Supply Modulator With SIMO Converter For Multi-PA Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices face inefficiencies in power management due to the need for simultaneous power supply modulation to multiple power amplifiers, which increases layout area and cost, especially in high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) and wide bandwidth applications.
Innovation Solution
A supply modulator utilizing a single inductor multiple output (SIMO) converter and hybrid modulation circuits, including linear and switching regulators, to generate and provide dynamically varying power supply voltages to multiple power amplifiers, supporting both Envelope Tracking (ET) and Average Power Tracking (APT) techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If separate power supply modulation circuits are used for each power amplifier to achieve simultaneous power supply modulation, then power efficiency is improved, but layout area and device cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply modulation circuits into a single integrated supply modulator that can simultaneously provide power modulation to multiple power amplifiers. This merging approach maintains the power efficiency benefits of individual modulation circuits while reducing the overall layout area by sharing common components and infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply modulator is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple power amplifiers simultaneously. It includes multiple output channels that can independently modulate power to different amplifiers, allowing one device to perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate circuits.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate power supply modulation circuits are used for each power amplifier to achieve simultaneous power supply modulation, then power efficiency is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply modulation circuits into a single integrated supply modulator that can simultaneously provide power modulation to multiple power amplifiers. This merging approach maintains the power efficiency benefits of individual modulation circuits while reducing the overall layout area by sharing common components and infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply modulator is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple power amplifiers simultaneously. It includes multiple output channels that can independently modulate power to different amplifiers, allowing one device to perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate circuits.
3Device complexity
If traditional power supply methods are used for high PAPR and wide bandwidth applications, then device complexity is reduced, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supply modulator implements dynamic power supply voltage adjustment that adapts to the instantaneous power requirements of the power amplifiers. By dynamically tracking the envelope of the RF signal, the system maintains optimal power efficiency across varying power conditions while supporting high PAPR and wide bandwidth applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply voltage parameter dynamically based on the signal envelope, transitioning from fixed voltage supply to variable voltage supply. This parameter change enables the power amplifiers to operate efficiently across different power levels, improving overall power efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 solution enables efficient power management by reducing energy waste, extending battery life, and maintaining high power efficiency across varying power regions, without increasing the layout area or cost of the supply modulator.
Implementation Method 1
a single inductor multiple output (SIMO) converter configured to generate a plurality of output voltages by direct current/direct current (DC/DC) conversion of an input voltage on a time-division basis
Implementation Method 2
a modulation circuit including a linear regulator and a switching regulator, the modulation circuit configured to generate a modulation voltage in accordance with envelope tracking
Data Source
AI summary
A supply modulator for providing a first power supply voltage and a second power supply voltage to a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, respectively, includes a first modulation circuit including a linear regulator and a switching regulator, the first modulation circuit being configured to generate a first modulation voltage in accordance with envelope tracking, and provide the first modulation voltage to the first power amplifier as the first power supply voltage; and a single inductor multiple output converter configured to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage based on an input voltage having a fixed level, provide the first output voltage to the linear regulator of the first modulation circuit as a power supply voltage, and provide the second output voltage to the second power amplifier as the second power supply voltage.