Tracker Module IC Integration for Compact Supply Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage control units for power amplifiers are large in size when modularized, which poses a challenge for size reduction in tracker modules and communication devices.

Innovation Solution

Integration of variable reactance elements, such as capacitors and inductors, within an IC chip in a tracker module, along with a filter circuit, to selectively output discrete voltages to a power amplifier, reducing the overall size of the module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If variable reactance elements are integrated in the IC chip, then the size of the tracker module is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of tracker moduleVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the variable reactance elements (capacitors and inductors) directly into the IC chip structure, combining previously separate components into a single integrated unit. This integration reduces the overall tracker module size while consolidating multiple functions within the chip architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The IC chip is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains the supply modulator for voltage control, the variable reactance elements for signal filtering, and the switched-capacitor circuit for signal processing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate discrete components, achieving size reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If multiple switches are integrated in the IC chip for the filter circuit, then the tracker module size is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracker module sizeVSAvoidswitch integration precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple switches (first through eighth switches) are integrated within the IC chip to implement the filter circuit functionality. This consolidation reduces the physical space required for separate switch components while concentrating manufacturing precision requirements into the chip fabrication process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250392337A1Tracker module, high frequency system, and communication device

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A tracker module is provided with a reduced size. The exemplary tracker module includes a module laminate, an IC chip, and a filter circuit. The IC chip is disposed on the module laminate. The IC chip includes at least one switch included in a supply modulator. The filter circuit includes variable reactance elements whose reactance is varied. The variable reactance elements include at least one reactance element and at least one switch. The at least one switch of the variable reactance elements in the filter circuit is integrated in the IC chip.