Supply Modulator Switching for Multi-Band PA Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
High peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) and high bandwidth in wireless communication devices lead to reduced power efficiency in power amplifiers, which existing technologies like average power tracking (APT) and envelope tracking (ET) struggle to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
A communication circuit with multiple supply modulators and power amplifiers, where a switching circuit selectively provides supply voltages based on operation frequency bands, allowing power amplifiers to operate efficiently by dynamically adjusting the supply voltage according to the switching signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a supply modulating circuit that can dynamically adjust supply voltage to support multiple frequency bands. Instead of using separate power amplifiers for each frequency band, the system uses a single power amplifier with a supply modulating circuit that adapts the supply voltage according to the operating frequency band, enabling one amplifier to perform multiple frequency band functions
Solution Approach 2:
The supply modulating circuit dynamically adjusts the supply voltage based on the detected operation mode and frequency band. The circuit transitions from static supply voltage to dynamic voltage adjustment, allowing the power amplifier to optimize its performance for different frequency bands without requiring multiple dedicated amplifiers
2Power
If supply voltage is increased to improve power amplifier performance, then output power is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supply modulating circuit dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to match the actual power amplifier output requirements. By detecting the operation mode and calculating the appropriate supply voltage, the system provides only the necessary power level rather than always using high voltage, thus maintaining output power when needed while improving power efficiency during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the supply voltage parameter based on operation mode and frequency band. The supply modulating circuit calculates and adjusts the supply voltage to optimal values for different operating conditions, transforming the fixed supply voltage parameter into a variable one that adapts to operational requirements, thereby optimizing the balance between output power and power efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A communication circuit, including a first supply modulator configured to provide a first supply voltage; a first power amplifier configured to generate a first output signal by amplifying a first input signal corresponding to a first operation frequency band; a second power amplifier configured to generate a second output signal by amplifying a second input signal corresponding to a second operation frequency band; and a switching circuit configured to selectively provide the first supply voltage from the first supply modulator to the second power amplifier based on a first switching signal according to an operation mode.