Multiple step switched translation loop for power amplifier feedback control

A system for using a translation loop and power amplifier in a phase and amplitude modulated transmission environment, comprising:

• a translation loop having a phase locked loop and configured to receive a phase modulated signal, the translation loop also configured to provide a frequency specific phase modulated signal;
• a power amplifier configured to receive the frequency specific phase modulated signal;
• a control loop having a variable gain element configured to provide an amplitude modulated signal to the power amplifier;
• a switching element configured to receive a portion of an output of the translation loop and a portion of an output power of the power amplifier, the switching element configured to apply the output portion of the translation loop to an input of the translation loop during a first time period and configured to apply the detected output power portion of the power amplifier to the input of the translation loop during a second time period, wherein the detected output power portion of the power amplifier that is supplied during the second time period is a substantially constant power level signal containing only phase information.

A computer readable medium having a program for using a translation loop modulator and power amplifier in a phase and amplitude modulated transmission environment, the program comprising logic configured to perform the steps of:

• providing a phase modulated signal to a translation loop, the translation loop providing a frequency specific phase modulated signal, the translation loop also having a phase locked loop;
• providing said frequency specific phase modulated signal to a power amplifier;
• providing an amplitude modulated signal to the power amplifier using a variable gain element associated with a control loop;
• detecting a portion of an output of the translation loop and a portion of an output power of the power amplifier;
• applying the detected output portion of the translation loop to an input of the translation loop during a first time period;
• and
• applying the detected output power portion of the power amplifier to the input of the translation loop modulator during a second time period, wherein the detected output power portion of the power amplifier that is supplied during the second time period is a substantially constant power level signal containing only phase information.

A power amplifier including a translation loop modulator, comprising:

• means for providing a phase modulated signal to a translation loop, the translation loop providing a frequency specific phase modulated signal, the translation loop also having a phase locked loop;
• means for providing said frequency specific phase modulated signal to a power amplifier;
• means for providing an amplitude modulated signal to the power amplifier using a variable gain element associated with a control loop;
• means for detecting a portion of an output of the translation loop and a portion of an output power of the power amplifier;
• means for applying the detected output portion of the translation loop to an input of the translation loop during a first time period;
• and
• means for applying the detected output power portion of the power amplifier to the input of the translation loop modulator during a second time period, wherein the detected output power portion of the power amplifier that is supplied during the second time period is a substantially constant power level signal containing only phase information.