Overvoltage protection method for radio frequency front-end module, and electronic device

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention are an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, and an electronic device. The overvoltage protection method comprises the following steps: measuring a power supply voltage in real time; determining whether the power supply voltage reaches a first voltage threshold value; starting to count a first time; determining whether the first time reaches a first time threshold value; a radio frequency front-end module entering an overvoltage protection mode; an analog control circuit reducing the gain of a power amplifier or turning off the power amplifier; determining whether the power supply voltage reaches a fifth voltage threshold value; starting to count a second time; determining whether the second time reaches a second time threshold value; the radio frequency front-end module exiting the overvoltage protection mode; and the analog control circuit enabling the power amplifier to restore low-gain operation or restore normal operation. The use of the present invention implements the effective protection for radio frequency front-end modules.

Description

Overvoltage protection method for radio frequency front-end module and electronic equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, and also relates to corresponding radio frequency front-end modules and electronic equipment, belonging to the technical field of radio frequency integrated circuits. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of 5G technology, RF front-end architecture solutions are constantly evolving. Mainstream RF front-end architectures have evolved from Phase 5N to Phase 7, and now to Phase 7L and Phase 7LE, with Phase 8 currently being planned. RF front-end architectures are continuously evolving towards higher integration and miniaturization. Highly integrated RF front-end modules primarily integrate components such as power amplifiers, RF switches, analog control units, low-noise amplifiers, and filters into a single module chip.

[0003] The advantages of highly integrated modules include high integration, low RF path loss, and the ability to reduce the number of application-side components and PCB area. However, the main challenge is ensuring component reliability. When component reliability issues arise, costs can significantly increase, and low cost is a key goal of RF front-end modules. Therefore, optimizing component reliability is crucial. Within RF front-end modules, the components most prone to reliability issues are power amplifiers and filters. Power amplifiers are prone to failure under high voltage, high power, and high or low temperatures, while filters are prone to failure under high power and high temperatures. High power conditions generally involve high voltage environments, and high or low temperatures can accelerate component failure. Therefore, optimizing component reliability requires high-voltage protection design and enhanced high-voltage protection under high or low temperatures.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module.

[0006] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a radio frequency front-end module with an overvoltage protection function.

[0007] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic device, which includes the above-mentioned radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for overvoltage protection of a radio frequency front-end module, comprising the following steps:

[0010] (1) Real-time detection of the power supply voltage of the RF front-end module;

[0011] (2) determining whether the power supply voltage reaches a first voltage threshold; if the power supply voltage is greater than or equal to the first voltage threshold, proceeding to the next step; otherwise, proceeding to the previous step and continuing to detect the power supply voltage;

[0012] (3) starting to count, where the counted time is a first time, and the first time is the duration during which the power supply voltage is greater than or equal to the first voltage threshold;

[0013] (4) determining whether the first time reaches a first time threshold; when the first time ≥ the first time threshold, proceeding to the next step;

[0014] (5) The RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode; the power amplifier gain is reduced or the power amplifier is turned off;

[0015] (6) Determine whether the power supply voltage reaches a fifth voltage threshold; when the power supply voltage is less than or equal to the fifth voltage threshold, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the overvoltage protection mode;

[0016] (7) starting to count, where the counted time is the second time, and the second time is the duration during which the power supply voltage is less than or equal to the fifth voltage threshold;

[0017] (8) Determine whether the second time reaches a second time threshold; when the second time ≥ the second time threshold, proceed to the next step;

[0018] (9) The RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode; the power amplifier resumes low-gain operation or resumes normal operation.

[0019] (10) Return to step (1);

[0020] The first voltage threshold is greater than the fifth voltage threshold.

[0021] Preferably, the step (1) further includes enabling an overvoltage protection function.

[0022] Preferably, in step (5), after the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit of the power amplifier to turn off, so that the power amplifier stops working;

[0023] In the step (9), after the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit of the power amplifier to turn on, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

[0024] Preferably, after the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier;

[0025] In the step (9), after the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

[0026] Preferably, after the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5),

[0027] In the first step, the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier;

[0028] Step 2: Start timing, which is the third time; when the third time reaches the third time threshold, proceed to the next step;

[0029] In the third step, the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit of the power amplifier to turn off, so that the power amplifier stops working;

[0030] In the step (9), after the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, the following sub-steps are included:

[0031] In the first step, the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit of the power amplifier to start, and the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to restore the power amplifier to low gain operation;

[0032] Step 2: Start timing, which is the fourth time; when the fourth time reaches the fourth time threshold, proceed to the next step;

[0033] In the third step, the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit, allowing the power amplifier to resume normal operation and maintain normal gain.

