With Control Of Power Supply Or Bias Voltage Patents (Class 330/127)
  • Patent number: 8536940
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for amplifying a carrier signal (CS1) by using a power amplifier (PA1), the power amplifier (PA1) is feed with a supply voltage (PASV1) of a power supply (SMPS1). The method comprises the step of adapting a value of the supply voltage (PASV1) to a value related to a mean signal power of an input signal (DS) of a power amplifier system (PAS1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Thomas Bohn, Christoph Haslach, Xin Yu, Gerhard Luz
  • Patent number: 8536941
    Abstract: An amplifying device which amplifies a signal, includes: an amplifier which amplifies an input signal by a power supplied from a power node; a first power source which supplies a fixed voltage to the power node; a second power source which supplies a variable voltage to the power node based on an envelope signal relating to the input signal and voltage of the power node; an active short device which reduces impedance of the power node when the first power source supplies the power to the power node and the second power source does not supply the power to the power node; a synthesizer which synthesizes the envelope signal and a cancel signal so that the second power source does not supply the power to the power node according to voltage variation of the power node by the active short device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hironobu Hongo, Katsutoshi Ishidoh
  • Patent number: 8538354
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, disadvantages and problems associated with controlling signal transmission of a wireless communication device may be reduced. In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure a method for controlling transmission of a wireless communication signal comprises sensing one or more signals indicative of a power level of a wireless communication signal. The power level of the wireless communication signal is amplified by a power amplifier according to an amplifier control signal. The method further comprises determining a change in the power level based on the one or more signals indicative of the power level. The change is associated with one or more perturbations of the amplifier control signal. The method also comprises adjusting transmission of the wireless communication signal according to the change in the power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Intel IP Corporation
    Inventors: Bing Xu, Pravin Premakanthan
  • Publication number: 20130234793
    Abstract: An envelope tracking power supply and transmitter control circuitry are disclosed. The transmitter control circuitry receives a first envelope power supply control signal and a second envelope power supply control signal. The envelope tracking power supply operates in one of a group of operating modes, which includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode. During both the first operating mode and the second operating mode, a first envelope power supply signal is provided to a driver stage based on the first envelope power supply control signal. During the first operating mode, a second envelope power supply signal is provided to a final stage based on the first envelope power supply control signal. However, during the second operating mode, the second envelope power supply signal is provided to the final stage based on the second envelope power supply control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Michael R. Kay, Philippe Gorisse
  • Patent number: 8531240
    Abstract: Embodiments of power amplification devices are described with a power amplification circuit that has more than one amplifier stage and with at least a first voltage regulation circuit and a second voltage regulation circuit configured that provide regulated voltages to these amplifier stages. The power amplification device includes a threshold detection circuit to get better maximum output power performance while preserving power efficiency. The threshold detection circuit is configured to increase a first voltage adjustment gain of the first voltage regulation circuit when a regulated voltage level of a second voltage regulation circuit reaches a first threshold voltage level. In this manner, the first voltage adjustment gain can be initially set to be lower than the second voltage adjustment gain until the second voltage regulation circuit is close or has railed. The first voltage adjustment gain can then be increased to allow the first voltage regulation circuit to also rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Sandahl Ubbesen, Erik Pedersen, Søren Deleuran Laursen
  • Publication number: 20130229229
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for raising an output efficiency in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a supply modulator and a power amplifier. The supply modulator includes a DC-DC converter, a voltage regulator, and a switching regulator. The supply modulator modulates an envelope component of an input signal to generate power. The power amplifier amplifies a phase component of the input signal using the power generated by the supply modulator as a power source of a collector/drain. The DC-DC converter raises battery power of the mobile communication terminal. The voltage regulator determines an output voltage of the supply modulator using the power raised by the DC-DC converter. The switching regulator determines an output current of the supply regulator using the battery power of the mobile communication terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bok-Ju Park, Hyung-Sun Lim, Hee-Sang Noh, Jun-Seok Yang
  • Publication number: 20130229228
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system that comprises a power amplifier configured to amplify an RF input signal to generate an RF output signal. The power amplifier has a gain that is controlled by a supply voltage to the power amplifier. An amplitude detector is configured to generate an amplitude signal indicative of an amplitude of the RF input signal. A power supply generates the supply voltage to the power amplifier based on the amplitude signal indicative of the amplitude of the RF input signal. The gain of the power amplifier is allowed to have variations over the amplitude range of the RF input signal in favor of having a supply voltage that is monotonic relative to the amplitude of the RF input signal across an amplitude range of the RF input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: QUANTANCE, INC.
