Switched-Capacitor Transmitter With Inductive Voltage Combining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional analog power amplifiers in electronic transmission systems consume high power, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy demands in wireless communication devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of switched capacitor transmitter circuits with inductive power combining networks, which use capacitors and inductors to convert digital data into analog signals efficiently, reducing power consumption by combining voltages from multiple transmitter circuits to produce a combined voltage output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional analog power amplifiers are used for signal transmission, then the transmission power is sufficient, but the power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission powerVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional analog power amplifiers with a switched-capacitor-based digital-to-analog converter system. This substitution uses capacitive switching and inductive combining instead of continuous analog amplification, fundamentally changing the mechanism from analog signal processing to digital-like switching operations, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The switched-capacitor circuit operates by periodically charging and discharging capacitors at switching nodes. This periodic action allows the circuit to build up voltage through repeated charge transfer cycles rather than requiring continuous high-power amplification, enabling efficient power delivery through time-averaged effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If switched capacitor circuits are used to convert digital data to analog signals, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage output may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvoltage output
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines voltage outputs from multiple switched-capacitor transmitter circuits through an inductive power combining network. The inductors merge the individual voltage signals constructively, achieving a combined voltage output that is sufficient for transmission while each individual circuit operates at lower power consumption levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If multiple transmitter circuits are combined to increase voltage output, then the voltage is sufficient, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive power combining network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it combines voltage outputs from multiple circuits, provides impedance transformation, and enables power summation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing circuit complexity while achieving sufficient voltage output

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

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 approach significantly reduces power consumption and enhances efficiency in wireless transmission systems by minimizing switching losses and optimizing power supply voltage, achieving improved performance in terms of signal-to-distortion ratios and out-of-band spurious emissions.

Implementation Method 1

a first plurality of capacitors switchably coupled between a power supply terminal and a reference voltage terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an inductive power combining network including a plurality of inputs coupled to a plurality of outputs of the plurality of switched capacitor transmitter circuits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3161957B1Switched capacitor transmitter circuits and methods
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3161957B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3161957B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3161957B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure includes switched capacitor transmitter circuits and methods. In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a plurality of switched capacitor transmitter circuits coupled to inputs of an inductive network. The inductive network combines voltages from the switched capacitor transmitter circuits to produce a combined voltage on an output. In another embodiment, a digital data signal is thermometer encoded and a negative thermo-encoded signal is bit order reversed to control capacitors in a switched capacitor transmitter circuit.