Electronic device with data rate dependent power amplifier bias

This application claims priority to United States patent application №12 / 456260, May 13, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference property.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a wireless communication circuit, and more particularly to a wireless communication circuit which generates the offset adjustment amplifier.

Handheld electronic devices and other portable electronic devices are becoming more and more popular. Examples of handheld devices include handheld computers, cellular phones and mediapdeery. Popular portable electronic devices that are somewhat larger than traditional manual electronic devices include laptop computers and tablet computers.

Thanks, in part, their mobile nature, portable electronic devices are often equipped with a means to support wireless communications. For example, handheld electronic devices may use wireless communications long range communication with wireless base stations. Mobile phones and other devices with cellular capabilities can exchange messages with cell phone use in the frequency range of 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz. Communication is also possible in the frequency range of 2100 MHz. When in the proper scope of the base station, portable electronic devices may use wireless communication channels near field. For example, the portable electronic device may communicate using a range of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) at 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz range, and Bluetooth® 2.4 GHz.

To meet consumer demands for wireless devices with small form factor manufacturers are constantly seeking to reduce the size of components that are used in these devices. For example, manufacturers are attempting to miniaturize the batteries used in handheld electronic devices.

The electronic device with a small battery pack are limited by battery capacity. If you do not pay sufficient attention to a reasonable power consumption, the electronic device with a small battery can be unacceptably short battery life. Methods for reducing power consumption may be particularly important in wireless devices that support messaging on mobile phones, because users of cellular telephone devices often talk for a long time.

It would therefore be desirable to provide wireless communications circuitry with improved power management capabilities consumed.

SUMMARY

It proposed a portable electronic device such as a cellular phone or other handheld electronic device with wireless communications circuitry. Scheme wireless communication circuit may comprise a power amplifier. For powering the power amplifier circuit can be fed the regulated voltage bias circuit controlled by the power supply voltage.

Bias voltage level that is generated circuitry regulated voltage power supply circuit may control the storing and processing data in a portable electronic device. When data is transmitted at relatively high data rates, the bias voltage may be set at a fairly high level. This helps to ensure that the power amplifier circuit will have an adequate operating range for the transmission of signals at high speed without creating undesirable nonlinearities. When data is transmitted at low transmission speeds, the higher the bias voltage, in general, are not necessary. In these situations, power consumption can be reduced level decrease of the bias voltage to be supplied to the power amplifier.

Scheme storage and processing of data may comprise a look up table of desired bias voltages. This lookup table can be used to determine appropriate voltage bias circuit of the power amplifier as a function of different desired output power values, the various operating modes (e.g., voice or data), and different transmitted data rates. The circuit data storage and processing may qualify the amount of data that is transmitted using a data transmission rate parameter as a cubic metric.

Other features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 - a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic device with wireless communications circuitry in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 - a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 - a graph showing how the ratio may change the peak value to the average value of the RF signal as a function of time during the data exchange using a wireless communication circuit in the electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 - a graph which shows how power amplifier circuitry in an electronic device may be fed different bias voltages when transmitting radio frequency signals at different output powers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

5 - a table showing how control circuitry in an electronic device may generate tuning voltage supply circuit of the power amplifier based on criteria such as required output power, transmit mode, and cubic metric value in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 - a graph that shows how the tuning voltage supply circuit of the power amplifier can be made as a function of different required output powers, transmit modes, and cubic metric values ​​in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

7 - is a chart that shows how the tuning voltage supply circuit of the power amplifier can be made as a function of output power adjustments performed for adjusting to variations in the quality of communication channels, transmission modes, and cubic metric values ​​in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed description relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly - to control the power consumed by wireless communications circuitry in wireless electronic devices.

Wireless electronic devices may be portable electronic devices such as laptop computers or small portable computers of the type that are sometimes referred to as ultraportables. Portable electronic devices may be devices to some extent smaller. Examples of portable electronic devices are smaller wristwatch device - key chains, headphones and headsets and other wearable and miniature devices. As one of the applicable classification portable electronic devices may be hand-held electronic device.

Wireless electronic devices may be, for example, cellular phones, media players with wireless communications capabilities, handheld computers (also sometimes called personal digital assistants), remote control devices of global positioning system (GPS) and hand-held gaming devices. Wireless electronic devices such as these may serve many functions. For example, a cell phone may contain a media player function and can have the possibility of execution of games, tasks, e-mail, Web browsing tasks, and other applications.

1 shows a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic device such as a handheld electronic device or other portable electronic device. The device 10 in Figure 1 may be a mobile telephone, a mobile telephone with media player capabilities, a handheld computer, a remote control, a game player, a global positioning system device (GPS), a laptop computer, tablet computers, ultra-portable computer device to execute the functions of a or more such devices, or any other applicable portable electronic device.

