Abstract: Improved power amplifier (PA) bias circuit having parallel emitter follower. In some embodiments, a bias circuit for a PA can include a first bias path implemented to couple a base node of an amplifying transistor and a supply node, with the first bias path being configured to provide a base bias current to the base node. The PA can further include a second bias path implemented to be electrically parallel with the first bias path between the base node and the supply node. The second bias path can be configured to provide an additional base bias current to the base node under a selected condition.

Abstract: An electronic device and a bias control method thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a channel quality measuring module configured to measure a channel quality of a received signal, a bias offset determining module configured to determine a bias offset based on the measured channel quality, a bias offset applying module configured to modify a bias by applying the determined bias offset to a specified bias value, and a power amplifier configured to amplify transmission power according to the modified bias.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit that includes an envelope processing circuitry and a voltage modulator. The envelope processing circuitry is configured to receive a stream of envelope values of a signal for transmission and output a supply modulation signal in response to the stream of envelope values based on an average-power-tracking (APT) calibration. The voltage modulator is configured to modulate a supply voltage to an amplifier according to the supply modulation signal. The amplifier operates under the supply voltage to amplify the signal for transmission.

Abstract: Compensation for one or more effects of impedance mismatch between a power amplifier (PA) and at least one filter is discussed. One example system that compensates for impedance mismatch with at least one filter comprises a PA, a measurement component, and a feedback component. The PA is configured to receive PA stimuli comprising a supply voltage and a radio frequency (RF) signal to be amplified, wherein a PA output is configured to be coupled to the at least one filter. The measurement component is coupled to the PA and configured to measure an output signal from the PA, wherein the output signal comprises a forward signal associated with the PA and a reflected signal associated with the at least one filter. The feedback component is configured to receive the output signal and to adjust one or more of the PA stimuli based at least in part on the output signal.

Abstract: A group-aware, current limited amplifier system including a group brownout control bus and a number of current-limited amplification channels coupled to the group brownout control bus. In an example embodiment, each current-limited amplification channel includes an amplifier, an amplifier power supply developing a current level signal that represents the amount of current being drawn by the amplifier, a brownout controller responsive to a digital audio input, the group brownout control bus, and the current level signal, and operative to develop a control signal; and an audio digital-to-analog (D/A) converter responsive to the digital audio input and to the control signal and operative to develop an analog audio output that is coupled to an input of the amplifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is an amplifier circuit capable of achieving high efficiency at back off power while maintaining high output power when an amplifier of a driving stage is saturated in a multistage amplifier in which a plurality of amplifiers are connected in series to each other. In the amplifier circuit, at least two amplifiers including a first amplifier and a second amplifier, the first amplifier preceding the second the first amplifier, are connected in series to each other, the second amplifier changes input impedance according to output power from the first amplifier, and an impedance adjusting unit for adjusting output load impedance of the first amplifier is disposed between the first amplifier and the second amplifier, wherein the impedance adjusting unit optimizes the output load impedance of the first amplifier according to a change of input impedance of the second amplifier.

Abstract: A dual mode, dual core power amplifier (PA) device includes a plurality of PA chains that generate output power according to an envelope tracking mode and a non-envelope tracking mode. The different modes can be selected to generate output power based on a set of predetermined criteria, which can be related to an input signal received by the system and related to a target power. A first PA chain with one or more PA cores is configured to operate in the envelope tracking mode based on at least a portion of the predetermined criteria being identified in the input signal and to generate output power with an envelope voltage supply that changes with an envelope of the input signal. In addition, a second PA chain with one or more PA cores can operate in a constant voltage supply mode or the non-envelope tracking mode according to the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device includes a terminal, an active transistor die electrically coupled to the terminal, a detector configured to sense a signal characteristic on the terminal, and control circuitry electrically coupled to the active transistor die and to the detector, wherein the active transistor die, detector, and control circuitry are coupled to a package. The control circuitry may include a control element and a control device. Based on the signal characteristic, the control circuitry controls which of multiple operating states the device operates. A method for controlling the operating state of the device includes sensing, using the detector, a signal characteristic at the terminal, and determining, using the control device, whether the signal characteristic conforms to a pre-set criteria, and when the signal characteristic does not conform to the pre-set criteria, modifying the state of the control element to alter the operating state of the device.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a phase multiplexer that may be associated with at least a communication device. The described phase multiplexer may be able to switch between input phases without distorting a pulse width of a given input phase. In one implementation, this is achieved by enabling one phase at a time. More specifically, a gating window specific for each given phase is provided. The gating window is designed to avoid glitches associated with signals at an output of the phase multiplexer. Furthermore, the gating window is designed to avoid the generation of pulse width modifications.

