KR20110127867A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling driving voltage of power amplifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal and a method for controlling a driving voltage of a power amplifier are provided to supply optimized driving voltage with a power amplifier module. CONSTITUTION: A modem(310) controls the operating mode of the power amplification module. A power detecting unit(330) outputs a power detecting value by detecting the power strength of an RF signal which is outputted from the power amplifier module. A power comparing unit(350) compares a predetermined reference power value and the power detecting value. A DCDC converter(340) supplies the driving voltage corresponding to the result value of the power comparing unit and the operation mode of the power amplifying module with the power amplifying module.

Description

Mobile terminal and method for controlling driving voltage of power amplifier

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a driving voltage of a mobile terminal and a power amplification module which can minimize the current consumption of the power amplification module according to the reception strength.

The terminal can move And can be divided into a mobile / portable terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may be further classified into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mount terminal according to whether a user can directly carry it.

Such a terminal has various functions, for example, in the form of a multimedia device having multiple functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, reception of a game and broadcasting, etc. .

In order to support and increase the function of such a terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and / or the software part of the terminal.

An antenna is a device that performs a function of encoding or decoding an electric signal as a radio wave, and an antenna used in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone can be largely divided into an external type and an internal type.

In case of an external antenna, the antenna protrudes out of the mobile terminal, which is inconvenient for the user, and the volume of the mobile terminal increases due to the internal space occupied by the antenna. It can be reduced, but still has a disadvantage of occupying a small volume.

On the other hand, conventionally, regardless of the strength of the signal received during the call, the amount of current of the battery supplied to the power amplification module is set to be the same.

According to this method, although a predetermined battery current is supplied for smooth call duration at a weak reception strength, the same battery current is supplied even at a strong reception strength, thereby consuming much battery current.

In addition, since excessive current consumption occurs, the mobile terminal generates heat and there is a problem in that the call usage time is reduced.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a driving voltage of a mobile terminal and a power amplification module which can minimize a current consumption of a power amplification module according to a reception strength.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a driving voltage of a mobile terminal and a power amplifying module which can further subdivide each operation mode of the power amplifying module to supply an optimal driving voltage to the power amplifying module.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling a driving voltage of a mobile terminal and a power amplification module that can reduce heat during a call and increase a duration of a battery.

The mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above problem has a plurality of operating modes, and transmits the RF signal to the power amplification module and the power amplification module for amplifying the power strength of the RF signal, the power amplification A modem for controlling an operating mode of the module; And a power detector for detecting a power intensity of the RF signal output from the power amplification module and outputting a power detection value.

The mobile terminal may further include a power comparison unit for comparing the power detection value with a predetermined reference power value; And a DCDC converter supplying a driving voltage corresponding to an operation mode of the power amplification module and a result value of the power comparator to the power amplification module.

The driving voltage may be divided into a high driving voltage, a middle driving voltage, and a low driving voltage according to an operation mode of the power amplification module.

In addition, each driving voltage may be divided into first and second driving voltages according to the result of the power comparison unit.

In addition, in the DCDC converter, the first driving voltage may be selected when the power detection value is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference power value, and may be selected as the second driving voltage when the power detection value is smaller than the predetermined reference power value.

In addition, the first driving voltage may be greater than the second driving voltage.

In addition, the operation mode of the power amplification module may include a high power mode, a middle power mode and a low power mode.

The DCDC converter may further include a memory unit configured to store a plurality of driving voltages corresponding to a result value of the power comparison unit and an operation mode of the power amplification module; And a switching unit which selects one driving voltage according to a result value of the power comparison unit and an operation mode of the power amplification module.

In addition, the reference power value may be determined according to an operation mode of the power amplification module.

In addition, the power comparison unit may be provided with a reference voltage corresponding to each operation mode of the power amplification module.

In addition, the reference power value may increase from the low middle power to the high middle power.

In addition, the driving voltage may be a minimum voltage satisfying the adjacent channel leakage ratio according to the operation mode of the power amplification module.

The mobile terminal may further include a comparison voltage generator provided between the modem and the power detector and outputting a comparison voltage according to an operation mode of the power amplification module to the power detector.

The modem may include a driving signal generator for controlling on / off of at least one of a power amplification module, a DCDC converter, and a power comparator.

A driving voltage control method of a power amplification module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) comparing the output of the power amplification module with a reference power value; (b) determining an operation mode of the power amplification module; (c) outputting a driving value according to the operation value and the resultant value in step (a); And (d) transferring the driving voltage to a power amplification module.