As shown in Figure 1, device 10 may include storage and processing circuitry 12. The data storage scheme and the data 12 may comprise one or more different types of memory, such as memory drive as stkogo disk, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically programmable read-only memory), volatile memory (such as static or dynamic random access memory), etc. Scheme storing and processing data 12 may be used in controlling the operation of the device 10. The scheme of storing and processing data 12 may be based on processors such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, dedicated processing circuits, power management circuits, audio and video chips, processing circuitry radio frequency transceiver, the radio frequency integrated circuits of the type which is sometimes called the baseband modules, and other suitable integrated circuits.

In one of the applicable circuit configuration data storage and processing 12 can be used to execute programs on the device 10, such as the program of browsing on the Internet, on the phone with the protocol voice-over-Internet (VOIP voice-over-intemet-protocol), the program email, media playback software, operating system functions, and so on. Scheme storing and processing data 12 may be used in implementing suitable communications protocols. The communication protocols that may be implemented using circuits and data storage 12 include internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols, sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi®), protocols for other short-range wireless links action such as the Bluetooth® protocol, protocols for managing communication services cellular telephony 2G, 3G communications protocols, protocols such as high-speed satellite communications packet access (HSUPA), and others.

The apparatus 10 may have one or more batteries such as battery 14. To minimize power consumption and thereby extend the life of the battery circuit 14 and data storage 12 may be used to implement the functions of the power control device 10. For example, the storage scheme and processing data 12 may be used to adjust the radio frequency power amplifier circuit in the device 10 and can be used to adjust the levels of input power supplied to the input of a radio frequency power amplifier device 10 with a transceiver circuit. Setting the power amplifier, which can be conducted include setting predetermined gain values ​​(for example, for the selective stages on or off gain) and configure the power supply voltage (sometimes referred to as setting the bias voltage). These settings can be made automatically in real time based on tables of preferred control quantities predetermined with different varying operating conditions.

Control algorithms that are implemented in the circuit data storage 12 may be used for controlling the operation device 10. For example, a desired power amplifier bias voltage may be determined by the control algorithm in real time based on criteria such as required output power and the type of mode transmission, wherein the working device 10 (e.g., in data mode or voice mode). In the circuit data storage 12 may store a program that configures storage and processing circuitry 12 to implement the data management algorithm. Among other functions, this program can help in reducing the bias voltage of the power amplifier whenever possible to save power. To prevent unwanted decline in the quality, lowering the bias voltage of the power amplifier can be selectively carried out every time the reduced offset voltage does not interfere with obtaining the desired quality criterion of the amplifier 10.

Input Devices - O 16 may be used to transmit data to the device 10 and transferring data from device 10 to external devices. Examples of input devices - O 16, which can be used in the device 10 are display screens, such as touch screens (eg LCD or OLED display), buttons, joysticks, wheels clicks, scroll wheel touch keyboard key keyboard , keypads, microphones, speakers and other devices for creating sound, cameras, sensors, and so forth. The user can control the operation of the device 10 commands feeding through devices 16. Devices 16 may also be used to transmit visual or audible information to the user device 10. Device 16 may include connectors for forming data ports (e.g., for connecting an external equipment, such as computers, accessories, etc.).

Wireless communication devices 18 may include schemes such communication means as the circuit of the transceiver of radio frequency (RF) formed from one or more integrated circuits, power amplifier circuit (eg power amplifier circuit, which is controlled by control signals from the circuit data storage and processing 14 in order to minimize power consumption while meeting specified criteria of quality), passive RF components, antennas, and other circuitry for handling RF wireless signals. Wireless signals can also be sent using light (e.g., using infrared communications).

Device 10 can communicate with external devices such as accessories, computing equipment, and wireless networks over wired and wireless links.

For example, the device 10 can communicate with accessories such as wired or wireless the headset. The apparatus 10 may also be connected to an AV equipment (e.g., wireless speakers, a game controller, or other equipment that receives and plays audio and video content) or a peripheral such as a wireless printer or camera.

The apparatus 10 may use a wired or wireless channel to communicate with a personal computer or other computing equipment. This computing equipment may be, for example, a computer that is interacting with it a wireless access point (router) or an internal or external wireless card that establishes a wireless connection with device 10. The computer may be a server (e.g. Internet server) computer network access or no access to the Internet, a personal computer of the user, ravnorangovym network device (e.g., another portable electronic device 10), or any other applicable computing equipment.

The apparatus 10 may also communicate with wireless network equipment, such as cellular telephone base stations, wireless data networks, computers associated with wireless networks, and so on. These wireless networks can include network management equipment that monitors the wireless power wireless signals the headset, such as the device 10, which communicates with the network. To improve the overall quality of the network and to ensure that interference interaction between the headset is minimal, the network management equipment may send power adjustment commands (sometimes referred to as transmit power control commands or TCP commands) to each your headset. Setpoints transmission power control, which are fed to your headset, the headset is controlled weak signals and increase the transmission power so that their signals will be properly received by the network. At the same time, setpoints transmission power control may issue commands to your headset, whose signals are received well at high power, the reduction by adjusting the values ​​of power control. This reduces interference interactions between the headset and allows the network to maximize the use of available bandwidth wireless communication.