Abstract: A tunable matching network is configured to couple at least one filter with a power amplifier that is configured to operate in an envelope tracking (ET) mode of operation over a transmit band. A control component is configured to detect a present set of operating conditions of the power amplifier when the power amplifier operates in the ET mode of operation. The present set of operating conditions comprises a present frequency of operation, and the control component is further configured to transmit a control signal to the tunable matching network in response to the detected present set of operating conditions. The tunable matching network is further configured to adjust an impedance of the tunable matching network in response to the transmitted control signal such that one or more ET characteristics are optimized based at least in part on the present set of operating conditions.

Abstract: A very small aperture terminal (VSAT) installation tool is provided having the ability to measure cable loss along an interfacility link (IFL) between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of the VSAT. Radio frequency (RF) signals can be transmitted from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, where the RF signals are intercepted along the IFL prior to reaching the outdoor unit, and the output power is determined. The determined output power is compared to an expected output power at the indoor unit. The delta between the determined output power and the expected output power can be used to adjust the power of the indoor unit such that the outdoor unit can operate without reaching its compression point.

Abstract: A system and method may dynamically control the total RF power emissions of a mobile device. The method may include determining the local RF operating situation of the mobile device; setting a maximum power limit according to the local RF operating situation; and/or adjusting an active transmitted power of the mobile device within the maximum power limit. The local RF operating situation may be determined based upon (1) the measuring of a matching of the mobile device's radio antenna(s); (2) currently active application(s); (3) the number/type of active radios; (4) frequency or wavelength of transmissions; (5) network, relay, or node RF operating or exposure conditions; and/or (6) a power control process. The mobile device may be a hand-held device, HomeNodeB, or other device capable of RF communications. The local RF operation situation and/or available headroom may be communicated to a network base station or node to facilitate enhanced mobile device performance.

Abstract: A semiconductor module includes a circuit substrate, a first semiconductor device substrate that is mounted on the circuit substrate and that processes an input signal of a first frequency band, a second semiconductor device substrate that is mounted on the circuit substrate and that processes an input signal of a second frequency band, and a control device substrate that is arranged between the first and second semiconductor device substrates and that controls the first and second semiconductor device substrates.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control circuit configured to control a switch mode power supply, can include: (i) a compensation signal generating circuit configured to generate a compensation signal according to an error between an output voltage feedback signal and a first reference voltage of the switch mode power supply; (ii) a switching signal generating circuit configured to control a switching operation of a power switching device of the switch mode power supply according to the compensation signal; (iii) a judge circuit configured to determine an operation state of the switch mode power supply according to the output voltage feedback signal; and (iv) a loop gain regulating circuit configured to regulate a loop gain of the control circuit according to the operation state.

Abstract: A linearization circuit improves the linearity of a power amplifier based on an envelope of an input RF signal. The linearization circuit comprises an RF signal generation circuit, a replica circuit, and an adaptive amplifier. The RF signal generation circuit generates the RF signal from a phase and an amplitude of an input digital signal. The replica circuit extracts the envelope from the RF signal and generates a sensing voltage based on the extracted envelope. The adaptive amplifier generates an adaptive bias voltage for the power amplifier based on the sensing voltage, and applies the adaptive bias voltage to the power amplifier and to the replica circuit to improve the linearity of the power amplifier by regulating the power amplifier and the replica circuit according to the envelope.