[0034] Preferably, in step (5), after the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, the following sub-steps are included:

[0035] The first step is to turn off the bias power supply of the pre-amplifier in the power amplifier to reduce the gain of the power amplifier;

[0036] Step 2: Start timing, which is the third time; when the third time reaches the third time threshold, proceed to the next step;

[0037] The third step is to turn off the bias power supply of the final amplifier in the power amplifier to stop the power amplifier from working;

[0038] In the step (9), after the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, the following sub-steps are included:

[0039] The first step is to turn on the bias power supply of the final amplifier in the power amplifier to restore the power amplifier to low gain operation;

[0040] Step 2: Start timing, which is the fourth time; when the fourth time reaches the fourth time threshold, proceed to the next step;

[0041] The third step is to turn on the bias power supply of the pre-amplifier in the power amplifier to restore the power amplifier to normal operation and maintain normal gain.

[0042] Preferably, in addition to detecting the power supply voltage in real time in step (1), the temperature of the RF front-end module is also detected in real time.

[0043] Preferably, the step (2) of determining whether the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module have reached a set threshold value comprises the following sub-steps:

[0044] The first step is to determine whether the supply voltage reaches the first voltage threshold; when the supply voltage is greater than or equal to the first voltage threshold, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step to continue detecting the supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module;

[0045] The second step is to determine whether the temperature of the RF front-end module reaches a first temperature threshold or a second temperature threshold; when the temperature of the RF front-end module is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold or the temperature of the RF front-end module is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module;

[0046] The first temperature threshold is lower than the second temperature threshold.

[0047] Preferably, in step (2), it is determined whether the supply voltage reaches a first voltage threshold or reaches between the first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold; wherein the first voltage threshold is greater than the second voltage threshold;

[0048] When the supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold, or when the second voltage threshold is < the supply voltage < the first voltage threshold, the timing is started in the next step. After the timing time meets the time threshold, the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, reduces the gain of the power amplifier or turns off the power amplifier.

[0049] Preferably, in step (6), it is determined whether the supply voltage reaches the fifth voltage threshold or reaches between the fourth voltage threshold and the fifth voltage threshold; wherein the fourth voltage threshold is greater than the fifth voltage threshold;

[0050] When the supply voltage is ≤ the fifth voltage threshold, or when the fifth voltage threshold is < the supply voltage < the fourth voltage threshold, proceed to the next step to start timing. After the timing time meets the time threshold, the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, and the power amplifier resumes low gain operation or resumes normal operation.

[0051] Preferably, in step (2), it is respectively determined whether the supply voltage reaches the first voltage threshold or whether it reaches between the first voltage threshold and the second voltage threshold, and whether the temperature of the RF front-end module reaches the first temperature threshold or the second temperature threshold; wherein, the first voltage threshold is greater than the second voltage threshold, and the first temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold;

[0052] When the supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold, or when the second voltage threshold is < the supply voltage < the first voltage threshold, and the temperature of the RF front-end module is ≤ the first temperature threshold or the temperature of the RF front-end module is ≥ the second temperature threshold, proceed to the next step to start timing. After the timing time meets the time threshold, the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, reduces the gain of the power amplifier or turns off the power amplifier.

[0053] Preferably, after the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the voltage clamping circuit is turned on to provide a clamped supply voltage to the power amplifier, so that the gain of the power amplifier is limited;

[0054] After the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode in step (9), the voltage clamping circuit is turned off, providing a normal power supply voltage to the power amplifier, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

[0055] Preferably, after the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the output voltage of the bias power supply circuit of the power amplifier is adjusted to a low voltage position, the DC operating point of the power amplifier is changed, and the gain of the power amplifier is reduced.

[0056] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a radio frequency front-end module with an overvoltage protection function is provided, comprising at least a power amplifier, an output matching circuit, and an analog control circuit; the analog control circuit comprises at least a voltage detection and comparison circuit, a bias power supply circuit, and a logic control circuit; wherein,

[0057] The output end of the power amplifier is connected to the output matching circuit;

[0058] The voltage detection and comparison circuit is used to detect the supply voltage and compare it with a set threshold voltage. When the detected voltage reaches the voltage threshold, a control signal is generated and provided to the logic control circuit;

[0059] The bias power supply circuit is used to provide power for the bias circuit of the power amplifier;

[0060] The logic control circuit is used to control the functions of the RF front-end module and adjust the electrical parameters;

[0061] Among them, when the power supply voltage reaches the first voltage threshold, the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, and the analog control circuit reduces the gain of the power amplifier or turns off the power amplifier; when the power supply voltage reaches the fifth voltage threshold, the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, and the analog control circuit restores the power amplifier to low gain operation or normal operation, thereby realizing overvoltage protection of the RF front-end module.

