Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a gain control circuit employs variable gain circuitry and a variable frequency converter, both controlled by a processor. The processor controls the carrier frequency of an RF modulated output signal of the circuit by controlling the frequency converter. The processor also preferably controls the gain of the variable gain circuitry as a function of both the output carrier frequency and temperature, as measured by a temperature sensing element. Preferably, the gain is controlled to maintain a constant gain over specified operating frequency and temperature ranges. The gain control circuit can be employed within a transceiver of a wireless communication terminal. Similar gain control circuitry can be utilized within a base station transceiver in which frequency channels are dynamically allocable among a plurality of gain-controlled amplification circuits.

Abstract: A microcell architecture includes a macrocell base station capable of receiving signals from and transmitting signals to at least one microcell base station provided within a first predefined geographic area. The macrocell base station includes circuitry for converting downstream channel unit information to downstream baseband channel information and for modulating and transmitting the downstream baseband channel information. It also includes circuitry for demodulating received upstream baseband channel information and for converting the received baseband channel information to upstream channel unit information. Also provided is at least one microcell base station, provided within the first predefined geographic area, for communicating with wireless terminals within a second smaller predefined geographic area within the first predefined geographic area.