Wireless Device Voltage Regulation for Application-Based 5G Power Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power supply circuits for wireless devices lack the flexibility to support optimal power supply features for both millimeter-wave (mmW) and sub-6 GHz 5G communications, particularly in scenarios requiring high bandwidth and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a voltage regulator circuit that can adjust the input voltage to the WWAN PMIC from 3.3 V to 5 V based on the detected wireless bandwidth of an application, allowing for increased power supply to support higher bandwidth operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power supply voltage is increased from 3.3 V to 5 V to support higher bandwidth operations, then the power supply capability is improved (from 8.25 W to 12.5 W), but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustable voltage regulator circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator circuit is designed to dynamically adjust the input voltage to the PMIC based on detected application bandwidth requirements. The system transitions from a static 3.3V supply to a dynamic voltage regulation system that can switch between 3.3V and 5V, enabling the power supply capability to adapt to different operational demands while managing complexity through controlled adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter from a fixed 3.3V to a variable parameter that can be adjusted between 3.3V and 5V. This parameter change enables the system to support higher power operations (up to 12.5W) when needed while maintaining compatibility with standard 3.3V operations, resolving the contradiction between power capability and circuit complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the voltage regulator adjusts voltage based on application bandwidth requirements, then the adaptability is improved for different 5G communication modes, but the control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage regulator monitors application bandwidth requirements and automatically adjusts the input voltage accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to different 5G communication modes (mmW and sub-6 GHz) without requiring manual configuration, improving adaptability while keeping the control mechanism automated rather than manual
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it supports both 3.3V standard operations and 5V high-power operations, and can adapt to different application bandwidth requirements. This multi-functionality improves adaptability across different 5G scenarios while consolidating control logic into a single universal regulator rather than requiring separate circuits for different modes
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 solution enables wireless devices to support higher bandwidth operations by increasing the power supply from 8.25 W to 12.5 W, thereby enhancing the performance of 5G modems and supporting demanding applications such as high-speed data transfer and video streaming.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulator circuit configured to generate a voltage signal of a first input voltage and adjust the voltage signal to a second input voltage based on a feedback signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device includes a voltage regulator circuit configured to generate a voltage signal of a first input voltage, and a wireless baseband processing circuitry (WBPC) coupled to the voltage regulator circuit to receive the voltage signal. The WBPC is configured to process signals for transmission or reception using wireless technology. The WBPC includes a sub-system processor circuit configured to detect a wireless bandwidth of an application executing on an application processor of the wireless device; determine a second input voltage based on the wireless bandwidth of the application and a maximum voltage supported by the WBPC; and encode a feedback signal for communication to the voltage regulator circuit. The feedback signal causes adjustment of the voltage signal to the second input voltage.