Linear power control loop

A closed power control loop that produces a linear transfer function in response to an adjustable non-linear reference input, comprising:

• power amplifying means for receiving and amplifying a power input, for receiving a control input, and for producing a power output, wherein amplifying said power input is performed in response to the received control input to produce a non-linear variation of said power output;
• power detection means for detecting said power output of said power amplifying means and for producing a power detection means output;
• adjustable input means for providing an adjustable non-linear reference output;
• and
• comparison means for comparing said power detection means output with said reference output and for providing a comparison means output representative of the difference between said power detection means output and said reference output,
• wherein said comparison means output is provided to said power amplifying means in the form of said control input and wherein said non-linear variation of said power output is substantially linear with respect to an adjustment in said non-linear reference output said adjustable input means being a programmable potentiometer (EEPOT).

A method for controlling a power amplifier to produce a substantially linear transfer function in response to an adjustable non-linear reference input, comprising the steps of:

• providing a power input to said power amplifier;
• producing a power output from said power amplifier;
• detecting said power output;
• providing an adjustable, non-linear reference signal;
• comparing said reference signal with the detected power output;
• producing a comparison output representative of the difference between said reference signal and said detected power output;
• providing said comparison output to said power amplifier in the form of a control input;
• and
• amplifying said power input with said power amplifier in response to said control input to produce a non-linear variation in said power output,
• adjusting said adjustable non-linear reference signal, wherein said non-linear power output variation is substantially linear with respect to the adjustment in said non-linear reference signal said adjustable non-linear reference signal being provided by a programmable potentiometer (E2POT).