The driving voltage may be divided into a high driving voltage, a middle driving voltage, and a low driving voltage according to an operation mode of the power amplification module.

In addition, each driving voltage may be divided into first and second driving voltages according to the result of the power comparison unit.

In addition, the operation mode of the power amplification module may include a high power mode, a middle power mode and a low power mode.

According to the driving voltage control method of the mobile terminal and the power amplification module according to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to minimize the current consumption of the power amplification module according to the reception strength.

In addition, according to the driving voltage control method of the mobile terminal and the power amplification module according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further subdivide each operation mode of the power amplification module to supply the optimum driving voltage to the power amplification module.

In addition, according to the driving voltage control method of the mobile terminal and the power amplification module according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce heat generation during a call and increase the duration of the battery.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;
4 and 5 are block diagrams of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating a relationship between an output and a driving voltage of a power amplification module constituting a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a relationship between an output of a power amplification module and a current consumption of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other.

The mobile terminal described herein may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, etc., except when applicable only to mobile terminals.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, and an interface. The unit 170, the controller 180, and the power supply unit 190 may be included. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, so that a mobile terminal having more or fewer components may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and a network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal having a data broadcast signal combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast related information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 may include, for example, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO), and Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-H). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as Handheld and Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for not only the above-described digital broadcasting system but also other broadcasting systems.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access and may be embedded or external to the mobile terminal 100. Wireless Internet technologies may include Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. As a short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like may be used.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) module.

Referring to FIG. 1, the A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video call mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151.

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided according to the use environment.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. The microphone 122 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for the user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 detects a current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, a location of the mobile terminal 100, presence or absence of a user contact, orientation of the mobile terminal, acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal, and the like. To generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to the external device may be sensed. The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 is used to generate an output related to sight, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154. Can be.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in a call mode, the mobile terminal displays a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays photographed and / or received images, a UI, and a GUI.

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display (flexible). and at least one of a 3D display.

Some of these displays can be configured to be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen from the outside. This may be referred to as a transparent display. A representative example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparant OLED). The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be configured as a light transmissive structure. With this structure, the user can see the object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

There may be two or more display units 151 according to the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, in the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of display portions may be spaced apart from one another, or may be disposed integrally with one another, and may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

When the display unit 151 and a sensor for detecting a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as a touch sensor) form a mutual layer structure (hereinafter referred to as a touch screen), the display unit 151 may be configured in addition to an output device. Can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect not only the position and area of the touch but also the pressure at the touch.

If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched.

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is surrounded by the touch screen. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object present in the vicinity without using a mechanical contact by using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. Proximity sensors have a longer life and higher utilization than touch sensors.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the touch screen is configured to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the act of allowing the pointer to be recognized without being in contact with the touch screen so that the pointer is located on the touch screen is referred to as a "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "contact touch." The position where the proximity touch is performed by the pointer on the touch screen refers to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen when the pointer is in proximity proximity.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, and a proximity touch movement state). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The sound output module 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output module 152 may also output a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and touch input. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying occurrence of an event in a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152, so that they 151 and 152 may be classified as part of the alarm unit 153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. Vibration is a representative example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 154. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or may be sequentially output.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 154 may be configured to provide a pin array that vertically moves with respect to the contact skin surface, a jetting force or suction force of air through the jetting or suction port, grazing to the skin surface, contact of the electrode, electrostatic force, and the like. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as effects by the endothermic and the reproduction of a sense of cold using the elements capable of endotherm or heat generation.

The haptic module 154 may not only deliver the haptic effect through direct contact, but also may implement the user to feel the haptic effect through a muscle sense such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 154 may be provided according to configuration aspects of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and may temporarily store input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 160 may store data regarding vibration and sound of various patterns output when a touch input on the touch screen is performed.

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM (Random Access Memory, RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Magnetic Memory, Magnetic It may include a storage medium of at least one type of disk, optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM), and a universal user authentication module ( Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the port.

The interface unit may be a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or various command signals input from the cradle by a user may be transferred. It may be a passage that is delivered to the terminal. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for playing multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the controller 180 or may be implemented separately from the controller 180.

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing a writing input or a drawing input performed on the touch screen as text and an image, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electronic units for performing other functions. In some cases, May be implemented by the control unit 180.

