Voltage Regulator Module for Envelope Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators for envelope tracking power supply systems in advanced wireless transmitters struggle to provide a voltage supply that can step up or down while maintaining continuous output current, which is necessary for high-data-rate modulation schemes, and they often require high-voltage-tolerant transistors and multiple passive components.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator module that uses a single energy storage element, such as a capacitor, to switch between operating modes, allowing it to generate a time-averaged voltage signal that can be greater than the input voltage supply, with continuous current output, and operates without the need for high-voltage-tolerant transistors, using only one additional passive component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-inverting buck-boost topology is used to step voltage up or down, then voltage flexibility is improved, but the output current becomes discontinuous requiring large alternating current cancellation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching between two operating modes (first mode and second mode) to maintain continuous output current. The controller switches the connection configuration of the energy storage element between these modes, dynamically adjusting the circuit topology to ensure current continuity while enabling voltage stepping up or down.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is divided into distinct operational segments or modes. By segmenting the operation into first mode (where energy storage element connects input to output) and second mode (where it provides voltage boost), the system achieves both voltage flexibility and current continuity through coordinated switching between segments.
2Reliability
If an inverse-SEPIC converter with two inductors is used to achieve continuous current output and voltage stepping, then output current continuity is improved, but the voltage tolerance requirement for switches increases to twice the input supply voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the second inductor from the traditional inverse-SEPIC topology, retaining only a single energy storage element. This simplification reduces the voltage tolerance requirement for switches back to the input supply voltage level while maintaining continuous output current through clever switching of the single energy storage element between different connection configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of voltage stepping and current continuity into a single energy storage element through dynamic switching, eliminating the need for separate inductors. The single energy storage element performs multiple functions by being selectively connected in different configurations, reducing component count and voltage tolerance requirements.
3Loss of energy
If a buck converter is used to supply power efficiently, then power dissipation is reduced, but the output voltage is limited to be less than the input power supply voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between buck mode (when energy storage element connects input to output directly) and boost mode (when energy storage element provides voltage multiplication). This dynamic operation maintains high efficiency similar to buck converters while expanding the output voltage range to include both stepping down and stepping up capabilities.
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
The solution enables efficient voltage regulation with continuous current output, supporting high-data-rate modulation schemes without exceeding the voltage tolerance of power management integrated circuits, and reduces the need for high-voltage-tolerant transistors and additional passive components, enhancing power management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one energy storage element comprises a capacitor
Data Source
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AI summary
A voltage regulator for use within an envelope tracking power supply system is described. The voltage regulator comprises a voltage regulation module. The voltage regulation module comprises at least one energy storage element, the at least one energy storage element comprising a first terminal operably coupled to a first node of the voltage regulation module, and a second terminal operably coupled to a second node of the voltage regulation module. The voltage regulation module further comprises an input arranged to receive a reference voltage supply signal, the input being selectively couplable to the first node and selectively couplable to the second node, an output selectively couplable to the first node and selectively couplable to the second node, and a ground plane selectively couplable to the second node.