Abstract: An exemplary earphone detecting circuit includes a signal input terminal, a voltage dividing circuit, a detecting circuit, and a signal output terminal connected electronically in that order. The signal input terminal is connected to an earphone jack of a portable electronic device. The signal output terminal is connected to a microcontroller of the portable electronic device. When the portable electronic device receives a call, the signal input terminal receives a signal and transmits the received signal to the detecting circuit through the voltage dividing circuit, the detecting circuit processes the signal transmitted to the signal output terminal to be constant.

Abstract: An RF generator and a method of controlling same includes an RF source; a DC source; and an RF amplifier comprising an RF input, a DC input, and an RF output, the RF amplifier configured to receive an RF signal at the RF input, receive a DC voltage at the DC input, and provide an output power at the RF output; a control unit operably coupled to the DC source and RF source, the control unit configured to receive a power setpoint for the RF output, determine a power dissipation at the RF generator, alter the DC voltage, and repeat the alteration of the DC voltage until determining a final DC voltage that decreases the power dissipation at the RF generator while enabling the output power at the RF output to be equal to or greater than the power setpoint.

Abstract: A capacitive position sensor system is provided for determining the position of an object, wherein the object is positioned within a sensitive area of the capacitive position sensor system and changes the capacitance of capacitors being arranged underneath the object.

Abstract: An anti-interference method and device for a wireless communication system. The method includes: receiving a RF signal; analyzing the RF signal to obtain the power variation characteristic of the RF signal; and determining a gain control method according to the power variation characteristic of the RF signal. The anti-interference methods and devices according to the embodiments of the present invention can ensure the communication quality of the wireless communication system in a case that there is strong burst interference.

Abstract: A power detection circuit configured to detect an output power of a radio frequency transmitter. The power detection circuit includes a multiplier circuit configured to multiply a first differential input signal and a second differential input signal. The first differential input signal corresponds to a radio frequency signal to be amplified by the radio frequency transmitter. The second differential signal corresponds to an output signal as amplified by an amplifier of the radio frequency transmitter. A bias circuit is configured to generate a bias signal. A differential amplifier is configured to generate, based on the bias signal and the first differential signal and the second differential signal as multiplied by the multiplier circuit, an indication of the output power of the amplifier of the radio frequency transmitter.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a radio transmitter may be provided. The radio transmitter may include a radio transmitter control loop; and a controller configured in such a way that it operates the radio transmitter control loop as a closed control loop in a first operating mode, and that it operates the radio transmitter control loop as an open control loop in a second operating mode.

Abstract: A cheaper to produce, smaller and easy to drive adaptive antenna module is presented. The module comprises a signal path, an antenna, and a tuning circuit with two variable impedance elements. The tuning circuit operates over a restricted range of impedances and maintains the series resonance characteristic of the antenna.

Abstract: A wireless communications transmitter is divided into N binary weighted communication signal processing paths including both fixed and variable gain communication signal processing chains. Specific bit sequences are used to select a combination of fixed and variable gain signal processing paths to adjust to a desired transmitter output power. Alternately, high and low power communication signal processing paths are chosen as needed with the high power communication signal processing path including an odd order harmonic notch filter.

Abstract: A method, system, and device provide power-efficient communications within the context of available power. Transmission and receipt data rates are scalable in accordance with output power available from a power source. Data is transmitted at a data rate determined, at least in part, by the available output power.