    Inventor: Serge Francois Drogi
  • Publication number: 20130222057
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of generating a supply voltage (230) for a power amplifier (114) arranged to amplify an input signal (228), comprising: generating (104) a target supply voltage tracking the input signal (228); predistorting (400) the target supply voltage to compensate for effects on a supply voltage in the amplifier (114); and generating (102) the supply voltage for the amplifier (114) in dependence on the predistorted target supply voltage (414).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: NUJIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Henshaw
  • Patent number: 8519788
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description relate to a pseudo-envelope follower power management system for managing the power delivered to a linear RF power amplifier. The pseudo-envelope follower power management system may include a switch mode power supply converter and a parallel amplifier cooperatively coupled to provide a linear RF power amplifier supply to the linear RF power amplifier. The pseudo-envelope follower power management system may include a charge pump configured to power the parallel amplifier. The charge pump may generate a plurality of output voltage levels. The charge pump may be either a boost charge pump or a boost/buck charge pump. The pseudo-envelope follower power management system may include an offset voltage control circuit configured to provide feedback to the switch mode power supply converter to regulate an offset voltage developed across a coupling device that couples the output of the parallel amplifier to the linear RF power amplifier supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Nadim Khlat
  • Publication number: 20130214858
    Abstract: A highly efficient, high control bandwidth and high-speed power supply with a linear driver and a switching regulator for regulating an output based on a control signal. The linear driver has a first input for receiving the control signal and a second input connected to the output for receiving negative feedback. The driver's output is controlled by its two inputs and has a capacitor connected in series with it to generate a capacitor voltage VC responsive to the DC and low frequency components in the driver's output. The switching regulator has a control input and a regulator output connected in a regulator feedback loop. The control input receives capacitor voltage VC and the regulator feedback loop minimizes capacitor voltage VC. Thus, switching regulator takes over the generation of DC and low frequency components, while the linear driver provides high frequency output current components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: David C.G. Tournatory, Martin A. Tomasz
  • Patent number: 8514025
    Abstract: An amplifier circuit, comprising: an input, for receiving an input signal to be amplified; a power amplifier, for amplifying the input signal; a switched power supply, having a switching frequency, for providing at least one supply voltage to the power amplifier; and a dither block, for dithering the switching frequency of the switched power supply. The dither block is controlled based on the input signal. Another aspect of the invention involves using first and second switches, each having different capacitances and resistances, and using the first or second switch depending on the input signal or volume signal. Another aspect of the invention involves controlling a bias signal provided to one or more components in the signal path based on the input signal or volume signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plc
    Inventor: John Paul Lesso
  • Patent number: 8508297
    Abstract: An envelope amplifier includes an amplifier unit, a comparator unit and an output unit. The amplifier unit is made up of a first output section that outputs a first current in response to an amplitude of an input envelope signal, and a second output section. The second output section outputs a second current of a current value proportionate to a current value of the first current. Absolute value of the current value of the second current is greater than that of a current value of the first current. Comparator unit compares the current value of the first current. The output unit sums a current via an inductor derived from a current sustained or broken in response to a compared result of the comparator unit to the second current to deliver the resulting sum current at an output end. The first current is configured to be terminated without being delivered to the output unit (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Renesas Electronics Corporation, NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Honda, Yuji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130200949
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method, in an amplifier stage comprising an amplifier and a modulated supply, the amplifier being arranged to amplify an input signal and the modulated supply being arranged to generate a supply voltage for the amplifier by tracking an envelope of the signal to be amplified, the method comprising: comparing the relative timing of a signal representing the current drawn by the amplifier from the modulated supply and a signal representing the voltage generated at the output of the modulated supply; and in dependence upon a difference in the relative timing, adjusting the timing of either the input signal to be amplified or the generated supply voltage to reduce the difference in the relative timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: NUJIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Martin Paul Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130194037
