Tracker Module Layout for Low-Resistance PA Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifier (PA) circuits employing the envelope tracking method suffer from high power consumption due to parasitic resistance generated in the path between the tracker component and the low pass filter.
Innovation Solution
A tracker module is designed with a separate substrate for the tracker component and low pass filter, where the tracker component supplies a power supply voltage to the power amplifier, and the low pass filter is disposed on a path between the tracker component and the power amplifier, with a shorter path length to reduce parasitic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the tracker component and low pass filter are connected with a longer path, then the filter can effectively reduce harmonic components, but parasitic resistance increases causing higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar layout to a three-dimensional stacked architecture, placing the tracker component and low pass filter on different substrates (first substrate and second substrate) connected via vertical conductive paths. This dimensional change allows the filter to be positioned close to the tracker component in the vertical direction, reducing parasitic resistance while maintaining effective harmonic filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power amplifier system into separate functional modules: the tracker component on one substrate and the low pass filter on another substrate. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module's performance while minimizing their interconnection parasitics through direct vertical coupling, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining filtering effectiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the path length between tracker component and low pass filter is reduced, then parasitic resistance decreases reducing power consumption, but the filter's ability to reduce harmonic components may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension through stacked substrates, the patent achieves short interconnection paths without compromising the filter's harmonic reduction capability. The vertical conductive paths provide direct coupling between the tracker component output and the low pass filter input, minimizing parasitic resistance while the filter maintains its frequency-selective properties for effective harmonic suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controlled impedance transmission lines as intermediary elements between the tracker component and the low pass filter. These transmission lines are designed to maintain signal integrity and preserve the filter's harmonic rejection characteristics even with the reduced physical path length, ensuring that power consumption is reduced without sacrificing filtering performance.
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 configuration reduces power consumption by minimizing parasitic resistance and harmonic components, leading to more efficient power supply to the power amplifier.
Implementation Method 1
a low pass filter is connected to a path between a tracker component and a PA in order to reduce harmonic components of the power supply voltage from the tracker component
Data Source
AI summary
A tracker module is provided that includes a second substrate that is separate from a first substrate, a tracker component, and a low pass filter. A power amplifier is disposed on or in the first substrate. Moreover, the tracker component supplies a power supply voltage to the power amplifier. The low pass filter is disposed on a path between an output terminal of the tracker component and the power amplifier. The tracker component and the low pass filter are disposed on or in the second substrate.