Transceiver Power Amplifier Supply Tracking for Lower Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power amplifiers in transceivers consume constant maximum power regardless of output signal amplitude, leading to wastage when transmitting at reduced amplitudes due to fixed supply voltage and current density settings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a voltage amplitude tracking and current density tracking system that adjusts the supply voltage and current density in proportion to the output signal amplitude, using a buck regulator and amplitude-to-Vcc correlator to vary the supply voltage and bias current, ensuring efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply voltage and current density are set to maximum values to support maximum output voltage swing, then the output stage can deliver the required linearity at maximum output, but the power consumed by the output stage becomes constant at maximum value, wasting power when transmitting at reduced output amplitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the supply voltage variable rather than fixed. The output stage receives a dynamically adjusted supply voltage that changes according to the desired output amplitude, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the actual transmission requirements while maintaining linearity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of supply voltage from a constant maximum value to a variable parameter that scales with output amplitude. By adjusting the supply voltage parameter dynamically based on the desired output level, the system reduces power consumption during low-amplitude transmissions while preserving the ability to deliver full linearity at maximum output.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the supply voltage is reduced to save power during reduced output amplitude, then power consumption decreases, but the output stage may not be able to support the maximum output voltage swing when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the supply voltage based on real-time transmission requirements. When maximum output voltage swing is needed, the supply voltage is increased to the appropriate level to support it. When reduced output amplitude is sufficient, the supply voltage is lowered to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power saving and maintaining capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-adjusting the supply voltage to the appropriate level before the output stage operates. The supply voltage is set in advance according to the desired output amplitude, ensuring the output stage has the necessary headroom to deliver the required output without wasting power, while being ready to increase voltage if maximum swing is needed.
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
Reduces average power dissipation by varying the supply voltage and current density with signal amplitude, minimizing power wastage during non-peak output conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A buck regulator converts the amplitude of the modulation data into a required supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to apparatuses and methods to reduce average power dissipation in transceiver stages such as power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers (LNAs) that process signals of varying output amplitudes. Power dissipation may be reduced by varying the supply voltage in sympathy with the amplitude of the signal and/or the stage current density which may also be varied in sympathy with the signal amplitude.