Switchable power level detector for multi-mode communication device

• US 20060246858A1
• Filed: 06/23/2005
• Published: 11/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Skyworks Solutions Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Skyworks Solutions Incorporated
• Inventors: Boerman, Steven P., Reginella, Patrice, DiCarlo, Paul T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,493,093 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/127.100
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 2201/702 being frequency, e.g. frequency deviations
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 3/3042 in modulators, frequency-changers, transmitters or power amplifiers transmission power control in bidirectional transmission systems H04W52/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/04 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/0416 having gain or transmission power control

Abstract

A method and apparatus for power detection in a multi-mode communication device configured for operation in different modes or frequency bands. A detector monitors the power level of an amplified outgoing signal. The detector may be configured with a switch and two or more samplers. Responsive to the mode of operation, the detector adopts an optimal configuration to generate a power level feedback signal, which is provided to a digital signal processor or controller. Comparison of the power level feedback signal to a target value may occur to generate an amplifier control signal. The amplifier control signal controls the gain, applied by an amplifier, to the outgoing signal. During operation, the system monitors for a change in the mode of operation and upon responsive to a change, generates a switch control signal to reconfigure the detector configuration to match the new mode of operation.

Claims

1. A method for controlling transmit power level in a multi-mode communication device comprising:

sending a switch control signal to a switch responsive to a mode selected from two or more possible modes of operation;

responsive to the switch control signal, connecting a sampler, corresponding to the selected mode, to a detector;

amplifying an outgoing signal to generate an amplified outgoing signal;

detecting the amplified outgoing signal to determine the power of the amplified outgoing signal;

generating a power level feedback signal;

processing the power level feedback signal to generate an amplifier control signal; and

sending the amplifier control signal to the amplifier to control a power level of the outgoing signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the power level feedback signal comprises a voltage level representing the power level of the amplified outgoing signal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein processing the power feedback signal comprises comparing the power level feedback signal to a target value.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein connecting a sampler comprises configuring a switch to connect a sampler selected from two or more samplers to a detector.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the mode of operation, and upon detecting a change in mode of operation, generating a switch control signal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein each mode of operation is associated with a frequency band.

7. A method for adjusting power level when switching between bands in a multiband wireless communication device comprising:

monitoring for a change in mode of operation from a first mode to a second mode;

responsive to detecting a change in mode of operation, generating and sending a switch control signal to a switch;

responsive to the switch control signal, selectively changing a detector configuration from operation in a first detector mode to operation in a second detector mode;

detecting one or more aspects of an outgoing signal; and

responsive to detecting one or more aspects of an outgoing signal, generating an amplifier control signal to thereby control the power level of the outgoing signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein generating and sending the amplifier control signal further comprises providing the amplifier control signal to an amplifier to control amplifier gain.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein a change in mode comprises operation within a different frequency band.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein selectively changing a detector configuration comprises switching a sampler configured for operation in the second mode to be connected to the detector.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein detecting one or more aspects of the outgoing signal comprises detecting a power level of an amplified outgoing signal.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein responsive to detecting one or more aspects of an outgoing signal comprises comparing the power level of the outgoing signal, or a signal representing the power of the outgoing signal to a target value.

13. A system for controlling transmit power level in a multi-mode wireless communication device;

an amplifier configured to receive an outgoing signal and generate an amplified outgoing signal responsive to an amplifier control signal;

a detector, configured to sample the amplified outgoing signal and generate a feedback signal corresponding to the power level of the amplified outgoing signal, wherein the detector is further configured with a switchable selector to configure operation of the detector to match a mode of operation; and

a controller configured to process the feedback signal to generate the amplifier control signal.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the switch comprises a multiband switch having three inputs and a single output.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the detector comprises a diode.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller comprises a digital signal processor.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the switchable selector comprises a switch configured to receive a switch control signal from the controller to selectively utilize a sampler matched to an active mode of operation of the multi-mode wireless communication device.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the multi-mode wireless communication device comprises a multiband cellular telephone.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to compare the feedback signal to a target value and responsive to the comparison, generate the amplifier control signal.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein the detector comprises two or more samplers, a switch, and a detector.