    Abstract: The present invention allows amplification with low distortion and high efficiency. A power amplifier of the present invention comprises signal conversion means which generates a digital signal and an analog signal from an input signal that is an amplification target based on a signal generation parameter, a switching amplifier which amplifies the digital signal, a linear amplifier which amplifies the analog signal, and DC level detection means which detect a DC level of at least one of the signal amplified by the linear amplifier and the amplified signal and output a detection result to the signal conversion means, wherein the signal conversion means adjust the signal generation parameter so that the DC level inputted by the DC level detection means is virtually equal to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kiyohiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8493141
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description relate to a pseudo-envelope follower power management system used to manage the power delivered to a linear RF power amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Michael R. Kay
  • Patent number: 8493142
    Abstract: An amplifier includes an envelope detection unit that detects an envelope of a transmission signal; a comparing unit that compares a voltage of the envelope with a reference voltage; a selecting unit that selects, in accordance with a comparison result obtained by the comparing unit, an amplifying element that amplifies the transmission signal from among a plurality of amplifying elements each having different operating power; a voltage control unit that controls, in accordance with the envelope, a voltage that is used to amplify the transmission signal in the amplifying element that is selected by the selecting unit; a current measuring unit that measures a current of a power supply that supplies the voltage that is controlled by the voltage control unit; and a reference voltage control unit that controls the reference voltage such that the current measured by the current measuring unit decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Tsuneaki Tadano
  • Publication number: 20130181774
    Abstract: Radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuitry, which includes an envelope tracking power supply and an RF power amplifier (PA), is disclosed. The RF PA operates in either a first operating mode or a second operating mode, such that selection of the operating mode is based on compression tolerance criteria. During the first operating mode, the RF PA receives and amplifies an RF input signal using a first compression level. During the second operating mode, the RF PA receives and amplifies the RF input signal using a second compression level, which is greater than the first compression level. The envelope tracking power supply provides an envelope power supply signal to the RF PA. The envelope power supply signal provides power for amplification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Nadim Khlat, Andrew F. Folkmann, James M. Retz
  • Patent number: 8489030
    Abstract: A radio apparatus capable of correcting a direct current offset with high accuracy in a short time is provided. A radio apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first amplifier amplifying a signal inputted to an input terminal with amplification gain determined by a variable resistor to generate a first amplified signal, and a second amplifier amplifying the first amplified signal to generate a second amplified signal. Further, the radio apparatus includes a first correcting unit correcting a direct current offset of the first amplifier, and a second correcting unit correcting a direct current offset of the second amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Fumi Moritsuka, Shoji Otaka, Masahiro Hosoya, Hiroaki Ishihara, Tsuyoshi Kogawa
  • Publication number: 20130176076
    Abstract: A voltage regulator for use within an envelope tracking power supply system is described. The voltage regulator comprises a voltage regulation module. The voltage regulation module comprises at least one energy storage element, the at least one energy storage element comprising a first terminal operably coupled to a first node of the voltage regulation module, and a second terminal operably coupled to a second node of the voltage regulation module. The voltage regulation module further comprises an input arranged to receive a reference voltage supply signal, the input being selectively couplable to the first node and selectively couplable to the second node, an output selectively couplable to the first node and selectively couplable to the second node, and a ground plane selectively couplable to the second node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Stanley Riehl
  • Publication number: 20130176075
    Abstract: A direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes switching circuitry, a first parallel amplifier, and a second parallel amplifier, is disclosed. The switching circuitry has a switching circuitry output. The first parallel amplifier has a first feedback input and a first parallel amplifier output. The second parallel amplifier has a second feedback input and a second parallel amplifier output. A first inductive element is coupled between the switching circuitry output and the first feedback input. A second inductive element is coupled between the first feedback input and the second feedback input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130169357
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system adjusts the supply voltage provided to a power amplifier (PA) adaptively, responsive to the measured or estimated power of the RF output signal of the PA. The RF PA system includes a power amplifier (PA) which receives and amplifies an RF input signal to generate an RF output signal at a level suitable for transmission to an antenna. A PA supply voltage controller generates a supply voltage control signal, which is used to control the supply voltage to the final stage of the PA. The supply voltage control signal is generated responsive to the measured or estimated power of the PA RF output signal, and also may be responsive to a parameter indicative of impedance mismatch experienced at the PA output. By controlling this supply voltage to the RF PA, the efficiency of the PA is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: QUANTANCE, INC.
