Wireless Power Supply Circuit for Multi-Mode Amplifier Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power supply circuits for wireless mobile devices are costly and lack flexibility in supporting multiple-mode and multi-band power amplification components, particularly in efficiently managing power amplifiers operating in either average power tracking (APT) or envelope tracking (ET) modes.

Innovation Solution

A power supply circuit that includes a first DC-DC converter for power amplifiers operating in APT mode and a second DC-DC converter for those operating in either ET or APT mode, with linear amplifiers and bypass switches to provide multiple output voltages and intermediate voltages, allowing for efficient operation in both modes by bypassing linear amplifiers during APT mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated power amplifier circuits are used for each band and mode, then linearity and efficiency are optimized, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearity and efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power supply circuit that can operate in multiple modes (ET and APT) and support multiple frequency bands through a single integrated design. The circuit uses mode selection signals to configure the same hardware for different operating conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each band and mode, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining optimized performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate DC-DC converters are used for ET and APT modes, then power management efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ET and APT mode power supply paths into a single integrated DC-DC converter circuit. The circuit uses switching elements and mode selection signals to dynamically reconfigure the same hardware for either ET or APT operation, combining the functionality of what would traditionally require separate converters. This reduces component count and device complexity while maintaining the power management efficiency benefits of having mode-specific optimization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power amplifier circuits are supported, then adaptability to different modes and bands is improved, but power supply circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidpower supply circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic power supply circuit that can adapt its configuration based on operational requirements. The circuit uses control signals to dynamically reconfigure switching elements, enabling the same hardware to support multiple power amplifiers across different modes and frequency bands. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides high adaptability without requiring separate static circuits for each scenario, thereby controlling power supply circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides power supply flexibility and cost-effectiveness by enabling efficient operation of multiple power amplifiers in both APT and ET modes with fewer inductors, supporting multiple frequency bands and modes with improved power management.

Implementation Method 1

a first DC-DC converter, coupled to each of the power amplification components of the first subset of the power amplification components, the first DC-DC converter being configured to provide a plurality of first output voltages and/or a plurality of DC intermediate voltages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC-DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a second DC-DC converter, coupled to the first DC-DC converter and each of the power amplification components of the second subset of the power amplification components, the second DC-DC converter being configured to provide a plurality of DC components of a plurality of second output voltages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC-DC conversion:

Implementation Method 3

When the plurality of linear amplifiers receive the plurality of DC intermediate voltages from the first DC-DC converter, respectively, the plurality of linear amplifiers provide a plurality of AC components of the plurality of second output voltages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP3282579B1Power supply circuit of wireless mobile device
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP3282579B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3282579B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3282579B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a power supply circuit for a wireless mobile device having a plurality of power amplification components. The power supply circuit includes: a first DC-DC converter, for providing at least one constant output voltage (which is provided to the power amplification components) and/or at least one DC intermediate voltage; a second DC-DC converter, for providing a DC component of at least one time-varying output voltage; and at least one linear amplifier. When the at least one linear amplifier receives the at least one DC intermediate voltage from the first DC-DC converter, the at least one linear amplifier provides at least one AC component of the at least one time-varying output voltage. The DC component and the at least one AC component of the at least one time-varying output voltage are combined into the at least one time-varying output voltage and provided to the power amplification components.