Digital Envelope Tracking Technology for RF Circuits

5G and 6G devices need more power, but traditional methods fall short. A new Digital Envelope Tracking technology may change that. Find out more.

Murata Manufacturing have launched the world’s first Digital Envelope Tracking (Digital ET) technology, designed to significantly reduce power consumption in advanced RF circuits for 5G and future 6G devices. To showcase its capabilities, Murata has collaborated with Rohde & Schwarz to develop a high-precision RF measurement setup.

While advanced ICs have improved mobile device performance, reducing their power consumption remains a challenge. Traditional hardware and analog methods have limitations in improving power efficiency for broadband signals like 5G and 6G. To address this, Murata’s Digital ET technology combines digital power management with signal processing techniques for more efficient RF circuit control.

– Advertisement –

The digital ET technology integrates its proprietary power management integrated circuit (PMIC) with a digital pre-distortion (DPD) algorithm to optimize power efficiency. The PMIC digitizes and adjusts the voltage required by the RF circuit, while the DPD algorithm minimizes distortion and noise. Together, they help reduce power consumption in RF circuits, making them more efficient. Murata’s collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz provides IC manufacturers with a reliable RF measurement system to evaluate the technology’s impact in real-world applications.

The measurement system includes advanced 5G NR test instruments from Rohde & Schwarz, such as the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer, along with Murata’s FPGA board implementing the DPD algorithm, the PMIC/Tracker Module, and control software. This setup allows IC manufacturers to test Digital ET and DPD technology across various applications and optimize system development.

Mehdi Ben Frej, Sales Director Global RF Components at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “Through this collaboration, we have made the potential of Murata’s Digital Envelope Tracking technology in reducing power consumption more accessible. Our state-of-the-art RF instruments supporting Murata’s advanced Digital ET technology, constitute a robust system for showcasing the potential of power-efficient mobile devices of the next generation.”

For more information, click here.