    Inventor: QUANTANCE, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130169358
    Abstract: A power supply system includes a high-speed power supply providing a first output, operating in conjunction with an externally supplied DC source or low frequency power supply which provides a second output. A frequency blocking power combiner circuit combines the first and second outputs to generate a third output in order to drive a load, while providing frequency-selective isolation between the first and second outputs. A feedback circuit coupled to the combined, third output compares this combined, third output with a predetermined control signal and generates a control signal for controlling the high-speed power supply, based on a difference between the third output and the predetermined control signal. The feedback circuit does not control the DC source or the low frequency power supply, but controls only the high-speed power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: QUANTANCE, INC.
    Inventor: QUANTANCE, INC.
  • Patent number: 8476976
    Abstract: There is disclosed a power supply stage, and a corresponding method, comprising: a plurality of amplifiers for amplifying an input signal, each amplifier receiving a power supply voltage; a common selection means for selecting one of a plurality of power supply voltages in dependence on a reference signal representing a desired power supply voltage; and a plurality of adjusting means, corresponding to the plurality of amplifiers, adapted to generate an adjusted selected power supply voltage for a respective amplifier tracking the reference signal in dependence on the one selected power supply voltage and the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nujira Limited
    Inventor: Gerard Wimpenny
  • Publication number: 20130156226
    Abstract: A volume adjustment circuit includes an amplification circuit, a control circuit and an adjustment circuit. The amplification circuit amplifies a first audio signal received and generates a second audio signal, and outputs the second audio signal to an audio output terminal. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the audio output terminal, and is configured to generate a control signal based on the second audio signal. The adjustment circuit is electrically coupled to the control circuit, and configured to adjust an amplitude of the first audio signal inputted to the amplification circuit based on the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: REN-WEN HUANG, ZONG-XIAO LUO, JUN ZHANG, TSUNG-JEN CHUANG
  • Publication number: 20130154732
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to apparatuses and methods to reduce average power dissipation in transceiver stages such as power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers (LNAs) that process signals of varying output amplitudes. Power dissipation may be reduced by varying the supply voltage in sympathy with the amplitude of the signal and/or the stage current density which may also be varied in sympathy with the signal amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas P. Cowley, Isaac Ali, William L. Barber
  • Patent number: 8466755
    Abstract: Provided is a Polar modulation apparatus which compensates for output characteristics of a power amplifier. A data generator generates an amplitude component signal and a phase component signal. A phase modulator generates a phase modulated signal obtained by phase modulating the phase component signal. An adder adds an amplitude offset voltage to the amplitude component signal. A power amplifier which includes a first hetero-junction bipolar transistor, amplifies the phase modulated signal by using the amplitude component signal. A monitor unit monitors the power amplifier and outputs a monitor voltage. The control unit calculates the amplitude offset voltage according to the monitor voltage and outputs the calculated amplitude offset voltage to the adder. The monitor unit includes a second hetero-junction bipolar transistor and outputs a collector emitter voltage of the second hetero-junction bipolar transistor as the monitor voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hara
  • Patent number: 8461931
    Abstract: A Multi-Mode Multi-Band (MMMB) radio frequency (RF) power amplifier circuit operating at multiple frequency bands. The power amplifier circuit comprises a single wideband power amplifier having high output impedance which is configured to be equal to a load impedance of the load connected to the power amplifier circuit. A bias voltage applied to the wideband power amplifier is changed from a first value to a second value to provide a predetermined output power of the wideband power amplifier to the load with the output impedance of wideband power amplifier being equal to the load impedance. The power amplifier circuit also includes an individual harmonic filter for filtering each frequency band independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Anadigics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bayruns, John VanSaders
  • Patent number: 8456234
    Abstract: A bias current control method for an operational amplifier is disclosed, which includes detecting a slew rate operating signal, determining signal period length of the slew rate operating signal to generate a determination signal, and generating a high bias modulation signal or a low bias modulation signal to the operational amplifier according to the determination signal and the slew rate operating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: NOVATEK Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Wei-Hsiang Hung, Chia-Hung Lin
  • Publication number: 20130135045
