Supply Modulator Switching for High-PAPR Power Amplifier Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication circuits face challenges in efficiently managing high peak-to-average ratio and high bandwidth transmission/reception signals, particularly in wireless communication technologies like 5G, where power efficiency and diverse power modulation are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A communication circuit is designed with multiple supply modulators and power amplifiers, along with a control circuit that switches between them based on operation modes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of supply voltages and efficient power amplification using a combination of low-capacity converters to achieve high-capacity outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single high-capacity converter is used to meet high peak-to-average ratio and high bandwidth requirements, then power output capacity is sufficient, but circuit cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high-capacity converter into multiple low-capacity converters (first converter and second converter). Each converter operates independently to handle different portions of the power output, allowing the system to achieve high peak power capability through parallel operation while keeping individual converter sizes and costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-capacity converters are designed to perform multiple functions: they can operate individually for moderate power demands, work in parallel for high peak power demands, and their output can be dynamically switched or combined based on the operational requirements of the power amplifier, making them universally applicable across different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supply modulators and power amplifiers are used to achieve diverse power modulation, then power efficiency and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different power amplifier configurations and supply voltage sources based on real-time operational requirements. The switch dynamically connects or disconnects power amplifiers and supply voltages according to the detected operation mode, enabling adaptive power modulation without requiring a permanently complex circuit configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as supply voltage levels and power amplifier activation states based on different operation modes. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves diverse power modulation capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple base circuit structure that only becomes complex when all components are considered in all possible states.
3Power
If high supply voltage is provided continuously to meet peak power demands, then power output capability is maintained, but power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching between different supply voltage levels based on the actual power demand. Instead of continuously providing high supply voltage, the system periodically switches between high and low voltage states according to whether peak power is needed, thereby maintaining power output capability when required while improving average power efficiency during lower demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply voltage parameter is dynamically changed based on operational needs. The system switches between high supply voltage for peak power demands and low supply voltage for normal operation, optimizing the balance between power output capability and power efficiency by adjusting this critical parameter in response to real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication circuit includes a first supply modulator configured to provide a first supply voltage; a second supply modulator configured to provide a second supply voltage; a switch configured to switch between output terminals of the first and second supply modulators; a first power amplifier configured to receive the first supply voltage and amplify a first input signal; a second power amplifier configured to receive the second supply voltage and amplify a second input signal; a third power amplifier configured to use third power higher than first power of the first power amplifier and second power of the second power amplifier, receive the first and second supply voltages, and amplify a third input signal; and a control circuit configured to control a switching operation of the switch based on an operation mode and activate at least one of the first to third power amplifiers based on the operation mode.