Envelope tracking power amplifier IC for mobile applications

Abstract

With the anticipated advent of 6G mobile communication systems in the far future, it is anticipated that data rate transmission will far surpass the capabilities of the current 5G mobile communication system [1]. This exponential increase in data rates is expected to result in a corresponding increase in both bandwidth and peak-to-peak ratios (PAPR), which would undermine the power efficiency of power amplifiers [2]. Envelope Tracking Power Amplifier (ET-PA) is introduced to operate power amplifier at or near its saturation point by adjusting the supply voltage in accordance with the signal being delivered, improving efficiency [3]. However, among the best results of ET-SM (Supply Modulator), the highest bandwidth reached 200 Mega-Hertz (M-Hz) with power efficiency of 78.5% at 2.7Watts. In order to achieve 200 M-Hz ETSM, there are two crucial requirements, supplying enough output current to drive PA and high power efficiency. The purpose of this project is to address the likely challenges posed by the transition to 6G. In addition to addressing the growing demand for faster data transmission rates of the present technology, 5G, the project aims to improve the power efficiency and bandwidth of the ET-PA and contribute to the seamless integration of 6G technology. The scope of the project is to solve the limitations of ET-PA, specifically focusing on the improvement of power efficiency and bandwidth of the supply modulator for applications in the 4G/5G and beyond. The project will delve into the design of the linear amplifier section in the ET-PA, aiming to achieve a delicate balance between high-speed operation and high power efficiency. This will help to reduce power consumption of linear amplifier affecting the supply modulator. The project will specifically compare previous research work and proposed solution, to derive an optimal solution in achieving linear amplifier design.