    Abstract: Circuitry, which includes data memory and processing circuitry, is disclosed. The data memory is used to store look-up table (LUT)-based radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) calibration data. The processing circuitry converts at least a portion of the LUT-based RF PA calibration data to provide monotonic response curve-based data. As such, a magnitude of an envelope power supply control signal is determined based on a magnitude of an RF input signal using the monotonic response curve-based data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8447259
    Abstract: A mode-switching LNA generally includes an input unit, an output unit and a bias voltage generator. The input unit amplifies an input signal to generate an amplified signal. The output unit receives the amplified signal from the input unit and operates either in an oscillation mode or in an amplification mode in response to a control signal to generate an output signal having a center frequency equal to a target frequency. The control signal indicates whether the center frequency of the output signal is the same as the target frequency. The bias voltage generator provides an input bias voltage to the input unit in response to the control signal, where the input bias voltage includes a first bias voltage in the amplification mode and a second bias voltage in the oscillation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jae-Hong Chang, Hyung-Ki Ahn, Hui-Jung Kim
  • Publication number: 20130113556
    Abstract: In one embodiment, saturation of the control system of a power amplifier is limited by comparing a control voltage at a first control node against a scaled battery voltage, and then drawing an error current away from the first control node when the control voltage exceeds the scaled battery voltage. The first control node may be located after a trans-conductance amplifier in a feedback control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130113555
    Abstract: Provided is a power amplifier used in a transmitter of a communication system. The power amplifier may include a power amplifier module to amplify power of a transmitting signal, an energy converter module to receive thermal energy generated by the power amplifier module and to convert the received thermal energy into electric energy, and a direct current (DC)-DC converter module to produce DC power using the electric energy generated by the energy converter module and to supply the produced DC power to the power amplifier module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin Cheol JEONG, In Bok YOM
  • Publication number: 20130114665
    Abstract: A variable gain amplifier (VGA) useful in a receiver that recovers transmitted digital signals. A first amplifier in the VGA has a first gain, an input coupled to an input of the VGA, and an output coupled to a load. A second amplifier in the VGA has a second gain, an input coupled to the input of the VGA, and an output coupled to the load. In a first mode of operation, the first gain is substantially zero and the second gain ranges between a maximum gain and a fraction of the maximum gain. In a second mode of operation the first gain is substantially the maximum gain and the second gain ranges between the maximum gain and the fraction of the maximum gain, and an algebraic sum of the first gain and second gain is no greater than the maximum gain to reduce non-linear distortion at low VGA gain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Pervez M. Aziz, Hiroshi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20130113557
    Abstract: An efficient amplifying device is achieved. An amplifying device that amplifies a signal subject to amplification is configured as follows. That is, an amplifier (PA 5) that amplifies a signal is provided. Level control means 1 converts a level of the signal subject to amplification according to the level of this signal. Power supply control means 6 and 8 supply the amplifier (PA 5) with a power supply voltage determined according to the level of the signal subject to amplification. The amplifier (PA 5) amplifies a signal at the level converted by the level control means 1 with the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply control means 6 and 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Naoki Hongo
  • Patent number: 8436683
    Abstract: An audio amplifier circuit is described which comprises an operational amplifier. The operational amplifier receives an audio input signal and provides an output suitable for connecting a headphone, or a loudspeaker. A step-up converter is provided which supplies the operational amplifier. The audio amplifier is configured to operate in one of multiple operating modes, each of which uses a distinct supply voltage Vcc of the operational amplifier in the audio amplifier. Comparators are used to compare the output voltage of the operational amplifier with a first reference voltage to raise the supply voltage of the operational amplifier, if clipping is imminent. A second comparator is used to compare the output voltage of the operational amplifier with a second reference voltage, indicating that the supply voltage of the operational amplifier can be lowered without the risk of clipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Gehrke
  • Publication number: 20130106508
    Abstract: A direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes a parallel amplifier and a switching supply, is disclosed. The switching supply includes switching circuitry, a first inductive element, and a second inductive element. The parallel amplifier has a feedback input and a parallel amplifier output. The switching circuitry has a switching circuitry output. The first inductive element is coupled between the switching circuitry output and the feedback input. The second inductive element is coupled between the feedback input and the parallel amplifier output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130093513
