Power detection in radio frequency systems

A power amplifier system comprising:

• a power amplifier configured to amplify a radio frequency transmit signal to generate a radio frequency output signal;
• a directional coupler configured to generate a single-ended radio frequency signal based on sensing the radio frequency output signal;
• and
• a power detector configured to receive the single-ended radio frequency signal and to generate a differential power detection signal that indicates an output power of the power amplifier.

A method of signal power detection in a mobile device, the method comprising:

• generating a radio frequency transmit signal using a transceiver;
• amplifying the radio frequency transmit signal to generate a radio frequency output signal using a power amplifier;
• generating a single-ended radio frequency signal based on sensing the radio frequency output signal using a directional coupler;
• and
• generating a differential power detection signal from the single-ended radio frequency signal using a power detector, the differential power detection signal indicating an output power of the power amplifier.