[0062] Preferably, the RF front-end module further includes an attenuation circuit, and the analog control circuit further includes a timer and an attenuation enable control circuit;

[0063] The attenuation circuit is connected to the input end of the power amplifier;

[0064] When the supply voltage reaches a first voltage threshold, the RF front-end module delays for a preset period of time to enter the overvoltage protection mode, and the attenuation enable control circuit controls the start-up of the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier;

[0065] When the supply voltage reaches the fifth voltage threshold, the RF front-end module delays the preset time period to exit the overvoltage protection mode, and the attenuation enable control circuit controls the attenuation circuit to turn off, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation;

[0066] Preferably, the analog control circuit further includes a temperature detection circuit for detecting the temperature of the RF front-end module and comparing it with a set temperature threshold;

[0067] When the supply voltage reaches a first voltage threshold and the temperature of the RF front-end module reaches a first temperature threshold or a second temperature threshold, the RF front-end module enters an overvoltage protection mode, and the analog control circuit reduces the gain of the power amplifier or shuts down the power amplifier.

[0068] Preferably, the analog control circuit further includes a voltage clamping circuit, and the power supply supplies power to the power amplifier through the voltage clamping circuit;

[0069] When the supply voltage reaches a first voltage threshold and the temperature of the RF front-end module reaches a first temperature threshold or a second temperature threshold, the RF front-end module enters an overvoltage protection mode, and the voltage clamping circuit limits the supply voltage of the power amplifier to the first voltage threshold, so that the gain of the power amplifier is limited.

[0070] Preferably, after the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, in the power amplifier circuit composed of multiple stages of power amplifiers, the bias power supply of the pre-stage amplifier is turned off, and only the final amplifier is kept working. The RF signal is transmitted to the final amplifier through the feedback path, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier.

[0071] Preferably, after the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, the output voltage of the bias power supply circuit is adjusted to a low voltage position, thereby changing the DC operating point of the power amplifier, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier.

[0072] Preferably, the attenuation circuit is composed of a first capacitor, a first transistor, a first resistor and a second resistor; wherein the collector of the first transistor is connected to the RF signal input terminal through the first capacitor, and the emitter of the first transistor is connected to the ground potential terminal; the two ends of the first resistor are connected between the collector and the base of the first transistor; and the attenuation enable control signal terminal is connected to the base of the first transistor through the second resistor.

[0073] Preferably, the attenuation circuit is connected in parallel with the RF switch branch, one end of the parallel connection is connected to the RF signal input end, and the other end is connected to the input end of the power amplifier; the control end of the RF switch in the RF switch branch is connected to the attenuation enable control signal end.

[0074] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, comprising the above-mentioned radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function.

[0075] Compared with the existing technology, the overvoltage protection method of the RF front-end module provided by the present invention adopts a technical solution of judging whether the power supply voltage or the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module reach a set threshold, controlling the RF front-end module to enter or exit the overvoltage protection mode, and controlling the relevant unit circuits in the overvoltage protection mode to reduce the power amplifier gain or shut down the power amplifier. This realizes effective protection of the RF front-end module, reduces the failure probability of the mobile communication system, and at the same time, improves the service life of the RF front-end module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a radio frequency front-end module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] FIG2 is a flow chart of an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] FIG3 is a second structural diagram of a radio frequency front-end module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] FIG4 is a flow chart of an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] FIG5 is a flow chart of an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] FIG6A is a schematic circuit diagram of a first embodiment of an attenuation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] FIG6B is a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of the attenuation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a power amplifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] FIG8 is a flow chart of an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] FIG9 is a flow chart of an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] FIG10 is a flowchart of an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0087] FIG11 is a flowchart of a first method for overvoltage protection of a radio frequency front-end module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0088] FIG12 is a second flowchart of the overvoltage protection method for the RF front-end module according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0089] FIG13 is a third structural diagram of a radio frequency front-end module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] FIG14 is a flow chart of an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0091] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device using the radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function provided by the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] The technical content of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1, the RF front-end module includes at least a power amplifier (PA), an output matching circuit, and an analog control circuit. It may also include an attenuation circuit (LPM) and a filter as needed. The attenuation circuit is connected to the input of the power amplifier, and the output of the power amplifier is connected to the filter via the output matching circuit. The battery voltage Vbatt is connected to the analog control circuit, and the output of the analog control circuit is connected to the power amplifier. The power supply voltage VCC is connected to the power amplifier and the analog control circuit.

