Power amplifier embedded cell bias detection, methods of detecting bias in power amplifiers and systems utilizing embedded cell bias detection
First Claim
1. An amplifier comprising:
- a plurality of transistor cells, each cell having a controlling terminal and controlled terminals, wherein the controlling terminals of the plurality of transistor cells are commonly connected; and
a DC blocking circuit which is configured to AC couple a controlled terminal of at least one of the plurality of transistor cells to a corresponding controlled terminal of at least one of the remainder of the plurality of transistor cells.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for current sensing for an amplifier using an embedded cell. The embedded cell is a transistor cell from a plurality of transistor cells which is coupled to the other transistor cells so as to block DC current flow between the embedded cell and the other cells and allow AC current to flow between the embedded cell and the other cells. Power may be supplied to the embedded cell through a current sensing circuit, such as a resistor, which senses the DC current drawn by the embedded cell which reflects to the total DC current drawn by the by amplifier. Systems for bias control and for amplitude modulation utilizing embedded cells are also provided.
4 Citations
56 Claims
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1. An amplifier comprising:
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a plurality of transistor cells, each cell having a controlling terminal and controlled terminals, wherein the controlling terminals of the plurality of transistor cells are commonly connected; and
a DC blocking circuit which is configured to AC couple a controlled terminal of at least one of the plurality of transistor cells to a corresponding controlled terminal of at least one of the remainder of the plurality of transistor cells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A method of sensing a direct current bias in an amplifier having a plurality of transistor cells, comprising:
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causing alternating current to flow between the controlled terminal of the at least one of the transistor cells and the controlled terminals of other transistor cells in the plurality of transistor cells while blocking direct current (DC) current flow between the controlled terminal of the at least one of the transistor cells and the controlled terminals of the other transistor cells; and
sensing a direct current supplied to the at least one of the transistor cells. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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45. A system for sensing a direct current bias in an amplifier having a plurality of transistor cells, comprising:
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a coupling circuit configured to cause alternating current (AC) current to flow between the controlled terminal of the at least one of the transistor cells and the controlled terminals of the other transistor cells and while blocking direct current (DC) current flow between the controlled terminal of the at least one of the transistor cells and the controlled terminals of the other transistor cells; and
a sensing circuit configured to sense a DC current supplied to the at least one of the transistor cells.
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52. A system for sensing a direct current bias in an amplifier having a plurality of transistor cells, comprising:
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means for causing alternating current (AC) current to flow between the controlled terminal of the at least one of the transistor cells and the controlled terminals of the other transistor cells and while blocking direct current (DC) current flow between the controlled terminal of the at least one of the transistor cells and the controlled terminals of the other transistor cells; and
means for sensing a DC current supplied to the at least one of the transistor cells. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54, 55, 56)
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Specification