In a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that allow at least one function or operation to be performed. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software codes are stored in the memory 160 and can be executed by the control unit 180. [

2 is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;

The disclosed mobile terminal 100 has a terminal body having a bar shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, a swivel type, and two or more bodies are coupled to be relatively movable.

The body includes a casing (casing, housing, cover, etc.) that forms an exterior. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are built in the space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The display unit 151, the audio output unit 152, the camera 121, the user input units 130/131 and 132, the microphone 122, and the interface 170 may be disposed in the terminal body, mainly the front case 101. have.

The display unit 151 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 101. A sound output unit 151 and a camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151 and a user input unit 131 and a microphone 122 are disposed in an area adjacent to the other end. The user input unit 132 and the interface 170 may be disposed on side surfaces of the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The manipulation units 131 and 132 may also be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the tactile manner with a tactile feeling.

Content input by the first or second manipulation units 131 and 132 may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 131 receives commands such as start, end, scroll, and the like, and the second operation unit 132 controls the size of the sound output from the sound output unit 152 or the size of the sound output from the display unit 151 To the touch recognition mode of the touch screen.

3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, a camera 121 ′ may be additionally mounted on the rear of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 102. The camera 121 ′ has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the camera 121 (see FIG. 2), and may be a camera having different pixels from the camera 121.

For example, the camera 121 has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call, and the camera 121 'photographs a general subject and does not transmit it immediately. It is desirable to have a high pixel because there are many. The cameras 121 and 121 'may be installed in the terminal body so as to be rotatable or pop-upable.

A flash 123 and a mirror 124 are further disposed adjacent to the camera 121 '. The flash 123 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera 121 '. The mirror 124 allows the user to see his / her own face or the like when photographing (self-photographing) the user using the camera 121 '.

The sound output unit 152 'may be further disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The sound output unit 152 ′ may implement a stereo function together with the sound output unit 152 (see FIG. 2), and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

In addition to the antenna for a call or the like, a broadcast signal reception antenna 124 may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. The antenna 124 constituting a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1) may be installed to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body.

The terminal body is equipped with a power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may be embedded in the terminal body or may be directly detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The rear case 102 may be further equipped with a touch pad 135 for sensing a touch. Like the display unit 151, the touch pad 135 may also be configured to have a light transmission type. In this case, if the display unit 151 is configured to output visual information from both sides, the visual information may be recognized through the touch pad 135. The information output on both surfaces may be controlled by the touch pad 135. Alternatively, a display may be additionally mounted on the touch pad 135, and a touch screen may be disposed on the rear case 102 as well.

The touch pad 135 operates in association with the display unit 151 of the front case 101. The touch pad 135 may be disposed in parallel to the rear of the display unit 151. The touch pad 135 may have the same or smaller size as the display unit 151.

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention has been described in terms of components according to functions and arrangement of the components.

Hereinafter, a driving voltage control method of a mobile terminal and a power amplification module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

4 and 5 are block diagrams of mobile terminals 300 and 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5, the mobile terminal 300, 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of operating modes, and the power amplification module 320, 420 for amplifying the power strength of the RF signal; It includes a modem (310, 410) for transmitting the RF signal to the power amplification module (320, 420), and controls the operation mode of the power amplification module (320, 420).

In addition, the mobile terminals 300 and 400 detect a power intensity of the RF signals output from the power amplification modules 320 and 420 and output a power detection value Vcon (eg, a detection voltage). 430, an operation mode of the power comparison unit 350 or 450 and the power amplification module 320 or 420 for comparing the power detection value Vcon with a predetermined reference power value (for example, a reference voltage). And DCDC converters 340 and 440 for supplying a driving voltage Vout corresponding to the result values of the power comparison units 350 and 450 to the power amplification modules 320 and 420.

4 and 5, the RF transmitters 311 and 411 receive baseband signals wirelessly transmitted from the modems 310 and 410, convert the baseband signals into RF signals, and output the RF signals to the power amplification modules 320 and 420. do.

Here, filters 370 and 470 may be further disposed between the RF transmitters 311 and 411 and power amplification modules 320 and 420, and the filters 370 and 470 may be RF transmitters 311 and 411. It serves to match the RF signal output from the power amplifier module (320, 420) suitable.

In addition, the power amplification modules 320 and 420 are output through the RF transmitters 311 and 411 according to amplification modes selected from various amplification modes using the driving voltages Vout input from the DCDC converters 340 and 440. Amplifies the power intensity of the RF signal and outputs it to the antennas 301 and 401. The amplification mode corresponds to the operation modes of the power amplification modules 320 and 420 described above.