[0094] In RF front-end modules, power amplifiers are prone to failure under high voltage, high power, and high or low temperature conditions, and filters are also prone to failure under high power and high temperature conditions. High power conditions generally require high voltage environments, and high or low temperatures can accelerate device failure. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the filter's operation in high-power environments, which in turn limits the output power of the power amplifier. Furthermore, it is necessary to limit its operation in high-temperature and high-power environments. The maximum output power of a power amplifier is directly related to its power supply voltage and input power, so limiting the power supply voltage and input power of the power amplifier is also an important method for improving the reliability of RF front-end modules.

[0095] As shown in FIG2 , the present invention provides an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, comprising the following steps:

[0096] S1: Real-time detection of the power supply voltage V of the RF front-end module.

[0097] The supply voltage V includes a battery voltage Vbatt and / or a power supply voltage VCC.

[0098] S2: Determine whether the power supply voltage V reaches the first voltage threshold Vth1; when V≥Vth1, go to the next step; otherwise, go to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage.

[0099] S3: Start timing, the timing time is the first time t1, and the first time is the duration of the power supply voltage V≥ the first voltage threshold Vth1.

[0100] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage V is less than the first voltage threshold Vth1, the timing is stopped, the first time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S2.

[0101] S4: Determine whether the first time t1 reaches the first time threshold Tth1; when t1 ≥ Tth1, proceed to the next step.

[0102] S5: The RF front-end module enters OVP (overvoltage protection) mode; the power amplifier gain is reduced or the power amplifier is turned off.

[0103] S6: Determine whether the power supply voltage V reaches a fifth voltage threshold Voff1; when V≤Voff1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the OVP protection mode.

[0104] The first voltage threshold Vth1 is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 .

[0105] S7: Start timing, the timing time is the second time t2, and the second time is the duration of the power supply voltage V≤the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0106] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage V> the fifth voltage threshold Voff1, the timing is stopped, the second time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S6.

[0107] S8: Determine whether the second time t2 reaches the second time threshold Tth2; when t2 ≥ Tth2, proceed to the next step.

[0108] S9: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode; the power amplifier resumes low-gain operation or normal operation.

[0109] S10: Return to step S1.

[0110] The following describes in detail the specific steps of an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module provided by the present invention through the first to seventh embodiments. In the drawings of each embodiment, PA LPM represents an attenuation circuit before a power amplifier, and PA Bias represents a bias circuit of a power amplifier.

[0111] First embodiment

[0112] As shown in Figure 3, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the RF front-end module includes at least a power amplifier (PA), an output matching circuit, a filter, an attenuation circuit (LPM), and an analog control circuit. The attenuation circuit is connected to the input of the power amplifier, and the output of the power amplifier is connected to the filter via the output matching circuit. The power supply VCC powers the power amplifier, and the battery power supply Vbatt powers the analog control circuit.

[0113] The analog control circuit includes a voltage detection and comparison circuit, a timer, an attenuation (LPM) enable control circuit, a bias power supply circuit (Vreg LDO), and a logic control circuit, and may also include a temperature detection circuit as needed. The voltage detection and comparison circuit includes a Vbatt voltage detection and comparison circuit and / or a VCC voltage detection and comparison circuit.

[0114] The Vbatt voltage detection and comparison circuit is used to detect the battery voltage Vbatt and compare it with the set threshold voltage. When the detected voltage reaches the voltage threshold, a control signal is generated and provided to the timer and logic control circuit.

[0115] The VCC voltage detection and comparison circuit is used to detect the power supply voltage VCC and compare it with the set threshold voltage. When the detected voltage reaches the voltage threshold, a control signal is generated and provided to the timer and logic control circuit.

[0116] The timer is used to calculate time. When the timing time reaches the time threshold, it generates a control signal and provides it to the relevant unit circuits (including the bias power supply circuit, VCC voltage detection and comparison circuit, Vbatt voltage detection and comparison circuit and attenuation enable control circuit).

[0117] The attenuation enable control circuit is used to control the attenuation circuit to be turned on or off.

[0118] The bias power supply circuit is used to provide power for the bias circuit of the power amplifier, and its output voltage is adjustable. The PA Bias On or PA Bias Off marked in the drawings of each embodiment is achieved by turning the bias power supply circuit on or off.

