Compensated RF power detector

Abstract

A compensated RF power detector utilized in power control circuits for preventing power amplifier saturation. A power amplifier uses a power control circuit to maintain the power amplifier as efficiently and linearly as possible without distortion. The operating point of the power amplifier is defined as close to the 1 dB gain compression point as possible for maximum efficiency and linearity with minimum distortion. However, extreme temperature conditions affect the 1 dB gain compression point causing the power amplifier to operate too close to saturation resulting in distortion or spectral growth. In an embodiment, the compensated RF power detector comprises a RF power detector and a variable RC circuit. The RF power detector has a RF input for receiving RF power, a detector output for supplying a compensated detected voltage and, a detecting diode for generating a detected voltage in response to the received RF power. The detecting diode has an anode coupled to the RF input and a cathode coupled to the detector output. The variable RC circuit comprises a capacitor and a control circuit. The capacitor has a first lead coupled to the cathode of the detecting diode and a second lead coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit has a control output containing a varying resistance coupled to the second lead of the capacitor. The variations in the varying resistance result in the compensation of the detected voltage.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.