Abstract: An automatic gain control device includes: a variable gain adjusting unit, for adjusting an input signal by a variable gain and outputting an adjustment result; an analog-digital converting unit, for performing analog-digital conversion on the adjustment result to obtain an analog-digital conversion result; and a gain determining unit, for determining a distribution status over a predetermined period of time of a maximum or a minimum of the analog-digital conversion result, comparing the distribution status with a first distribution condition, and if the distribution status meets the first distribution condition, then keeping the variable gain unchanged, otherwise changing the variable gain and determining newly a distribution status until the newly determined distribution status meets a second distribution condition which is at least as strict as the first distribution condition.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a power supply unit that wirelessly outputs power to an electronic apparatus, a control unit that determines that a predetermined object is detected if a reflection corresponding to power outputted is greater than or equal to a first value and determines that the predetermined object is detected if a change of a reflection corresponding to power outputted by the power supply unit is greater than or equal to a second value.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a variable-impedance transmission line. In some embodiments, a variable-impedance transmission line may include one or more conductors that may be isolated or configured as parts of forward or return paths based on states of switches of the variable-impedance transmission line. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Provided is a frame configuration usable for both SISO transmission and MISO and/or MIMO transmission. A frame configurator of a transmission device configures a frame by gathering data for SISO and configures a frame by gathering data for MISO and/or MIMO data, thereby to improve the reception performance (detection performance) of a reception device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for using a digital power amplifier controller (DPAC) having forward-loop correction and feedback-loop correction. In an embodiment, the DPAC receives, via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital power-measurement signal from a power sensor coupled to an output of a power amplifier. The DPAC adjusts (e.g., linearizes) the digital power-measurement signal using a measurement-correction function for the sensor, and uses the adjusted digital power-measurement signal to generate a digital feedback signal, which the DPAC uses to generate a digital power-control signal that reflects a desired power level at the output of the power amplifier. The DPAC adjusts (e.g., linearizes) the digital power-control signal using a control-correction function for the power amplifier, and outputs the adjusted digital power-control signal via a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to a power-control node of the power amplifier.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a digital modulation signal generator that generates digital modulation signals, a DAC that converts digital output of the digital modulation signal generator into analog signals, a modulator that generates amplified quadrature modulation signals by exerting quadrature modulation and amplification on the analog signals, an antenna that radiates the amplified quadrature modulation signals, a power detector that outputs power detected signals obtained from power detection of the amplified quadrature modulation signals, a controller that adjusts gain of the modulator by using the power detected signals and a desired power value, a thermometer that measures ambient temperatures at a plurality of burst transmission periods, and a high-power prevention circuit that readjusts the gain of the modulator for a present burst transmission period.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for improved performance for power amplifiers, particularly GaN power amplifiers. According to some embodiments, a power amplifier (e.g., GaN power amplifier) utilizes an adaptive closed-loop control of the drain current of the power amplifier to achieve improved performance for the power amplifier. Additionally, for some embodiments, use of the adaptive closed-loop control of the drain current of the power amplifier depends on the power region in which the power amplifier is operating (e.g., depends on the radio frequency power region).

Abstract: A programmable receiver implemented in an integrated circuit device is described. The programmable receiver comprises a pre-amplifier circuit coupled to receive an input signal, the pre-amplifier circuit having a programmable current source; and an amplifier circuit coupled to receive an output of the pre-amplifier circuit; wherein the programmable current source is coupled to receive a control signal to enable the receiver to be switched between a high performance mode and a low performance mode. A method of implementing a programmable receiver in an integrated circuit is also described.

Abstract: A method for power amplifier (PA) calibration for an envelope tracking system of a wireless device is disclosed. The method involves measuring an output power of a PA that is a part under test (PUT) at a predetermined input power. Another step includes calculating a gain equal to the output power of the PA divided by the predetermined input power. A next step involves calculating a gain correction by subtracting the calculated gain from a desired gain. Other steps include determining an expected supply voltage for the PA at the desired gain using the gain correction applied to a nominal curve of gain versus PA supply voltage, and then storing the expected supply voltage for the PA versus input power in memory.

Abstract: There is disclosed a technique for controlling at least one amplification stage, comprising: selecting a linearity objective for the amplification stage; in dependence on an input signal to said amplification stage, determining a combination of supply input and bias input for the amplification stage in order to meet said linearity objective; and in dependence on there being more than one combination of supply input and bias input for meeting the linearity objective, selecting the combination that optimizes a further system performance objective for the amplification stage. The further system performance objective may be one or more of: an efficiency objective; an envelope signal bandwidth objective; or a robustness to production tolerance objective.