[0119] The temperature detection circuit is used to detect the temperature of the RF front-end module and compare it with the set temperature threshold. When the detected temperature reaches the temperature threshold, a control signal is generated and provided to the relevant unit circuits (including the bias power supply circuit and the VCC voltage detection and comparison circuit).

[0120] The logic control circuit is the logic control unit of the entire RF front-end module, which is used to control the functions of the RF front-end module and adjust the electrical parameters.

[0121] In a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG4 , the present invention provides an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, comprising the following steps:

[0122] S100: Enable the OVP function.

[0123] Specifically, the OVP function can be enabled or disabled through a logic control circuit.

[0124] S101: Detect the power supply voltage VCC of the RF front-end module in real time.

[0125] S102: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a first voltage threshold Vth1; if VCC ≥ Vth1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage. In this embodiment, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is set to 5.1V.

[0126] S103: Start timing, the timing time is a first time t1, and the first time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC ≥ the first voltage threshold Vth1.

[0127] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is less than the first voltage threshold Vth1 , the timing is stopped, the first time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S102 .

[0128] S104: Determine whether the first time t1 reaches the first time threshold Tth1; when t1 ≥ Tth1, proceed to the next step.

[0129] In this embodiment, the first time threshold Tth1 is set to 3 us.

[0130] S105: The RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode; the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit to turn off the output, and the power amplifier stops working.

[0131] S106: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a fifth voltage threshold Voff1. If VCC ≤ Voff1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the OVP protection mode. In this embodiment, the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 is set to Vth1 - 0.3V = 4.8V.

[0132] S107: Start timing, the timing time is the second time t2, and the second time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC≤the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0133] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 , the timing is stopped, the second time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S106 .

[0134] S108: Determine whether the second time t2 reaches the second time threshold Tth2; when t2 ≥ Tth2, proceed to the next step.

[0135] In this embodiment, the second time threshold Tth2 is set to 3 us.

[0136] S109: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode; the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit to start output, and the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

[0137] S110: Return to step S101.

[0138] It should be noted that the overvoltage protection method provided in this embodiment is also applicable to detecting the battery voltage Vbatt to activate the OVP function of the RF front-end module. In particular, the voltage threshold and the time threshold can be set and changed by the logic control circuit.

[0139] Second embodiment

[0140] As shown in FIG5 , in a second embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, comprising the following steps:

[0141] S200: Enable the OVP function.

[0142] S201: Detect the power supply voltage VCC of the RF front-end module in real time.

[0143] S202: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a first voltage threshold Vth1; when VCC ≥ Vth1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage.

[0144] S203: Start timing, the timing time is a first time t1, and the first time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC ≥ the first voltage threshold Vth1.

[0145] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is less than the first voltage threshold Vth1 , the timing is stopped, the first time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S202 .

[0146] S204: Determine whether the first time t1 reaches the first time threshold Tth1; when t1 ≥ Tth1, proceed to the next step.

[0147] In this embodiment, the first time threshold Tth1 is set to 3 us.

[0148] S205: The RF front-end module enters OVP protection mode;

[0149] In the first step, the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier.

[0150] The second step is to start timing, which is a third time t3; when the third time t3 reaches a third time threshold Tth3, the process proceeds to the next step. In this embodiment, the third time threshold Tth3 is set to 3 us.

[0151] In the third step, the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit to turn off the output, and the power amplifier stops working. It should be noted that when the power amplifier stops working, the attenuation circuit is also turned off.

[0152] S206: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a fifth voltage threshold Voff1; if VCC ≤ Voff1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the OVP protection mode. In this embodiment, the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 is set to Vth1 - 0.3V.

[0153] S207: Start timing, the timing time is the second time t2, and the second time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC≤the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0154] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 , the timing is stopped, the second time is reset, and the process proceeds to step S206 .

[0155] S208: Determine whether the second time t2 reaches the second time threshold Tth2; when t2 ≥ Tth2, proceed to the next step.

[0156] In this embodiment, the second time threshold Tth2 is set to 3 us.

[0157] S209: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode;

[0158] In the first step, the logic control circuit controls the bias power supply circuit to start output, and the power amplifier resumes operation; the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier.

[0159] The second step is to start timing, which is a fourth time t4; when the fourth time t4 reaches a fourth time threshold Tth4, the process proceeds to the next step. In this embodiment, the fourth time threshold Tth4 is set to 3 us.

[0160] In the third step, the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit, allowing the power amplifier to work normally and restore normal gain.

[0161] S210: Return to step S201.