When the device 10 receives the set values ​​of the transmit power control network or in other appropriate cases, the unit 10 can properly adjust transmit power to create. For example, device 10 may adjust the power level of signals transmitted to the transceiver circuit of radio frequency power amplifiers in the device 10 and may adjust the radio frequency power amplifiers. Setting power amplifiers such as these may contain setpoint adjustment mode amplification and power supply voltage settings.

Output signals from the power amplifiers in the device 10 wirelessly transmitted from device 10 to the respective receivers using antenna unit 10. The set values ​​for the wireless communication circuit 18 may include gain mode settings that control setpoints gain amplifiers. For example, the mode setting gain can control whether a power amplifier to operate in a high gain, which uses all the stages of the power amplifier, or in a low gain, wherein the one or more stages of the power amplifier disabled to limit consumption. Tuning voltage power source can be used to minimize power consumption for a given value of the gain. In typical circuit architectures, a transceiver circuit may supply radio frequency signals to the power amplifier for transmission through an antenna. The power at which the transceiver circuit outputs these radio frequency signals, are mounted on the input power level (sometimes referred to herein as Pin) of the power amplifier. Settings of input power (settings Pin) can be carried out to adjust the power of radio frequency signals transmitted by the device 10.

The antenna structures and wireless communications devices of device 10 may support transmission of data in any applicable frequency range wireless communication. For example, wireless communication device 18 may be used to cover the frequency ranges of communication, as ranges of voice and data services on a cellular phone at a frequency of 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz communication band at 2100 MHz ranges Wi-Fi ® (IEEE 802.11) at 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz (also sometimes referred to as a wireless local area network, or ranges WLAN), Bluetooth® range of 2.4 GHz and a range of global positioning system (GPS) at a frequency of 1550 MHz.

Device 10 can cover these communications bands and other frequency bands used in the respective communication configuration of antenna structures in wireless communication circuit 18. The device 10 may be any applicable antenna structure. For example, the device 10 may be a single antenna or multiple antennas. Each of the antennas in device 10 may be used to cover a single communications band or each antenna may cover multiple frequency bands of communication. If desired, one or more antennas may cover a single band, while each of the one or more additional antennas are used to cover multiple frequency bands.

2 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system that can be used in the circuit 18 of Figure 1 in the device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the wireless communication circuit 44 may comprise one or more antennas such as antenna 62, and may contain circuit input - output radio frequency 90. During operation signaling circuit 90 can output radio frequency signals, which are transmitted by the antenna 62. During operation reception circuit 90 can receive radio frequency signals, which are received by antennas 62.

Data signals to be transmitted to the device 10 may be sent to the baseband unit 52 (e.g., from the circuit data storage 12 in Figure 1). The baseband unit 52 may be implemented using a single integrated circuit (e.g., the baseband processor integrated circuit) or using multiple circuits. The baseband processor 52 may receive signals to be transmitted through the antenna 62 at input line 89 (e.g., from storage and processing circuitry 12 of data). The baseband processor 52 may provide signals that are to be transmitted to transmitter circuitry in the transceiver circuit 54. The RF transmitter circuit may be connected to the power amplifier circuit 56 via line 55. The control line 88 may receive control signals from storage and processing circuitry 12 of data (Figure .1). These control signals may be used to control the power of radio frequency signals that the transmitter circuit in the transceiver circuit 54 sends via line 55 to the input of power amplifier 56. The power level of the transmitted RF signal is sometimes referred to herein as Pin, because it represents the power supplied to the input power amplifier circuit 56.

During data transmission, power amplifier circuitry 56 can increase the output power of transmitted signals to a sufficiently high level that provides adequate signal transmission. The circuit 57 may comprise a radio frequency duplexer and other radio-frequency output stage circuitry which the switches and RF passives. Switches may, if desired, be used to switch circuitry 44 between the transmission mode and reception mode. For routing input and output signals based on their frequency, may be used in duplex filter 57.

Matching circuit 60 may comprise a network of passive components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors, and to ensure that the antenna structure 62 will be coordinated with the rest of the impedance of the circuit 44. The wireless signals that are received by antenna structures 62, can be transferred to the scheme a receiver in a transceiver circuit 54 via a line such as line 64.

Each power amplifier (e.g., each power amplifier in power amplifiers 56) may include one or more power amplifier stages such as stages 70. As an example, each power amplifier can be used to resolve a particular communication frequency band and each such power amplifier can have three series-connected power amplifier stage 70. Cascades 70 may have inputs such as inputs 72 to which a bias voltage and other input signals. These input signals may be provided with signal transmission lines, such as line 76. The control signals from storage and processing circuitry 12, the data can be used to selectively enable and disable stages 70. Bias voltage may be supplied to inputs 72 using line 86.

Selective activation and deactivation of the power amplifier stages 70 can be set to different modes of amplification. For example, the power amplifier may be set to a high gain, using all three of power amplifier stages 70 or may be set to a low gain, actuation of the two stages of power amplifier. If desired, it can be used, and other configurations. For example, operation with very low gain can be maintained by including only one of three gain stages or may be formed by a configuration having more than three setpoints mode gain, by selective activation of the other combinations of gain stages (e.g., in power amplifiers with three or more than three stages amplification).