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for expanding an operation region in an envelope tracking power amplifier are provided. The apparatus for amplifying power of a transmission signal includes an amplitude component determination unit, a supply modulator, and a power amplify module. The amplitude component determination unit determines an amplitude component of a transmission signal. The supply modulator generates a supply voltage to be provided to the power amplify module depending on the amplitude component of the transmission signal determined by the amplitude component determination unit. The power amplify module amplifies power of the transmission signal depending on the supply voltage generated by the supply modulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130093512
    Abstract: There are provided a power amplifier and an operation controlling circuit thereof. The power amplifier includes: a signal generating unit generating a current input signal; an amplifying unit amplifying the current input signal; and a driving circuit unit supplying a driving signal to the amplifying unit, wherein the signal generating unit includes a control circuit unit generating a predetermined voltage signal from input power and a current mirror circuit unit generating the current input signal from the voltage signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Shinichi IIZUKA, Jun Kyung Na, Sang Hoon Ha, Youn Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 8405456
    Abstract: A power supply system includes a high-speed power supply providing a first output, operating in conjunction with an externally supplied DC source or low frequency power supply which provides a second output. A frequency blocking power combiner circuit combines the first and second outputs to generate a third output in order to drive a load, while providing frequency-selective isolation between the first and second outputs. A feedback circuit coupled to the combined, third output compares this combined, third output with a predetermined control signal and generates a control signal for controlling the high-speed power supply, based on a difference between the third output and the predetermined control signal. The feedback circuit does not control the DC source or the low frequency power supply, but controls only the high-speed power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Quantance, Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Francois Drogi, Martin Tomasz
  • Patent number: 8401500
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an RF power amplifier (PA) power supply that includes a series pass circuit coupled across a direct current (DC)-to-DC converter to receive a power supply input signal, such as provided from a battery, to provide a power supply output signal to at least a first RF PA based on an output setpoint. Control circuitry selects between a switching supply operating mode and a non-switching supply operating mode based on the output setpoint. During the switching supply operating mode, the DC-to-DC converter provides the power supply output signal and during the non-switching supply operating mode, the series pass circuit provides the power supply output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruediger Bauder, Nadim Khlat, Edward T. Spears, Jean-Frederic Chiron, Philippe Gorisse
  • Publication number: 20130057342
    Abstract: An audio playback loop circuit including an audio amplifier for amplifying an analog audio signal based on digitally controlled power supplies, and a digitally controlled power supply selection circuit for generating and selecting the digitally controlled power supplies based on a digital signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Wade Zhu
  • Publication number: 20130059554
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplification system in which a combination of a linear voltage regulator having a PFET pass device and a DC-DC converter having an NFET pass device is used to supply power to an RF power amplifier. The RF power amplifier receives power from either the linear voltage regular and its associated PFET pass device or the DC-DC converter and its NFET pass device, depending upon the condition of a mode signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David S. Ripley, James P. Young
  • Publication number: 20130049859
    Abstract: A system for preventing power amplifier supply voltage saturation includes a multiple stage voltage regulator configured to provide a regulated voltage, a power amplifier configured to receive the regulated voltage, and a saturation protection circuit configured to apply a current into a first stage of the multiple stage voltage regulator when the regulated voltage reaches a reference voltage, the applied current causing a subsequent stage of the multiple stage voltage regulator to prevent the regulated voltage from exceeding the reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Lige Wang
  • Patent number: 8380147
    Abstract: A power amplifier circuit can be linked to an antenna arrangement of a communication system for transmission of ASK RF data signals. The power amplifier circuit includes an amplifier core with several cascode amplifier cells in parallel. Each cascode amplifier cell is composed of three NMOS transistors in triode mounting between an output terminal connected to the antenna arrangement, and an earth terminal. A first transistor of each cascode amplifier cell is controlled by a carrier frequency signal, whereas a second transistor of each cascode amplifier cell is controlled by a smoothing control loop in order to modulate data to be transmitted on carrier frequency by amplitude shift keying. The smoothing control loop is provided for generating an increasing gate voltage for the second transistors on the basis of an increasing current ramp from a first minimum current value to a second maximum current value during a “0” to “1” data transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin S.A.
