Symbol Power Tracking Amplifier for High-PAPR 5G RF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power amplifier efficiency is degraded in high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) and high bandwidth wireless communication systems, such as 5G, due to the limitations of average power tracking (APT) techniques, which result in communication reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A symbol power tracking (SPT) amplification system that includes a modem, a symbol tracking modulator, and a power amplifier, where the modem generates a symbol tracking signal to control the modulator, which adjusts the supply voltage based on the symbol tracking signal, allowing the power amplifier to precisely amplify RF signals in units of symbol groups, thereby improving communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If average power tracking (APT) technique is used, then power amplifier efficiency is improved, but communication reliability is degraded in high PAPR and high bandwidth systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power tracking control into symbol-group units, where the supply voltage is adjusted in discrete steps corresponding to different symbol groups. This segmentation allows the system to achieve finer granularity in power control compared to APT, improving communication reliability while maintaining efficiency through targeted voltage adjustments for each symbol group based on its specific power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic supply voltage adjustment by continuously monitoring the instantaneous power of incoming symbol groups and modifying the supply voltage accordingly. The symbol tracking modulator dynamically changes the supply voltage level for each symbol group, enabling the power amplifier to adapt to varying power demands and maintain both efficiency and reliability in high PAPR environments
2Use of energy by moving object
If supply voltage is continuously adjusted for peak efficiency, then power amplifier efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system complexity by segmenting the continuous supply voltage adjustment into discrete voltage levels corresponding to different symbol group power categories. Instead of continuously varying the supply voltage, the system uses a finite set of voltage levels that can be switched between, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining efficiency benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting the supply voltage only for specific symbol groups that require it, rather than continuously adjusting for every instantaneous power variation. This selective approach maintains power amplifier efficiency for critical symbol groups while avoiding the complexity of continuous adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
A symbol power tracking amplification system including: a modem to generate data and symbol tracking signals; a symbol tracking modulator including a control circuit, first and second voltage supply circuits and a switch circuit, the control circuit generates first and second voltage level control signals in response to the symbol tracking signal, the first voltage supply circuit generates a first output voltage in response to the first voltage level control signal, the second voltage supply circuit generates a second output voltage in response to the second voltage level control signal and the switch circuit outputs the first or second output voltages as a supply voltage in response to a switch control signal; an RF block to generate an RF signal based on the data signal from the modem; and a power amplifier to adjust a power level of the RF signal based on the supply voltage.