In detail, the power amplification modules 320 and 420 amplify a high frequency signal and transmit the amplified high frequency signal to a duplexer (not shown), and the antennas 301 and 401 radiate the high frequency signal transmitted through the duplexer to an air channel.

Output power (dBm) of the power amplification modules 320 and 420 is input to the power detectors 330 and 430, and the power detection units 330 and 430 are output to the output (dBm) of the power amplification modules 320 and 420. The signal is converted into the corresponding detection voltage Vcon and transferred to the DCDC converters 340 and 440.

Referring to FIG. 4, the driving voltage Vout may be divided into a high driving voltage, a middle driving voltage, and a low driving voltage according to an operation mode of the power amplification module 320. The first and second driving voltages may be classified according to the result value of 350.

Here, in the DCDC converters 340 and 440, the first driving voltage is selected when the power detection value Vcon is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference power value, and when the power detection value Vcon is smaller than the predetermined reference power value, the first driving voltage is selected. The second driving voltage may be selected, and the first driving voltage may be greater than the second driving voltage.

The operation mode controllers 313 and 413 determine an operation mode of the power amplification module 320 by determining the strength of the signal received from the RF receiver (not shown) and / or the output (dBm) range of the power amplification module 320. The controller generates a signal corresponding to each operation mode and provides the signal to the power amplification module 320 and the DCDC converters 340 and 440.

For example, a signal is received from the air through the antennas 301 and 401 to a duplexer (not shown), and the electric field strength is detected based on the received signal, and the power amplification module 320 is controlled according to the electric field strength. An operating mode of 420 may be determined.

In addition, the operation mode of the power amplification module 320, 420 may include a high power mode, a middle power mode and a low power mode, the high power mode corresponds to a high driving voltage, the middle power mode is the middle It corresponds to the driving voltage, and corresponds to the low power mode and the low driving voltage.

On the other hand, the operation mode of the power amplification module (320, 420) may be two or more than four, in this case, the driving voltage may be determined as two or four or more as the number of the operation mode.

The DCDC converters 340 and 440 may include memory units 342 and 442 storing result values of the power comparison units 350 and 450 and a plurality of driving voltages corresponding to operating modes of the power amplification modules 320 and 420. ) And switching units 341 and 441 for selecting one driving voltage according to a result value of the power comparing units 350 and 450 and an operation mode of the power amplification module.

Meanwhile, reference numerals 343 and 443 denote switching units, and the switching units 343 and 443 transmit a selected driving voltage Vout to the outside of the DCDC converters 340 and 440.

In addition, the modems 310 and 410 may include a driving signal generator for controlling on / off at least one of the power amplification modules 320 and 420, the DCDC converters 340 and 440, and the power comparator 350 and 450. And 312 and 412.

Referring to FIG. 5, a mobile terminal 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided between the modem 410 and the power detector 430, and compares a comparison voltage according to an operation mode of the power amplification module 420. The apparatus may further include a comparison voltage generator 460 outputting the power to the power detector 450.

The comparison voltage generator 460 converts a signal supplied from the operation mode generator to a comparison voltage corresponding to each operation mode and supplies the converted voltage to the power comparison unit 450.

The mobile terminal 400 illustrated in FIG. 5 has a difference from the mobile terminal 300 illustrated in FIG. 4 in that it further includes a comparison voltage generator 450, and other components are the same. The description is limited to the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

In addition, the reference power value provided in the power comparator 350 may be determined according to an operation mode of the power amplification module 320. For example, the reference power value (hereinafter, reference voltage) may be a high power mode. For example, may be about 1.4V, about 0.9V in the middle power mode, about 0.4V in the low power mode.

As such, the power comparison unit 350 may be provided with a reference voltage corresponding to each operation mode of the power amplification module 320.

In addition, as described above, the reference voltage may increase from the low middle power to the high middle power.

