Power amplifier protection circuit and associated methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A circuit comprising:
- an RF power amplifier;
a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the RF power amplifier; and
a control circuit, wherein the control circuit generates a first digital control signal and changes the operation of the RF power amplifier in response to the sensed temperature reaching a first threshold value, and wherein the control circuit generates a second digital control signal that shuts down the power amplifier in response to the sensed temperature reaching a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.
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Abstract
In a power amplifier, techniques are provided for protecting the power amplifier from temperature extremes resulting from conditions such as load mismatches. After sensing the temperature of the power amplifier, the operation of the RF power amplifier is controlled accordingly. In one example, the power amplifier is shut down when the sensed temperature reaches a threshold value, which can be set to a value just below the point where permanent damage would occur. In another example, when a threshold temperature is reached, the operation of the power amplifier is changed, to prevent the temperature of the power amplifier from rising to a level that would damage the power amplifier.
22 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A circuit comprising:
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an RF power amplifier; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the RF power amplifier; and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit generates a first digital control signal and changes the operation of the RF power amplifier in response to the sensed temperature reaching a first threshold value, and wherein the control circuit generates a second digital control signal that shuts down the power amplifier in response to the sensed temperature reaching a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A circuit comprising:
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an RF power amplifier for generating an RF output signal; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the RF power amplifier; and control circuitry coupled to the temperature sensor for comparing one or more temperature dependent signals with first and second reference signals, wherein the control circuitry determines when the sensed temperature reaches a first threshold temperature and when the sensed temperature reaches a second threshold temperature based on the comparisons, wherein the control circuitry generates a first digital control signal and takes a first action when the sensed temperature reaches the first threshold temperature, and wherein the control circuitry generates a second digital control signal that causes the RF power amplifier to shut down when the sensed temperature reaches the second threshold temperature. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An integrated circuit comprising:
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an RF power amplifier circuit formed on the integrated circuit for generating an RF output signal; a temperature sensor formed on the integrated circuit for sensing the temperature of the integrated circuit; and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit generates a first digital control signal and takes a first action to reduce the temperature of the RF power amplifier when the sensed temperature reaches a first threshold temperature, and wherein the control circuit generates a second digital control signal that causes the RF power amplifier to shut down when the sensed temperature reaches a second threshold temperature, and wherein the second threshold temperature is greater than the first threshold temperature. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification