Devices with signal and temperature characteristic dependent control circuitry and methods of operation therefor

A microwave transistor device comprising:

• a package that includes an input terminal and an output terminal;
• an active transistor die coupled to the package and electrically coupled to the input terminal and the output terminal;
• a detector, wherein the detector is coupled to the package and electrically coupled to at least one of the input terminal or the output terminal, and the detector is configured to sense power levels in at least one of an in-band frequency range or an out of band frequency range;
• a control device comprising a microcontroller, wherein the control device is coupled to the package and electrically coupled to the detector, includes a temperature sensor coupled to the package, and is configured to acquire the power levels in the in-band frequency range from the detector and measure the package temperature;
• and
• a control element comprising an active variable gain stage, wherein the control element is coupled to the package and electrically coupled to the input terminal, the active transistor die, and the control device, and wherein the control device is further configured to vary a gain applied by the control element.

A method of controlling an operating state of a device that includes a package, a terminal coupled to the package, and an active transistor die coupled to the package, the method comprising the steps of:

• sensing, using a detector electrically coupled to the terminal and coupled to the package, a signal characteristic at the terminal;
• acquiring, using a control device electrically coupled to the detector and coupled to the package, the signal characteristic;
• detecting, using a temperature sensor included in the control device and coupled to the package, a package temperature;
• determining, using the control device, whether at least one of the signal characteristic or the package temperature conforms to pre-set criteria;
• and
• when at least one of the signal characteristic or the package temperature does not conform to the pre-set criteria, modifying, using the control device, a state of a control element electrically coupled to the active transistor die to alter the operating state of the device.