Scheme regulated power supply, such as a regulated power supply circuit 78 may be powered by voltage source 83. Voltage source 83 may be, for example, rechargeable battery, such as a battery 14 in Figure 1. Source 83 may supply a positive battery voltage to adjustable power supply circuitry 78 to the positive terminal of power source 82, and may supply the ground voltage to adjustable power supply circuitry 78 to the ground terminal power source 84. Power source 83 may be implemented using a lithium ion battery, lithium polymer battery or any other battery type used.

Initially, the voltage supplied to the battery may be high. As soon as the battery will be discharged, the voltage supplied from the battery will gradually fall. Using a regulated power supply circuit 78 the voltage Vcc, which is supplied to the power amplifier circuit 56 through the power supply voltage line 86 can be maintained at a desired level. For example, the power supply circuit 78 may, under appropriate conditions, receive a fresh battery voltage from source 83 that drops with time and may produce a relatively constant output power Vcc on output line 86. This helps avoid wasteful situations in which the power amplifier circuit 56 is fed excessively high voltages when the battery source 83 is fresh. Such excess voltage can lead to uneconomical power consumption circuit 56.

Scheme regulated power supply 78 can be controlled by control signals received on lines such as line 80. The control signals are supplied to the regulated power supply circuit 78 from the circuit data storage and processing 12 (Figure 1) or by any other suitable control circuitry (e.g. , circuitry implemented in baseband module 52, circuitry in transceiver 54, etc.). In the example of Figure 2 the transceiver circuit 54 comprises a storage circuit and processing system 92 which may be used in the management of the regulated power supply circuit 78. The circuit storage and processing circuitry 92 may include cubic metric calculator circuit 94 and digital to analog converter (DAC) 96 . cubic metric calculator 94 may compute a wireless communications parameter called the cubic metric from known attributes of the radio frequency signals, which are transmitted in the current circuit 44.

The circuit data storage and processing unit 92 may comprise a table of predetermined control values ​​to be used in the management of the power supply circuit 78. This table can contain a list of bias voltages (Vcc values) that should be provided to adjustable power supply circuitry 78. Storage and processing scheme data 92 may control the digital to analog converter 96 to generate appropriate control signals on line 80 (e.g., analog control voltages) based on the known operating conditions of circuitry 44 such as its current transmission mode (data or voice), the current value of the cubic metric (a value that is between 0 dB and 4 dB), and the desired value of output power Pout, which is to be established the power amplifier circuit 56 (e.g., the output power of the amplifier 56, measured at the output 98 of duplex filter 57), and based on the values ​​of predetermined control values in this table.

Control signals supplied from the DAC 96 on the line 80 may be used to regulate the magnitude of the positive power supply voltage Vcc, which is supplied to the power amplifier circuit 56 via line 86. These power supply voltage adjustments may be made at the same time, mode setting performed when the gain of the power amplifier circuit 56, and at the same time held power settings (Pin) on line 55.

The magnitude of the bias voltage Vcc, which is used to power a radio frequency power amplifier circuit 56 can sometimes be reduced to conserve power consumption. However, attention should be paid to ensure that the bias voltage is not reduced too much. If Vcc is reduced excessively, the power amplifier circuit 56 will not operate linearly and can be included in the restriction mode. If power is maintained at voltage Vcc, which are low enough to limit do not occur, the wireless communication circuitry 44 may exhibit excessive non-linearity and may not meet desired quality criteria, such as minimum required levels of adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR). In situations like this, the power amplifier circuit 56 is sometimes called a scheme having insufficient "operating range" to perform its intended function of the gain.

If Voltage Vcc is large enough, then the power amplifier circuit 56 will operate linearly and will not be included in the limit mode. The circuit of the power amplifier 56 is therefore able to handle signals with large peak value of the ratio of signal power to the average value (PAR). Signals with high data rate signals such as high-speed data transmission using HSUPA protocol, associated with relatively large PAR values. In situations in which power amplifier circuitry 56 is powered sufficiently large bias voltage Vcc, power amplifier circuitry 56 will therefore exhibit sufficient range for manipulating these signals with a high data rate.

Figure 3 is a graph showing how the rate at which data is transmitted from the device 10, and so the ratio of the peak value of the signal power to the average power of the transmitted RF signal may vary as a function of time. At time to the amount of data transmitted from circuitry 44 may be relatively small (i.e., less than TDR1). This allows the device 10 and the circuit 44 to operate at a relatively low data rate and corresponding low peak values ​​of signal power to the average value (PAR), in the case where the user device 10 on the phone, or only transmits data at a relatively low data rate Protocol HSUPA.

