Unequal Power Amplifier Array for mmW Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-efficiency power amplification in millimeter wave (mmW) wireless communication systems is hindered by high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) signals, leading to low average efficiency, especially in systems like WiGig and 5G, due to the initial low efficiency of power amplifiers at mmW frequencies and higher back-off for linearity.
Innovation Solution
A phased array system with an unequal array of power amplifiers, where each amplifier has different output power levels and peak power levels, is used to optimize power efficiency by varying the relative phases and gains of signals to reinforce the radiation pattern in desired directions and suppress it in undesired directions, without increasing the number of antennas or signal processing chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear power amplifiers are implemented to maintain signal linearity, then signal quality is improved, but average power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power amplifier array into multiple independent amplifiers, each operating at lower power levels. By distributing the total power across multiple segments (amplifiers), the system achieves linear operation at reduced individual power levels, improving average efficiency while maintaining signal linearity through coherent combination of segmented outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different operating characteristics to different amplifiers within the array. Each amplifier can be optimized for specific local conditions (power level, efficiency point), allowing the overall system to achieve both linearity and efficiency by combining amplifiers with locally optimized properties.
2Reliability
If power amplifiers operate at high back-off points to maintain linearity, then signal distortion is reduced, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power amplifier outputs in a phased array configuration. By combining the outputs of multiple amplifiers operating at moderate back-off points, the system achieves the equivalent of high back-off operation with improved efficiency, as the combined signal maintains linearity while individual amplifiers operate in more efficient regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of phase and amplitude weights for each amplifier in the array. This dynamic weighting allows the system to adaptively optimize the combination of amplifier outputs, maintaining linearity while maximizing efficiency by dynamically adjusting operating points based on signal conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If envelope tracking or polar digital transmitters are used to boost power amplifier efficiency, then power efficiency is improved, but effectiveness deteriorates at millimeter wave frequencies and high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-frequency mmW signal processing across multiple parallel amplifier channels. This segmentation allows each amplifier to operate at lower, more efficient power levels while collectively handling the high data rate mmW signal, avoiding the limitations of single-channel envelope tracking at these frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array architecture provides multi-functionality by enabling the system to operate effectively across different frequency bands and data rates. The same array structure that improves efficiency at mmW frequencies can be adapted for other applications, providing universal effectiveness rather than being limited to specific conditions.
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 achieves a 50% or greater efficiency boost at back-off points higher than 8dB from the maximum power amplifier efficiency for 16QAM WiGig and 5G transmissions, maintaining the same number of signal processing chains as a uniform array system.
Implementation Method 1
The array of transmission units is configured to generate, in an air medium, a combined signal by transmitting at least two signal outputs at a predetermined angle in the air medium to reconstruct an amplitude and phase modulated signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A phased array includes a number of transmission units with an unequal array of power amplifiers for receiving or transmitting input signals at millimeter wave frequencies. The phase array transmits millimeter waves in air to reconstruct original phase-and amplitude signals by combining the signals from the unequal array of power amplifiers. The unequal array of power amplifiers comprises power amplifiers having a higher peak power than other power amplifiers of the array. The power amplifiers can also have different transmission powers from one another.