RF PA DC-DC Converters
Power supplies for RF Power Amplifiers (PAs) involves the use of a specialized DC-DC converter to provide the VCC to the PA. So far, this application has been limited to mobile phones; however, it is starting to migrate to WLAN and other wireless protocols. Modern PAs can maintain linearity with a VCC much lower than the traditional 3V or higher and because PAs are effectively fixed impedence loads, reducing the VCC also reduces the current consumption. When applied to mobile phones, power consumption is reduced by 80% plus, depending on the profile of the RF transmission. The VCC is changed by applying a control signal to the DC-DC converter proportional to the detected power. As less transmission power is required, the VCC can be reduced, saving valuable amounts of current drain. If the PA maintains linearity down to 1.5V or lower, consider the use of these specialized DC-DC converters. |
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LM320x Switcher Family Enhances Battery Life in Portable Applications
- Dynamically adjustable output voltage maintains low RF PA power levels to optimize PA efficiency for increased battery life
- Bypass mode maintains maximum output power regardless of battery voltage
- Small micro-SMD package and 2 MHz switching frequency minimizes size impact to RF subsystem
Ideal for powering RF power amplifiers in smart phones, tablets, GPS systems, two-way radios, and other portable/mobile communications systems |
