Method and apparatus for controlling a peak envelope power of a PA

A method of reducing a peak envelope power level of a linear power amplifier (LPA), used to amplify a plurality of radio frequency signals, such method comprising the steps of:

• measuring a first peak envelope power level of the plurality of radio frequency signals at an input of the LPA;
• changing a phase of a first signal of the plurality of radio frequency signals;
• measuring a second peak envelope power level;
• and returning the phase of the first signal to an original state if the second peak envelope power level exceeds the first peak envelope power level.

In a power amplifier amplifying a plurality of radio frequency signals an apparatus for controlling a peak envelope power level, such apparatus comprising:

• means for measuring a first peak envelope power value of an input of the power amplifier during a first time period;
• means for comparing the first peak envelope power value with a threshold value;
• means for introducing a phase change into a first signal of the plurality of radio frequency signals when the first peak envelope power value exceeds the threshold;
• means for measuring a second peak envelope power value during a second time period;
• means for comparing the first and second peak envelope power values;
• and means for reversing the phase change to the first signal when the second peak envelope power value exceeds the first peak envelope power value.

In a power amplifier used to amplify a plurality of radio frequency signals a method of controlling a peak envelope power, such method comprising the steps of:

• measuring a first peak envelope power of the plurality of signals;
• if the first peak envelope power is above a threshold, changing a phase of a selected carrier of the plurality of carriers;
• measuring a second peak envelope power of the plurality of signals;
• when the second peak envelope power exceeds the first peak envelope power, reversing the phase change of the selected carrier;
• and when the second peak envelope power exceeds the threshold selecting a different carrier and repeating previous steps.