When the device 10 to load more data, required data rate can increase. In the example of Figure 3 the rate at which data is loaded, is relatively high (i.e., between TDR1 and TDR2) in the interval between times t1 and t2. These higher data rates are associated mainly with high PAR values. Large data rates may be used, for example, to match the transmission of large files (e.g., joining, such as pictures, e-mail) or to meet high speed data transmission of streaming data. Examples of operations that may require a higher data rate, a video transmission (for example, to talk on the videophone) and games. This is merely illustrative examples. In general, the device 10 may, if desired, run any application tasks that require high data rates.

The need to transfer large amounts of data is usually short-lived. For example, the user may need to upload a picture. During a load operation (i.e., from the time t1 to the time t2 in the example of Figure 3) the ratio of the peak value of the signal power to the average value for the transmitted signal may be relatively high (e.g., 8 dB). When the download is completed (e.g., after time t2 in the example of Figure 3), the user may only need to make a voice call with device 10. During the call, the peak-signal power to the average power of the transmitted signal may be relatively low (e.g., 3.5 dB).

To control these time-varying requirements without excessive consumption of energy storage circuit and data processing device 10 can control the regulated power supply circuit 78 and adjust the bias voltage Vcc in real time. When link quality is poor and / or when the transmitted signals require a high data transfer rate, the voltage Vcc may be increased to ensure that the power amplifier circuit 56 will have a sufficient working range. When link quality improves and / aphids when the required data rate of transmitted signals decreases (e.g., charging small amounts of data or voice mode), the voltage Vcc can be reduced. These decreased values ​​of Vcc voltage can reduce the amount of power consumed by power amplifier circuitry 56.

Wireless channels, such as those associated with 2G protocols, sometimes support only relatively low loading speed data (for example, 1 Mbit / s or less). More wireless channels, such as those associated with the protocol 3G high-speed satellite communications to packet access (HSUPA) mobile telephony can support significantly higher download speeds (eg, up to several Mbit / s or even five Mbit / s or more, or seven Mbit / s or more). Operation in voice mode (in which the user only loaded voice data) require, in general, low data rates (typically less than 100 kbit / s, and substantially less than 1 Mbit / s). Loading operations in data mode may require significant download speed, especially when the data mode is a mode of data HSUPA. To ensure sufficient linearity and low noise amplifier circuits 56 to power amplifier circuitry 56 may be fed elevated bias voltage each time increasing the data rate. For example, it may be filed higher bias voltage when the data loading speed exceeds 5 Mbit / s, than when the load speed is less than 1 Mbit / sec or 2 Mbit / s.Povysheniya bias voltage can also be made depending on mode ( e.g., minimal offset - for voice mode and more bias - for HSUPA mode, particularly at higher HSUPA data rates).

Required transmission power levels are typically determined based on received transmit power control commands (TCP). When the base station determines that the communication channel with the device 10 of poor quality, the base station can transmit the TCP command device 10 that instructs device 10 to increase its power output. When the base station determines that the link quality is good and that the power generated by the device 10 is more than sufficient, the base station may command TCP, which instructs the unit 10 to decrease its output power. This reduced output to prevent the creation of device 10 interference in the work of neighboring devices. Reduced demand for output power level also enables to save power consumption due to the fact that the slide is provided the bias voltage Vcc, which is created by the regulated power supply circuit 78.

Scheme regulated power supply 78 may be implemented using a FET inverter / Fr or any other suitable power conversion circuit. Circuit 78 may receive a relatively higher voltage Vccbatt from the battery 83 through the power supply line 82 and can create an appropriate variable voltage power source Vcc at a relatively lower voltage Vcc at output line 86. In a typical configuration, the battery voltage Vccbatt may range from about 4.3 volts to 3.6 volts and output voltage Vcc may range from about 3.6 volts to 2.7 volts. Voltage Vcc may be adjusted based on the control signal received on line 80. Voltage Vcc may be adjusted continuously (e.g., to produce any desired output voltage in the range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts or other suitable range) or may be set for one or two selected from more discrete levels (for example, 2.7 volts, 3.0 volts, 3.4 volts, 3.6 volts, etc.).

A power amplifier circuit 56 may comprise a plurality of power amplifiers, each of which operates on a different frequency range communications (e.g., communications frequency bands such as 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz). If desired, some or all of power amplifiers in the circuit 56 can operate on multiple communication frequency band (e.g., with the adjacent bands).

Driving the power amplifier 56 can receive control signals via line 76. These control signals may be used to selectively enable or disable specific circuit blocks in each power amplifier. This type of adjustment may be used to set each of the power amplifier 56 in a desired gain mode. In a dual-mode configuration, each power amplifier can be set to either a high gain mode or a low gain mode. If desired, can be supported by other types of multi-mode configurations (e.g., configurations in which power amplifiers 56 can be configured to operate at three or more different predetermined gain values).

Work power amplifier circuit 56 at bias voltages at which created more than necessary operating range can lead to unnecessary costs power. Accordingly, the circuit data storage 12 may be configured in real time value of power source voltage Vcc to minimize power consumption. The graph 4 illustrates an approach in which bias voltage Vcc may be selectively reduced to save power consumption as a function of the required transmit power level Pout.