    Inventors: Kevin Scott Buescher, Michal Prokes
  • Patent number: 8374279
    Abstract: A modulation device includes a signal input for receiving a data stream to be modulated and a first and a second signal output. At least one first complex component is derived from the data stream in a coding device. A first and a second high-frequency signal are output via the signal outputs. The first and second high-frequency signals are derived from the at least one first complex component and are distinguished by the fact that the second high-frequency signal has a phase shift of substantially 90° with respect to the first high-frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Mobile Communications GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Adler, André Hanke
  • Publication number: 20130033315
    Abstract: An audio amplifier is powered by a switch mode power supply optimized for audio applications. The power supply includes a rectifier circuit and a discontinuous mode multiphase isolated flyback power circuit and does not require a separate power factor correction stage. The discontinuous mode multiphase isolated flyback power circuit includes multiple isolated flyback converters operating synchronously to each convert a portion of the power and supply a phase-summed direct current voltage to the audio amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: CRESTRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Buono
  • Patent number: 8368463
    Abstract: Disclosed are voltage distribution device and method for controlling CMOS-based devices for switching radio frequency (RF) signals. In certain RF devices such as mobile phones, providing different amplification modes can yield performance advantages. For example, a capability to transmit at low and high power modes typically results in an extended battery life, since the high power mode can be activated only when needed. Switching between such amplification modes can be facilitated by one or more switches formed in an integrated circuit and configured to route RF signal to different amplification paths. In certain embodiments, such RF switches can be formed as CMOS devices, and can be based on triple-well structures. In certain embodiments, various bias voltages applied to such a CMOS RF switch can be facilitated by a voltage distribution component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Homol, Ryan M. Pratt, Hua Wang
  • Publication number: 20130027130
    Abstract: Embodiments of power amplification devices are described with a power amplification circuit that has more than one amplifier stage and with at least a first voltage regulation circuit and a second voltage regulation circuit configured that provide regulated voltages to these amplifier stages. The power amplification device includes a threshold detection circuit to get better maximum output power performance while preserving power efficiency. The threshold detection circuit is configured to increase a first voltage adjustment gain of the first voltage regulation circuit when a regulated voltage level of a second voltage regulation circuit reaches a first threshold voltage level. In this manner, the first voltage adjustment gain can be initially set to be lower than the second voltage adjustment gain until the second voltage regulation circuit is close or has railed. The first voltage adjustment gain can then be increased to allow the first voltage regulation circuit to also rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Lars Sandahl Ubbesen, Erik Pedersen, Søren Deleuran Laursen
  • Publication number: 20130027131
    Abstract: A sound output device is provided. The sound output device includes a vacuum tube for amplifying an audio signal; a power supply that supplies power to the vacuum tube; a first switch circuit that selectively connects the power supply to the vacuum tube; and a controller that controls the first switch circuit according to whether the vacuum tube is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-cheol LEE, Byung-soo KIM, Joo-moon YOUN, Kee-yeong CHO
  • Publication number: 20130029617
    Abstract: A voltage driving apparatus (1) for a power amplifier, a power amplifying system, a power supply device and a communication device are disclosed. The voltage driving apparatus (1) for the power amplifier includes a voltage input module (11), a voltage output module (12), a signal input module (13), and a control module (14). The voltage output module (12) is connected to the power amplifier to provide a voltage. The signal input module (13) is configured to receive a variable input electric signal. The control module (14) is electrically connected to the voltage input module (11), the voltage output module (12), and the signal input module (13) and configured to dynamically adjust the output voltage of the voltage output module (12) according to the variable input electric signal received by the signal input module (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: HUAWEI DEVICE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HUAWEI DEVICE CO., LTD.