Apparatus and method for controlling a tunable matching network in a wireless network

A method for managing impedance values in a radio in a wireless network, the method comprising:

• identifying initial settings for a first tunable matching network (TMN) positioned between at least one antenna and a front end module based on operating conditions of the radio;
• setting a number of a first plurality of immittance elements in the first TMN based on the initial settings;
• detecting, by a first detector, a ratio of a signal passing the first detector from the front end module and a signal reflected from the first TMN;
• repeatedly modifying the initial settings of the first TMN based on the ratio detected;
• setting a number of a second plurality of immittance elements in a second TMN positioned on a path between a power amplifier and the front end module based on the initial settings;
• detecting, by a second detector, a power amplifier ratio of a signal from the power amplifier and a signal reflected from the second TMN;
• and
• modifying the initial settings of the second TMN based on the power amplifier ratio detected by the second detector.

A mobile station in a wireless network, the mobile station comprising:

• an antenna;
• a front end module;
• a power amplifier;
• a first tunable matching network (TMN) operably connected to the front end module and the antenna, the first TMN comprising a first plurality of immittance elements;
• a first voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) detector configured to detect an antenna ratio of a signal from the front end module and a signal reflected from the first TMN;
• a second TMN operably connected to the front end module and the power amplifier, the second TMN comprising a second plurality of immittance elements;
• a second VSWR detector configured to detect a power amplifier ratio of a signal from the power amplifier and a signal reflected from the second TMN;
• and
• a control circuit configured to identify an operating setting for mobile station, set a number of the first plurality of immittance elements and a number of the second plurality of immittance elements based on the operating setting, modify settings of at least one of the first plurality of immittance elements in the first TMN based on the antenna ratio detected by the first VSWR detector to match a value of impedance for the antenna with a value of impedance for the front end module, and modify settings of the second plurality of immittance elements in the second TMN to achieve a value for the power amplifier ratio that improves a performance parameter of the power amplifier based on the power amplifier ratio detected by the second VSWR detector.