[0162] In the first step of step S205 of this embodiment, the RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode, and the attenuation enable control circuit activates the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier. The attenuation enable control circuit controls the attenuation circuit in the following two technical solutions.

[0163] The first solution is shown in Figure 6A . The attenuation circuit consists of a first capacitor C1, a first transistor HBT1, a first resistor R1, and a second resistor R2. The collector of the first transistor HBT1 is connected to the RF signal input terminal Input via the first capacitor C1, and the emitter of the first transistor HBT1 is connected to the ground potential terminal. The two terminals of the first resistor R1 are connected between the collector and base of the first transistor HBT1. The attenuation (LPM) enable control signal terminal is connected to the base of the first transistor HBT1 via the second resistor R2.

[0164] When the attenuation enable control signal is high, the first transistor HBT1 is turned on, and the RF signal input from the RF signal input terminal Input is attenuated to ground by the first capacitor C1, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier. When the attenuation enable control signal is low, the first transistor HBT1 is turned off, and the RF signal enters the power amplifier, and the power amplifier maintains normal gain.

[0165] The second solution, as shown in Figure 6B, is a parallel connection between the attenuation circuit and the RF switch branch. One end of the parallel connection is connected to the RF signal input terminal, "Input," and the other end is connected to the power amplifier input terminal, "PA Input." The control terminal of the RF switch in the RF switch branch is connected to the attenuation (LPM) enable control signal terminal. The attenuation circuit is typically composed of passive components such as RLC.

[0166] When the attenuation enable control signal is high, the RF switch is turned on, that is, the RF switch branch is disconnected, and the RF signal input from the RF signal input terminal enters the power amplifier through the attenuation circuit, thereby reducing the power amplifier gain. When the attenuation enable control signal is low, the RF switch is turned off, that is, the RF switch branch is turned on, and the RF signal enters the power amplifier, and the power amplifier maintains normal gain.

[0167] In the first step of step S205 of this embodiment, the RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode. Alternatively, the technical solution for reducing the power amplifier gain may be to adjust the output voltage of the power amplifier's bias power supply circuit to a low voltage level, thereby changing the power amplifier's DC operating point and thereby reducing the power amplifier's gain. Alternatively, both activating the attenuation circuit and reducing the power amplifier's bias voltage may be used simultaneously.

[0168] In addition, as shown in FIG7 , in a power amplifier circuit composed of multiple power amplifiers, a technical solution can be adopted in which the bias power supply of the pre-stage amplifier PA1 is turned off, and only the final amplifier PA2 is kept working, and the RF signal is transmitted to the final amplifier through the feedback path, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier.

[0169] Third embodiment

[0170] As shown in FIG8 , in a third embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, comprising the following steps:

[0171] S300: Enable the OVP function.

[0172] S301: Detect the power supply voltage VCC of the RF front-end module in real time.

[0173] S302: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a first voltage threshold Vth1; if VCC ≥ Vth1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage. In this embodiment, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is set to 5.1V.

[0174] S303: Start timing, the timing time is a first time t1, and the first time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC ≥ the first voltage threshold Vth1.

[0175] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is less than the first voltage threshold Vth1, the timing is stopped, the first time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S302.

[0176] S304: Determine whether the first time t1 reaches the first time threshold Tth1; when t1 ≥ Tth1, proceed to the next step.

[0177] In this embodiment, the first time threshold Tth1 is set to 3 us.

[0178] S305: The RF front-end module enters OVP protection mode;

[0179] The first step is to turn off the bias power supply of the pre-amplifier in the power amplifier to reduce the gain of the power amplifier. The pre-amplifier may include all amplifier stages before the final amplifier.

[0180] The second step is to start timing, which is a third time t3; when the third time t3 reaches a third time threshold Tth3, the process proceeds to the next step. In this embodiment, the third time threshold Tth3 is set to 3 us.

[0181] The third step is to turn off the bias power supply of the final amplifier in the power amplifier to stop the power amplifier from working.

[0182] S306: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches the fifth voltage threshold Voff1; if VCC ≤ Voff1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the OVP protection mode. In this embodiment, the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 is set to Vth1 - 0.3V = 4.8V.

[0183] S307: Start timing, the timing time is the second time t2, and the second time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC≤the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0184] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 , the timing is stopped, the second time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S306 .

[0185] S308: Determine whether the second time t2 reaches the second time threshold Tth2; when t2 ≥ Tth2, proceed to the next step.

[0186] In this embodiment, the second time threshold Tth2 is set to 3 us.

[0187] S309: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode;

[0188] The first step is to turn on the bias power supply of the final amplifier in the power amplifier to restore the power amplifier to low gain operation. At this time, the bias power supply of the pre-amplifier is turned off and the power amplifier gain is reduced.

[0189] The second step is to start timing, which is a fourth time t4; when the fourth time t4 reaches a fourth time threshold Tth4, the process proceeds to the next step. In this embodiment, the fourth time threshold Tth4 is set to 3 us.

[0190] The third step is to turn on the bias power supply of the pre-amplifier in the power amplifier to restore the power amplifier to normal operation and maintain normal gain.

[0191] S310: Return to step S301.

[0192] In this embodiment, after the RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode, reducing the power amplifier gain and delaying shutting down the power amplifier are achieved by shutting down the front stage and the final stage of the power amplifier in stages.

[0193] Fourth embodiment

[0194] As shown in FIG9 , in a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, comprising the following steps:

[0195] S400: Enable the OVP function.

[0196] S401: Detect the power supply voltage VCC of the RF front-end module in real time.

[0197] S402: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a first voltage threshold Vth1; when VCC≥Vth1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage.

[0198] S403: Start timing, the timing time is a first time t1, and the first time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC ≥ the first voltage threshold Vth1.

[0199] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is less than the first voltage threshold Vth1, the timing is stopped, the first time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S402.

[0200] S404: Determine whether the first time t1 reaches the first time threshold Tth1; when t1 ≥ Tth1, proceed to the next step.

[0201] In this embodiment, the first time threshold Tth1 is set to 4 ms.

[0202] S405: The RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode; the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier.

[0203] S406: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a fifth voltage threshold Voff1; if VCC ≤ Voff1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the OVP protection mode. In this embodiment, the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 is set to Vth1 - 0.3V.

[0204] S407: Start timing, the timing time is the second time t2, and the second time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC≤the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0205] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 , the timing is stopped, the second time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S406 .

[0206] S408: Determine whether the second time t2 reaches the second time threshold Tth2; when t2 ≥ Tth2, proceed to the next step.

[0207] In this embodiment, the second time threshold Tth2 is set to 3 us.

[0208] S409: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode; the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

[0209] S410: Return to step S401.

[0210] In step S405 of this embodiment, the RF front-end module enters OVP protection mode. A technical solution for reducing the power amplifier gain can also be achieved by adjusting the output voltage of the power amplifier's bias power supply circuit to a low voltage level, changing the power amplifier's DC operating point, and thereby reducing the power amplifier's gain. Alternatively, a technical solution can be achieved by simultaneously activating an attenuation circuit and reducing the power amplifier's bias voltage. Furthermore, in a power amplifier circuit composed of multiple power amplifiers, a technical solution can be achieved by turning off the bias power supply of the pre-stage amplifier, leaving only the final amplifier operational, and transmitting the RF signal to the final amplifier via a feedback path, thereby reducing the power amplifier's gain.

[0211] Fifth embodiment

[0212] As shown in FIG10 , in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a method for overvoltage protection of an RF front-end module provided by the present invention adds detection and determination of the temperature of the RF front-end module to the judgment condition for the RF front-end module to enter the OVP protection mode. Specifically, the method includes the following steps:

[0213] S500: Enable the OVP function.

[0214] S501: Detect the power supply voltage VCC of the RF front-end module in real time; detect the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module in real time.

[0215] S502: Determine the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module;

[0216] The first step is to determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches the first voltage threshold Vth1; when VCC ≥ Vth1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step to continue detecting the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module.

[0217] The second step is to determine whether the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module reaches the first temperature threshold Teth1 or the second temperature threshold Teth2. When Temp ≤ Teth1 or Temp ≥ Teth2, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module.

[0218] The first temperature threshold Teth1 is smaller than the second temperature threshold Teth2. In this embodiment, the first temperature threshold Teth1 is set to -15°C, and the second temperature threshold Teth2 is set to 65°C.

[0219] S503: Start timing, the timing time is a first time t1, and the first time is the duration during which the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module meet the set thresholds.

[0220] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage and / or the temperature of the RF front-end module does not meet the set threshold, the timing is stopped, reset to zero immediately, and the process proceeds to step S502.

[0221] S504: Determine whether the first time t1 reaches the first time threshold Tth1; when t1 ≥ Tth1, proceed to the next step.

[0222] In this embodiment, the first time threshold Tth1 is set to 4 ms.

[0223] S505: The RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode; the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier.