In addition, the driving voltage Vout output from the DCDC converter 340 may be a minimum voltage satisfying the adjacent channel leakage ratio according to the operation mode of the power amplification module 320.

division Output of power amplifier module (dBm) Drive voltage (Vout) Reference voltage of power detector High drive voltage
First driving voltage 26.63 2.875 1.4 V






25.25 2.875 24.18 2.875 23.13 2.875 Second drive voltage


21.05 1.75 19.97 1.75 17.92 1.75 15.83 1.75 Middle drive voltage
First driving voltage


15.46 2.325 0.9 V






13.41 2.325 12.37 2.325 11.36 2.325 2nd driving voltage


10.33 1.425 8.23 1.425 7.21 1.425 6.2 1.425 Low drive voltage
First driving voltage


5.2 1.6 0.4 V






4.23 1.6 3.25 1.6 1.32 1.6 2nd driving voltage


0.34 1.05 -0.62 1.05 -2.61 1.05 -4.56 1.05

Referring to Table 1, the power detector 330 converts the output (dBm) of the power amplification module 320 to a predetermined detection voltage and outputs it to the power comparator 350, and the power comparator 350 ) Compares the detected voltage with a reference voltage.

The detection voltage may be proportional to the output dBm of the power amplification module 320, and is referred to to determine the relative magnitude of the output dBm of the power amplification module 320 in the high, middle, and low power modes.

Specifically, in the high power mode, not all of the same driving voltages Vout are output within the power mode section, but the relative magnitude of the output dBm of the power amplification module 320 is determined even within the power mode section. When the output (dBm) of the power amplification module 320 is larger, the high driving voltage is output. In the section where the output (dBm) of the power amplification module 320 is relatively small, the low driving voltage is output.

That is, even in the high power mode through the power comparator 350, the relative magnitude of the output (dBm) of the power amplification module 320 is determined even within the power mode section. As described above, the first and second driving voltages are determined. Will print each one.

In addition, the detection voltage and the reference voltage are relative, and may be determined to determine the relative magnitude of the output (dBm) of the power amplification module 320 within any one power mode period.

Although FIG. 4 illustrates a case where one power comparator is provided, a plurality of power comparators may be additionally provided in the mobile terminal according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the DCDC converter 340 may be any one power. Not only may the first and second driving voltages be output in the mode section, but also the first to Nth (N> 2) driving voltages, respectively.

According to the result of the power detector, the operation mode of the power amplification module having three multi-stages in the high to low power modes may be further subdivided to output a driving voltage optimized for each of the power amplification modules.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating a relationship between an output and a driving voltage of a power amplification module constituting a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, Vcon represents a detection voltage output from the power detector 330, and Vout represents a driving voltage output from the DCDC converter 340.

The reference numeral H denotes a high power mode, M denotes a middle power mode, and L denotes a low power mode.

The lower the driving voltage Vout of the power amplification module 320 is, the more current is not supplied to the power amplification module 320, thereby minimizing energy consumed by heat, thereby maximizing the effect of reducing the current consumption of the battery. .

Referring to FIG. 6, the reason why the driving voltage Vout and the reference voltage Vcon rises again in a section in which the operation mode of the power amplification module 320 changes is reflected in the characteristics of the multi-stage power amplification module 320. .

As described above, the driving voltage Vout has a plurality of stages in each operation mode, thereby further subdividing and optimizing the driving voltage to be supplied to the power amplification module 320.

In addition, the driving voltage Vout may be a minimum voltage that satisfies the Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR) of the RF specification, and each driving voltage Vout is a DCDC converter to satisfy the minimum voltage. Preferably stored at 340.

As such, by selecting and supplying the driving voltage Vout supplied to the power amplification module 320 through the DCDC converter 340 according to the output dBm of the power amplification module, the output (dBm) of the power amplification module 220. Accordingly, by lowering the driving voltage (Vout) to prevent the supply of more current than the power amplification module 220, the energy consumed by heat can be minimized, thereby maximizing the effect of reducing the current consumption of the battery.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a relationship between an output of a power amplification module and a current consumption of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

S1 is a graph showing the current consumption of the power amplifier module constituting the mobile terminal according to the present invention, S2 is a graph showing the current consumption of the power amplifier module constituting the conventional mobile terminal.

Referring to FIG. 7, S2 represents a current consumption when only the power amplification module is used without adjusting the driving voltage, and three sections in which the current consumption changes rapidly are the high power mode and the middle power mode of the multi-stage power amplification module. And a low power mode.

S1 represents a case in which the driving voltage is adjusted according to the operation mode of the power amplification module. In the mobile terminal according to the present invention, the driving voltage in one power mode is provided in a plurality of stages through the power comparison unit 350. The more detailed optimal driving voltage may be supplied to the power amplification module 320.