The curve in Figure 4 shows how the power supply voltage Vcc of the power amplifier circuit 56 can be lowered to minimize power consumption (assuming that requires a fixed bit rate). The amount of power that may be saved depends, in this example on the value of the output power that is required at the output of the power amplifier 56. When required (e.g., in accordance with a command TCP wireless network or other requirement), the power amplifier can operate at the highest its operating voltage Vcc. For example, when the required output power of 24 dBm (in the example in Figure 4), the power amplifier can be set to their high gain and can be supplied power supply voltage V2 (point 100 on line 102). When low output power is required, such as 21 dBm, it is no more necessary to operate the power amplifier at V2. Preferably, the power supply voltage of the power amplifier has been lowered to a value Vcc voltage V1 (point 104 on line 102). This reduces power consumption. If the required lower output power value, then Vcc can be reduced further.

The efficiency of the converter FET / FET 78 and other power control circuits can influence the operating voltage Vcc and operating current Icc, which are created at the inverter output PT / PT 78. For large values ​​of output voltages Vcc and large values ​​of output currents Icc circuit components regulated power supply, such as inverters PT / PT, can operate at peak performance. At lower levels of Vcc and Ice performance tends to decrease. Therefore, it may be the most effective reduction of the power supply voltage Vcc only in situations where savings in consumption of the power amplifier, which is achieved by reduction Vcc, is not compensated by an increase in power consumption of the inverter FET / FET 78. When Vcc is reduced, the current and voltage of power source used for powering power amplifier 56 tend to fall and overall consumption of power is reduced because the reduction in consumption of the power amplifier is not compensated for the power loss due to power supply control circuitry 78 in an inefficient regime. As a result of these considerations, it is desirable to decrease the magnitude Vcc to no less than VT, even at required output powers less than PT (as an example).

In addition to adjusting Vcc, based on the requirements for output power, Vcc can be adjusted based on the required data rate and associated PAR values. Low data rate correspond to calls and a small amount of data downloaded (for example, browsing the Web). Higher data rates correspond to downloading large files and participate in services with high-speed data (eg, video conferencing, games, etc.). The circuit data storage and processing unit 92 may determine which types of applications are activated at a given time on the device 10. For example, the circuit data storage and processing unit 92 may determine when a user conducts a voice telephone call (i.e., device 10 is in voice mode) and can determine when a user uploads data (i.e., the device 10 is in data mode and loading data other than data associated with a normal voice telephone conversation). This information can be collected by the scheme storing and processing data 92 monitoring when applied tasks are performed on the device 10, and polling active applications for status information.

The circuit data storage and processing unit 92 may comprise hardware and software resources for computing an appropriate bias voltage Vcc, as a function of the requirements of data rate (and associated PAR requirements) of the device 10. To represent the desired voltage value Vcc can be any suitable parameter based on data rate circuit 44. In one configuration is employed as described herein as an example, the components in the transceiver circuit 54 are used to implement a cubic metric calculator 94. The calculator 94 calculates the cubic metric is well known parameter of the cubic metric (CM). During transmission, the magnitude of adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) for a given channel depends on the third order nonlinearity of the gain characteristics of the power amplifier circuit. When provided with high data rates and associated peak-to-average power value in the transmitted signal, it is necessary that the power amplifier circuit 56 has been supplied to at relatively high bias voltages, which ensures adequate amplifier linearity and thereby ensures that do not exceed the minimum the desired level of ACLR. Cubic metric calculator 94 can quantify the amount of increase Vcc, which is needed for a given peak-signal power to the average value and the corresponding data rate. In particular, calculator 94 can compute cubic metric CM based on the current channel configuration signaling transmitted schemes IO RF 90 so that the circuit data storage and processing may use the value of CM that is computed in real time to determine how to configure Vcc. Because the value of the CM sensitive to the increasing Vcc, which is necessary to meet the increase in PAR and data rates, the value of SM is sometimes called the baud rate.

It may be used any suitable control algorithm scheme. In one applicable configuration is described here as an example, the circuit data storage and processing unit 92 may use a lookup table such as Table 106 in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, table 106 may have rows and columns of possible values ​​for bias voltage Vcc. Value Vcc, to be used depends on the desired output power Pout of the signal transmitted at the current time. Meaning of Vcc also depends on whether device 10 is currently in the voice mode or data mode (e.g., HSUPA data mode), and if it works in data mode, - the data rate.

To represent the conditions under which there is a need to increase the bias voltage may be any suitable parameter that is sensitive to the speed of downloading data. For example, the table 106 may be filled with the desired value of the bias voltage Vcc, corresponding to different data rates (in Mb / s). There is no need that the setting data transmission rate was directly proportional to the data rate, since the value of the baud rate reflects differences between situations in which the desired relatively low bias voltage (i.e., when the parameter data rate is relatively low), and situations in which the desired relatively high bias voltage (i.e., when the data transmission rate parameter has a relatively high value). In one of the configurations applicable, the lookup table 106 has bias voltage values ​​that change as a function of the value of the cubic metric CM. However, this is merely illustrative. Values ​​lookup table can vary as a function of any other suitable data transmission rate parameter that represents how much power amplifier bias values ​​should be used.

