Constant current biasing circuit for linear power amplifiers
AssigneeSkyworks Solutions, Inc.
InventorsPaul Andrys, Mark Bloom, Hugh J. Finlay, David Ripley, Terry Shie, Kevin Hoheisel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A constant current bias approach that receives an input bias voltage and maintains a temperature independent constant current bias in a linear amplifier device. Integrated sense circuitry protects against unacceptable input voltages to guarantee bias stability. Fabrication in multiple semiconductor technologies and assembly into a single package allows for optimum cost and performance of DC bias and RF amplifier sections.
Claims24
A constant current bias circuit, comprising:
- an at least one resistor;
- a bias voltage input terminal for receipt of a bias voltage that is divided by two resistances ratioed to cancel temperature variances connected to the at least one resistor by an electrical path resulting in a bias current when the bias voltage is present;
- and
- a clamp circuit coupled by an electrical path to the at least one resistor that provides a minimum bias current.
The constant current bias circuit of claim 9, further comprising a feedback loop that maintains a quiescent bias for a transistor equal to a reference current, wherein the reference current is mirrored from the bias current.
A constant current bias circuit, comprising:
- an at least one resistor;
- means for receiving a bias voltage that is divided by two resistances ratioed to cancel temperature variances connected to the at least one resistor by all electrical path resulting in a bias current when the bias voltage is present;
- and
- means for providing a minimum bias current coupled by an electrical path to the at least one resistor.
A method for constant current biasing, comprising:
- receiving an input bias voltage that is divided by two resistances ratioed to cancel temperature variances;
- generating a bias current by at least one resistor being in receipt of the input bias voltage;
- and
- determining if the bias current is above a predetermined threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.