Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR RADIO-FREQUENCY VOLTAGE DETECTION

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus are provided for detection of voltage levels of RF signals. A first voltage correction is provided based on a thermal voltage and a second voltage correction is provided based on a voltage difference between a detection transistor, used for the rectification of the RF signal, and a reference transistor, to which the RF signal is not supplied. Based on the first and second voltage corrections, a more accurate detector with greater linearity may be obtained. In an embodiment, the second voltage correction may be generated proportional to a hyperbolic tangent of the voltage difference between two transistors, obtained using an additional pair of transistors configured as a differential pair. Applications include the control of a power amplifier output in a wireless device.