Abstract: An automatic gain control device includes: a variable gain adjusting unit, for adjusting an input signal by a variable gain and outputting an adjustment result; an analog-digital converting unit, for performing analog-digital conversion on the adjustment result to obtain an analog-digital conversion result; and a gain determining unit, for determining a distribution status over a predetermined period of time of a maximum or a minimum of the analog-digital conversion result, comparing the distribution status with a first distribution condition, and if the distribution status meets the first distribution condition, then keeping the variable gain unchanged, otherwise changing the variable gain and determining newly a distribution status until the newly determined distribution status meets a second distribution condition which is at least as strict as the first distribution condition.

Abstract: A power amplifier has power detection capabilities that include a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier that has a gain stage that includes a gain stage input, a gain stage output, and a feedback loop coupled between an input and an output of the power amplifier. A detection circuit has a first detection circuit input electrically coupled to the gain stage input and has a detection circuit output. An amplitude control circuit and a phase control circuit are electrically coupled together in series between the gain stage output and a second detection circuit input. The amplitude control circuit and the phase control circuit produce a signal that is received by the second detection circuit input so that the detection circuit can detect a signal at the detection circuit output that is proportional to a the forward power output of the power amplifier and is insensitive to power amplifier output load mismatch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion.

Abstract: A circuit and method for a saturation correction of a power amplifier (PA) is provided in order to maintain a desirable switching spectrum. The circuit includes a closed loop system that is responsive to a dynamic PA control signal known as VRAMP. The method samples a detector voltage that represents the output of the PA at the maximum voltage level of VRAMP. The sampled detector voltage is then reduced by a predetermined amount and applied as a fixed voltage PA control signal in the place of VRAMP. As a result, the closed loop system responds to the fixed voltage PA control signal to bring the PA out of saturation before VRAMP can begin a voltage decrease. Once the VRAMP voltage decreases, VRAMP is reapplied as a dynamic PA control signal in place of the fixed voltage control signal.

Abstract: An amplifier for detecting photocurrents complementary to each other is disclosed. The optical receiver includes two trans-impedance amplifiers (TIAs) each having the single phase arrangement, a level detector to detect an average level between respective outputs of the TIAs, a controller to detect a difference between each of the output of the TIA, and an offset canceller to bypass each of the photocurrents to compensate the output offset between two TIAs depending on the average level and the difference between two levels.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a current multiplier that can generate an output current with high linearity and/or high temperature compensation. Such current multipliers can be implemented by complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit elements. In one embodiment, the current multiplier can include a current divider and a core current multiplier. The current divider can generate a divided current by dividing an input current by an adjustable division ratio. The division ratio can be adjusted, for example, based on a comparison of the input current with a reference current. The core current multiplier can generate the output current based on multiplying the divided current and a different current. According to certain embodiments, the output current can be maintained within a predetermined range as the input current to the current divider varies within a relatively wide range.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments include methods, computer readable media, and devices for calibrating a non-linear power detector of a radio frequency device based upon measurements of the non-linear power detector output and the associated power amplifier output level, and a set of data points that characterize a nominal non-linear power detector. The set of data points that characterize the nominal non-linear power detector is stored in a calibration system memory as nominal power detector output data. The measured non-linear power detector outputs, power amplifier output levels, and the nominal power detector output data is used to determine a power detector error function that characterizes the difference between the response of the non-linear power detector and the nominal non-linear power detector. The power detector error function and the nominal power detector output data are used to develop a calibrated power detector output data set that is stored in the non-linear power detector.

Abstract: Methods and circuits for controlling an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit wherein the AGC circuit is used to adjust the gain of a signal input to an analog to digital converter. The method includes obtaining a plurality of samples from the output of the analog to digital converter and determining whether the amplitude of each sample is greater than a threshold amplitude value. If the amplitude of a sample is greater than the threshold amplitude value then a counter value is incremented. The target average amplitude of the automatic gain control circuit is then periodically adjusted based on the counter value.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a power amplifier and a control circuit. The power amplifier may be configured to generate an output signal in response to an input signal and a control signal. The control circuit may be configured to present (i) a bias signal as the control signal during un-regulated conditions and (ii) a power down voltage as the control signal when one or more predetermined design parameters are exceeded. The magnitude of the control signal may be configured to dynamically adjust a power level of the output signal. The power down voltage may be generated by sampling the input signal.

Abstract: A multi-mode power amplifier includes a high-power mode amplifier circuit, a mid-power mode amplifier circuit, and a low power amplifier circuit, where the low-power mode amplifier circuit comprises a plurality of independently selectable power cell/amplifier branches. The multi-mode power amplifiers selectively enable or disable amplifier branches to provide multiple levels of amplification. Selectively enabling certain of a plurality of split collector amplifier branches provides multiple low power and ultra-low power amplifier modes without the impedance mismatch or board layout problems associated with an RF switch.

Abstract: A power amplifier power controller in the power amplifier system monitors various operating conditions of the power amplifier, and controls the output transmit power of the power amplifier by coordinated control of both the input drive level to the power amplifier and the gain of the power amplifier. The power amplifier power controller controls the input drive level to the power amplifier so that the input drive level does not change substantially while adjusting the gain of the power amplifier to maximize the transmit power. The power amplifier power controller may also adjust the input drive level by some portion of the overall change required to the power of the power amplifier, while adjusting the gain of the power amplifier by the remaining portion of such overall change.

Abstract: Circuits and methods to maintain a resistive voltage divider ratio during start-up of an electronic circuit comprising a feed-forward capacitor across a feedback resistor using a dynamic start-up circuit are disclosed as e.g. a LDO or an amplifier. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure is applied to an LDO. Modification of the resistive voltage divider ratio caused by the feed-forward capacitor during start-up is prevented while the voltage level of a voltage access point of the voltage divider on the feed-forward capacitor is maintained. Embodiments of the disclosure presented comprise using a start-up buffer or a start-up capacitor during the start-up phase.

Abstract: A receive circuit for use in a power converter controller includes a first amplifier coupled to receive an input pulse. A second amplifier is coupled to a first output of the first amplifier. The first output is coupled to be responsive to the input pulse and to a second output of the second amplifier. An output circuit is coupled to generate an output signal in response to the second output.

Abstract: A method and system enhances the gain of a propagation path of a radio frequency (RF) signal while utilizing an envelope tracking (ET) mechanism to provide power to a power amplifier within the propagation path. An envelope tracking (ET) controller detects using the ET mechanism an RF envelope of the RF signal being propagated towards the power amplifier. The ET controller applies envelope pre-distortion to the RF signal. The ET controller initiates a function for shaping the supply voltage of the power amplifier by selecting a shaping table that can provide a specific level of increasing amplifier gain at higher signal drive level. The ET controller shapes the supply voltage for the power amplifier by adjusting values corresponding to the detected RF envelope. As a result, RF signals are propagated from the transceiver to the power amplifier output port across high and low transceiver drive levels with net constant gain.

Abstract: A digitally-controlled power amplifier (DPA) with bandpass filtering includes a radio-frequency (RF) clock input, an amplitude control word (ACW) input, and a plurality of DPA cells. The RF clock input is arranged for receiving an RF clock. The ACW input is arranged for receiving a digital ACW signal. The DPA cells are coupled to the RF clock and the digital ACW signal, wherein at least one of the DPA cells is gradually turned on and off in response to at least one bit of the digital ACW signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method amplify a signal for use in a wireless network. The apparatus includes a power amplifier, an envelope modulator, a tunable matching network (TMN), and a controller. The power amplifier outputs the signal at an output power. The envelope modulator controls a bias setting for the power amplifier. The TMN includes a plurality of immittance elements. The controller is operably connected the envelope modulator and the TMN. The controller identifies a desired value for the output power of the power amplifier, controls the output power of the power amplifier by modifying the bias setting of the power amplifier, and sets a number of the plurality of immittance elements based on the bias setting of the power amplifier.