Current-mode control for radio-frequency power amplifiers
AssigneeSkyworks Solutions, Inc.
InventorsYing Shi, Onder Oz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Current-mode control for radio-frequency (RF) power amplifiers. In some embodiments, an RF power amplifier control circuit can include a sensor configured to measure a base current of a power amplifier and generate a sensed current. The control circuit can further include a sensing node configured to receive a reference current and perform a current-mode operation with the sensed current to yield an error current. The control circuit can further include a control loop configured to generate a control signal based on the error current to adjust an operating parameter of the power amplifier.
Claims17
A radio-frequency power amplifier control circuit, comprising:
- a finger sensor configured to measure a base current of a power amplifier and generate a sensed current;
- a sensing node configured to receive a reference current and perform a current-mode operation with the sensed current to provide an error current;
- and
- a control loop including a trans-impedance amplifier for amplifying the error current, the control loop configured to generate a control signal based on the error current to adjust an operating parameter of the power amplifier.
A radio-frequency power amplifier control circuit, comprising:
- a sensor configured to measure a base current of a power amplifier and generate a sensed current;
- a sensing node coupled to the sensor through a path and configured to receive a reference current and perform a current-mode operation with the sensed current to provide an error current, the path being substantially free of a sense resistor between the sensor and the sensing node;
- and
- a control loop including a trans-impedance amplifier for amplifying the error current, the control loop configured to generate a control signal based on the error current to adjust an operating parameter of the power amplifier.
A radio-frequency power amplifier control circuit, comprising:
- a sensor configured to measure a base current of a power amplifier and generate a sensed current;
- a sensing node coupled to the sensor through a path and configured to receive a reference current and perform a current-mode operation with the sensed current to provide an error current, the sensing node configured to be regulated to substantially maintain a voltage that tracks a battery voltage;
- and
- a control loop including a trans-impedance amplifier for amplifying the error current, the control loop configured to generate a control signal based on the error current to adjust an operating parameter of the power amplifier.
A radio-frequency power amplifier control circuit, comprising:
- a sensor configured to measure a base current of a power amplifier and generate a sensed current;
- a sensing node configured to receive a reference current and perform a current-mode operation with the sensed current to provide an error current;
- a control loop including a trans-impedance amplifier for amplifying the error current, the control loop configured to generate a control signal based on the error current to adjust an operating parameter of the power amplifier;
- and
- a pre-charging system configured to pre-charge a selected node of the control circuit.
A method for controlling a radio-frequency power amplifier, the method comprising:
- measuring a base current of a power amplifier with a finger sensor to generate a sensed current;
- performing a current-mode operation between a reference current and the sensed current to provide an error current;
- generating a control signal based on the error current, the generating including amplifying the error current with a trans-impedance amplifier;
- and
- adjusting an operating parameter of the power amplifier based on the control signal.
A radio-frequency (RF) module comprising:
- a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components;
- a power amplifier (PA) disposed over the packaging substrate;
- a control circuit disposed over the packaging substrate and interconnected to the PA, the control circuit including a finger sensor configured to measure a base current of the PA and generate a sensed current, a sensing node configured to receive a reference current and perform a current-mode operation with the sensed current to provide an error current, and a control loop including a trans-impedance amplifier for amplifying the error current, the control loop configured to generate a control signal based on the error current to adjust an operating parameter of the PA;
- and
- a plurality of connectors configured to provide electrical connections between the PA, the control circuit, and the packaging substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.