performance requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a first inductive element L1 coupled between the charge pump buck converter and the energy storage element. The buck converter includes a second inductive element L2 coupled between the buck converter and the energy storage element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9577590B2Dual inductive element charge pump buck and buck power supplies
Publication Date: 2017.02.21 QORVO US INC
  • US9577590B2 patent drawing
  • US9577590B2 patent drawing
  • US9577590B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes a charge pump buck power supply and a buck power supply is disclosed. The charge pump buck power supply includes a charge pump buck converter, a first inductive element, and an energy storage element. The charge pump buck converter and the first inductive element are coupled in series between a DC power supply, such as a battery, and the energy storage element. The buck power supply includes a buck converter, a second inductive element, and the energy storage element. The buck converter and the second inductive element are coupled in series between the DC power supply and the energy storage element. As such, the charge pump buck power supply and the buck power supply share the energy storage element.