Method of protecting power amplifiers
First Claim
1. A method of protecting an RF power amplifier comprising:
- sensing the temperature in an RF power amplifier;
determining whether a first temperature threshold has been reached;
if the first temperature threshold has been reached, changing the operation of the RF power amplifier to reduce the temperature of the RF power amplifier;
determining whether a second temperature threshold has been reached, wherein the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold; and
if the second temperature threshold has been reached, shutting down the RF power amplifier.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of protecting an RF power amplifier comprising:
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sensing the temperature in an RF power amplifier; determining whether a first temperature threshold has been reached; if the first temperature threshold has been reached, changing the operation of the RF power amplifier to reduce the temperature of the RF power amplifier; determining whether a second temperature threshold has been reached, wherein the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold; and if the second temperature threshold has been reached, shutting down the RF power amplifier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of protecting an RF power amplifier comprising:
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establishing a first temperature threshold value; establishing a second temperature threshold value, wherein the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold; sensing the temperature in the RF power amplifier; changing the operation of the RF power amplifier when the sensed temperature reaches the first temperature threshold value to attempt to reduce the temperature in the RF power amplifier; and shutting down the RF power amplifier when the sensed temperature reaches the second temperature threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification