Abstract: A method for measuring the forward power output of an amplifier with improved accuracy with a mismatched load based on probing the amplitude of the AC voltage and current in the final amplifier stage. Amplitudes are combined resulting in a composite reading that is affected less by load mismatch. Variations include measuring signal amplitude at two points 90 degrees apart in the transmission medium and measuring the power supply voltage and current of a saturated amplifier.

Abstract: A power amplifier circuit includes an adjustable gain power amplifier for amplifying an RF input signal. An isolated node in the adjustable gain power amplifier is isolated from the output load by a gain stage of the adjustable gain power amplifier. The power level of a signal at the isolated node corresponds to the power level of a signal at the output load. A detector is either capacitively coupled to the isolated node or connected by a direct current (DC) connection. The detector detects the power level of the signal at the isolated node. The detector generates a power level indicator that is sent to a gain control circuit. The gain control circuit adjusts the gain of the adjustable gain power amplifier to maintain a constant drive level at the isolated node.

Abstract: A method for measuring the forward power output of an amplifier with improved accuracy with a mismatched load based on probing the amplitude of the AC voltage and current in the final amplifier stage. Amplitudes are combined resulting in a composite reading that is affected less by load mismatch. Variations include measuring signal amplitude at two points 90 degrees apart in the transmission medium and measuring the power supply voltage and current of a saturated amplifier.

Abstract: A temperature and process compensated voltage controlled amplifier circuit achieves a prescribed power level over a wide dynamic range. The amplifier circuit has a power amplifier and a peak-to-peak detector that are integrated parts of an integrated circuit. The power amplifier outputs an amplified RF signal having an amplified peak-to-peak voltage amplitude. The peak-to-peak detector receives the amplified RF signal and generates a detector output signal having a direct current voltage component that is substantially proportional to the amplified peak-to-peak voltage amplitude. The power amplifier receives the detector output signal and uses it to achieve an amplified peak-to-peak voltage amplitude corresponding to a prescribed power level. The peak-to-peak detector includes transistors with identical threshold voltages.

Abstract: A temperature and process compensated voltage controlled amplifier circuit achieves a prescribed power level over a wide dynamic range. The amplifier circuit has a power amplifier and a peak-to-peak detector that are integrated parts of an integrated circuit. The power amplifier outputs an amplified RF signal having an amplified peak-to-peak voltage amplitude. The peak-to-peak detector receives the amplified RF signal and generates a detector output signal having a direct current voltage component that is substantially proportional to the amplified peak-to-peak voltage amplitude. The power amplifier receives the detector output signal and uses it to achieve an amplified peak-to-peak voltage amplitude corresponding to a prescribed power level. The peak-to-peak detector includes transistors with identical threshold voltages.