The graph in Figure 6 illustrates how voltage Vcc can be adjusted as a function of different operating conditions. As should be kept relatively low data rate (eg, speed, associated with voice call or values, see the 0 dB), power amplifier circuit 56 may be offset by the value of the bias voltage Vcc, selected from the curve 108. For example, the bias voltage of 2.7 volts (point A) can be used to bias the power amplifier circuit 56 when required output power 21 dBm (for example, when the channel quality is good because the user is close to the base station). The circuit data storage and processing unit 92 may use the first column of the table 106 in Figure 5 to find an appropriate value of the bias voltage based on the known output power value (21 dBm).

If the quality of the channel between the device 10 and its associated base station degrades (e.g., because the user moves to a place which is more remote from the base station), the base station may instruct the TCP device 10 that instructs device 10 to increase the output power to 24 dBm. To ensure that the quality of the power amplifier is acceptable under these operating conditions (e.g., to ensure that minimum ACLR achieved), device 10 can increase Vcc to 3.0 volts (point B on curve 108).

If the device 10 is operated in data mode and requires a relatively high data rates (e.g., CM = 2), device 10 can select Vcc values ​​power amplifier circuit 56 using curve 110. If the required output power is 21 dBm (for example), device 10 may provide the value 3.4 volts to power amplifier circuitry 56 (point C). The value of 3.6 volts Vcc may be applied to the power amplifier circuit 56 (point D), if the required power output increases up to 24 dBm. Table 106 in Figure 5 may be any suitable number of columns and any number of lines corresponding to the proper setting of the bias voltage on the graph 6 (as shown schematically by the dotted line 111). The use of two lines 108 and 110 in Figure 6 and the use of several different cubic metric values ​​(CM = 0, 1, 2, ...) in table 106 in Figure 5 are merely illustrative examples.

Graph 7 shows the operations included in the formation of a real-time setting of the bias voltage of the power amplifier circuit 56. Figure 7 shows four discrete operating states (states 112, 114, 116 and 118), representing a simplified example. During normal operation will usually occur other requirements for output power Pout and the data rate.

The apparatus 10 may be initially operated in a state 112 which corresponds to point A on line 108 of Figure 6. In this state, the device 10 is operating in voice mode (e.g., the user is in conversation on the phone) or the data is loaded at a rate which corresponds to the value SM 0 dB (i.e., a low PAR value). The quality of the wireless channel between the device 10 and the external equipment, which communicates with the device 10 (for example, network equipment such as base stations of cellular telephony), is relatively high, so the demand for output power Pout is relatively low. In this state, Vcc may be 2.7 volts (as an example).

If the channel quality degrades, device 10 can increase the output power Pout of power amplifier 56 to 24 dBm, and thus to increase the bias voltage Vcc for power amplifier 56 to ensure that the quality will remain acceptable. In this situation, device 10 will operate in state 114 (point B on line 108 in the example in Figure 6).

If the channel quality improves without any change in the data transmission mode (voice or data) and without any change in the data rate, the device 10 may return to state 112.

If the device 10 is operating in state 112 and the application task, which is performed on device 10 requires an increased data transmission rate (for example, downloading a large data file or to support a service with a high data rate, such as a service in which device 10 uploads video), device 10 may increase bias voltage Vcc of the power amplifier 56 to 3.4 volts without increasing output power Pout. In this configuration, which corresponds to an illustrative cubic metric value of 2 dB (i.e., increased PAR value), device 10 may operate in state 116 (point C on line 110 in the example in Figure 6).

When the device 10 is operating in state 116 and the quality of the wireless channel between the device 10 and a base station deteriorates, the base station can request the device 10 to increase its output power to 24 dBm. In this situation, device 10 may increase its output power to 24 dBm and may simultaneously increase the bias voltage of the power amplifier 56 to 3.6 volts to ensure that it will maintain the required quality criteria (e.g., minimum ACLR values). When working in this way, the device 10 is in state 118, which corresponds to point D on line 110 in the example of Figure 6.

Settings such as settings in Figure 7, can be made using the adjustable power supply in real time to ensure that the constraints will be satisfied in quality, while power consumption is reduced.

In accordance with an embodiment, it is proposed scheme wirelessly to a portable electronic device comprising a power amplifier circuit a radio frequency, which amplifies the radio frequency signals transmitted from the portable electronic device with a data rate scheme regulated power supply which supplies the regulated voltage supply circuit a radio frequency power amplifier, and circuit data storage and processing, which controls a variable power supply, and supplies a controlled supply voltage to the radio frequency power amplifier circuitry at a level that is selected based at least in part, the data rate.

In accordance with another embodiment, the circuit data storage and processing comprises a calculator cubic metric that calculates the cubic metric of the transmitted radio frequency signal, and the circuit data storage and processing controls a variable power supply and supplies the variable voltage power source, based at least in part, on the cubic metric.