Referring to FIG. 7, according to the mobile terminal according to the present invention, even in the high power mode section O, the mobile terminal is further subdivided into a section O1 where the first driving voltage is output and a section O2 where the second driving voltage is output. The battery's current consumption can be minimized.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the driving voltage of the power amplification module of the mobile terminal configured as described above will be described in detail.

A driving voltage control method of a power amplification module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) comparing the output of the power amplification module with a reference power value; (b) determining an operation mode of the power amplification module; (c) outputting a driving value according to the operation value and the resultant value in step (a); And (d) transferring the driving voltage to a power amplification module.

As described above, the driving voltage may be divided into a high driving voltage, a middle driving voltage, and a low driving voltage according to an operation mode of the power amplification module.

In addition, each driving voltage may be divided into first and second driving voltages according to a result of the power comparison unit, and an operation mode of the power amplification module may include a high power mode, a middle power mode, and a low power mode. Can be.

As such, the operation mode of the power amplification module may be further subdivided to output optimal driving voltages corresponding to the output of the power amplification module.

According to the driving voltage control method of the mobile terminal and the power amplification module according to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to minimize the current consumption of the power amplification module according to the reception strength.

In addition, according to the driving voltage control method of the mobile terminal and the power amplification module according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further subdivid each operation mode of the power amplification module to supply the optimum driving voltage to the power amplification module.

In addition, according to the driving voltage control method of the mobile terminal and the power amplification module according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce heat generation during a call and increase the duration of the battery.

The driving voltage control method of the mobile terminal and the power amplification module described above are not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be modified in various ways. All or part may be optionally combined.

100, 300, 400: mobile terminal
310, 410: modem 320, 420: power amplification module
330 and 430: power detectors 340 and 440: DCDC converter
350, 450: power comparator

Claims (17)

A power amplification module having a plurality of operating modes, for amplifying the power strength of the RF signal;
A modem for transmitting an RF signal to the power amplification module and controlling an operation mode of the power amplification module;
A power detector for detecting a power intensity of the RF signal output from the power amplification module and outputting a power detection value;
A power comparison unit for comparing the power detection value with a predetermined reference power value; And
And a DCDC converter for supplying a driving voltage corresponding to an operation mode of the power amplification module and a result value of the power comparator to the power amplification module. The method of claim 1,
The driving voltage is divided into a high driving voltage, a middle driving voltage and a low driving voltage according to the operation mode of the power amplification module. The method of claim 2,
And a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage, respectively, according to the result of the power comparison unit. The method of claim 3, wherein
In the DCDC converter, the first driving voltage is selected when the power detection value is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference power value, and the second driving voltage is selected when the power detection value is smaller than the predetermined reference power value. The method of claim 4, wherein
The first driving voltage is greater than the second driving voltage. The method of claim 1,
The operation mode of the power amplification module includes a high power mode, a middle power mode and a low power mode. The method of claim 6, wherein the DCDC converter,
A memory unit storing a result value of the power comparison unit and a plurality of driving voltages corresponding to an operation mode of the power amplification module; And
And a switching unit which selects one driving voltage according to a result value of the power comparison unit and an operation mode of the power amplification module. The method of claim 1,
The reference power value is determined according to the operation mode of the power amplification module. The method of claim 1,
The power comparison unit is provided with a reference voltage corresponding to each operation mode of the power amplification module. The method according to claim 6,
And the reference power value increases from low middle power to high middle power. The method of claim 1,
The driving voltage is a minimum voltage that satisfies the adjacent channel leakage ratio according to the operation mode of the power amplification module. The method of claim 1,
The mobile terminal is provided between the modem and the power detector, and further comprising a comparison voltage generator for outputting the comparison voltage according to the operation mode of the power amplification module to the power detector. The method of claim 1,
The modem may include a driving signal generator for controlling on / off of at least one of a power amplification module, a DCDC converter, and a power comparator. (a) comparing the output of the power amplification module with a reference power value;
(b) determining an operation mode of the power amplification module;
(c) outputting a driving value according to the operation value and the resultant value in step (a); And
(d) transferring the driving voltage to a power amplification module. The method of claim 14,
The driving voltage may be divided into a high driving voltage, a middle driving voltage and a low driving voltage according to an operation mode of the power amplifier module. The method of claim 15,
The driving voltage control method of the power amplification module, characterized in that each of the driving voltage is divided into first and second driving voltage according to the result of the power comparison unit. The method of claim 14,
The operation mode of the power amplification module includes a high power mode, a middle power mode and a low power mode.

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