In accordance with another embodiment, the circuit data storage and processing comprises a digital to analog converter that supplies an analog control signal to the variable power supply circuit, based at least in part, on this cubic metric.

In accordance with another embodiment, the storage circuit and stores the data look-up table, which circuit data storage and processing uses in determining appropriate levels of the regulated supply voltage.

In accordance with another embodiment, the circuit data storage and processing comprises a digital to analog converter that supplies an analog control signal to the variable power supply circuit, based at least in part on the data rate.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the radio frequency signals comprise voice data when the wireless communication circuitry operates in the first mode, radio frequency signals also contain data fast satellite communication packet access at a speed download more data than 5 Mbit / s, when the wireless communication circuitry operates in the second mode, and the circuit data storage and processing is configured so that the control circuit and regulated power supply supplies regulated voltage power to a radio frequency power amplifier circuitry at a lower value during the first mode than during the second mode.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, wireless communication circuitry operates using power from the battery, wireless communication circuitry also includes input storage battery in circuit regulated power supply which receives battery voltage from the battery and the output voltage of the power supply from which the controlled power supply voltage supplied to the RF power amplifier circuit, and an adjustable power supply voltage lower than the battery voltage.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the proposed electronic device comprising a circuit input-output radio frequencies, which sends the wirelessly transmitted radio frequency signals from the electronic device to external equipment, the power amplifier circuit a radio frequency, which amplifies the radio frequency circuitry regulated power supply which supplies the regulated voltage source supply circuit of the power amplifier RF and circuit data storage and processing, which determines whether the electronic device in the voice mode or in data mode, and which controls a variable power supply for supplying a regulated voltage supply circuit of the power amplifier RF level, which is selected based at least partly on the result of determining whether the electronic device in the voice mode or working mode data.

In accordance with another embodiment, the data mode includes a high-speed data mode satellite communications packet access, wherein the RF signals comprise data loaded at a data rate of at least 5 Mbit / s.

In accordance with another embodiment, the voice mode comprises a mode in which the radio frequency signals represent data downloaded with a data rate of less than 100 kbit / s.

In accordance with another embodiment, the circuit data storage and processing comprises a calculator cubic metric that calculates the cubic metric of radio frequency signals transmitted at the current time, and location data storage and processing is configured to control circuitry regulated supply voltage and supplying the regulated supply voltage at radio frequency power amplifier circuitry at a level that is selected based at least in part on the computed cubic metric.

In accordance with another embodiment, the storage circuit and stores the data look-up table, which circuit data storage and processing uses in determining appropriate levels of the regulated supply voltage.

In accordance with another embodiment, the circuit data storage and processing stores a lookup table, which circuit data storage and processing uses in determining appropriate levels of regulated supply voltage and the circuit data storage and processing is configured to store records of the bias voltage in the reference table that vary as a function of the speed parameter data associated with many different data transmission rates of radio frequency signals.

In accordance with an embodiment, it is proposed a portable electronic device comprising a power amplifier circuit a radio frequency, which amplifies the radio frequency signals wirelessly transmitted from the portable electronic device, circuit data storage and processing scheme and an adjustable power supply that supplies an adjustable power supply voltage to the power amplifier circuit radio frequency based on the control signals received from the circuit data storage and processing, where the circuit data storage and processing controls the variable voltage power source for supplying a regulated voltage supply circuit of the power amplifier RF at a level that is selected based at least in part, on setting the data rate associated with the radio frequency signals.

In accordance with another embodiment, the circuit data storage and processing is configured to determine when the portable electronic device is operating in a voice mode in which the radio frequency signals are used to transmit data at a rate less than 100 kbit / s, and is configured to determine when the the portable electronic device is in data mode, wherein the radio frequency signals are used to transmit data at a rate of more than 1 Mbit / s, and the circuit data storage and processing is configured to control the variable voltage power supply for supplying regulated power supply voltage to the power amplifier RF at first level when the portable electronic device is in the voice mode and at a second level when the portable electronic device is in a data mode.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first level is less than the second level.

In accordance with another embodiment, setting the data rate includes a cubic metric and the storage circuit and the data processing comprises a cubic metric calculator that calculates the cubic metric.

In accordance with another embodiment, a portable electronic device comprises a cellular telephone, a storage circuit and processing system comprises a cubic metric calculator that calculates a transmission rate.

In accordance with another embodiment, the circuit data storage and processing is configured to control the variable voltage power supply and a regulated power supply voltage to the radio frequency power amplifier circuitry based on desired output power levels of radio frequency power amplifier circuit.

In accordance with another embodiment, setting the data rate includes a cubic metric, the circuit data storage and processing stores a lookup table, which circuit data storage and processing uses in determining appropriate levels of regulated voltage supply and the reference table contains rows offset voltage that changes as a function of desired output power levels of radio frequency power amplifier and that vary as a function of the cubic metric.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and those skilled in the art may be subjected to various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented individually or in any combination.