[0224] S506: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a fifth voltage threshold Voff1; if VCC ≤ Voff1, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the OVP protection mode. In this embodiment, the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 is set to Vth1 - 0.3V.

[0225] S507: Start timing, the timing time is the second time t2, and the second time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC≤the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0226] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 , the timing is stopped, the second time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S506 .

[0227] S508: Determine whether the second time t2 reaches the second time threshold Tth2; when t2 ≥ Tth2, proceed to the next step.

[0228] In this embodiment, the second time threshold Tth2 is set to 3 us.

[0229] S509: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode; the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

[0230] S510: Return to step S501.

[0231] In step S505 of this embodiment, the RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode. The technical solution for reducing the power amplifier gain can also adopt other technical solutions described in the fourth embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] Sixth embodiment

[0233] As shown in FIG11 , in a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a method for overvoltage protection of a radio frequency front-end module provided by the present invention adopts a segmented voltage threshold judgment for voltage detection judgment before entering and exiting the OVP protection mode. After entering and exiting the OVP protection mode, the analog control circuit adopts different control methods to reduce the gain of the power amplifier or shut down the power amplifier, or restore the power amplifier to low gain operation or normal operation. Specifically, the method comprises the following steps:

[0234] S600: Enable the OVP function.

[0235] S601: Detect the power supply voltage VCC of the RF front-end module in real time.

[0236] S602: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC has reached a first voltage threshold Vth1 or is between the first voltage threshold Vth1 and the second voltage threshold Vth2. If VCC ≥ Vth1, proceed to the next step. If Vth2 < VCC < Vth1, proceed to step S615. Otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue testing the power supply voltage. The first voltage threshold Vth1 is greater than the second voltage threshold Vth2. In this embodiment, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is set to 5.1V, and the second voltage threshold Vth2 is set to 4.1V.

[0237] S603: Start timing, the timing time is a first time t1, and the first time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC ≥ the first voltage threshold Vth1.

[0238] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is less than the first voltage threshold Vth1, the timing is stopped, the first time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S602.

[0239] S604: Determine whether the first time t1 reaches the first time threshold Tth1; when t1 ≥ Tth1, proceed to the next step.

[0240] In this embodiment, the first time threshold Tth1 is set to 3 us.

[0241] S605: The RF front-end module enters OVP protection mode;

[0242] In the first step, the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier.

[0243] The second step is to start timing, which is a third time t3; when the third time t3 reaches a third time threshold Tth3, the process proceeds to the next step. In this embodiment, the third time threshold Tth3 is set to 3 us.

[0244] In the third step, the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit to turn off the output, and the power amplifier stops working. It should be noted that when the power amplifier stops working, the attenuation circuit is also turned off.

[0245] S606: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC has reached the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 or is between the fourth voltage threshold Voff2 and the fifth voltage threshold Voff1. If VCC ≤ Voff1, proceed to the next step. If Voff1 < VCC < Voff2, proceed to step S611. Otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the OVP protection mode. The fourth voltage threshold Voff2 is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1. In this embodiment, the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 is set to 3.8V and the fourth voltage threshold Voff2 is set to 4.8V.

[0246] S607: Start timing, the timing time is the second time t2, and the second time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC≤the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0247] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 , the timing is stopped, the second time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S606 .

[0248] S608: Determine whether the second time t2 reaches the second time threshold Tth2; when t2 ≥ Tth2, proceed to the next step.

[0249] In this embodiment, the second time threshold Tth2 is set to 3 us.

[0250] S609: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode;

[0251] In the first step, the logic control circuit controls the bias power supply circuit to start output, and the power amplifier resumes operation; the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier.

[0252] The second step is to start timing, which is a fourth time t4; when the fourth time t4 reaches a fourth time threshold Tth4, the process proceeds to the next step. In this embodiment, the fourth time threshold Tth4 is set to 3 us.

[0253] In the third step, the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit, allowing the power amplifier to work normally and restore normal gain.

[0254] S610: Return to step S601.

[0255] S611: start timing, the timing time is the sixth time t6, and the sixth time is the duration between the power supply voltage VCC reaching the fourth voltage threshold Voff2 and the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0256] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC does not satisfy Voff1 < VCC < Voff2, the timing is stopped, the sixth time is reset, and the process proceeds to step S606.

[0257] S612: Determine whether the sixth time t6 reaches the sixth time threshold Tth6; when t6 ≥ Tth6, proceed to the next step. In this embodiment, the sixth time threshold Tth6 is set to 3 us.

[0258] S613: Continue the OVP protection mode; the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit to start outputting, and the power amplifier resumes operation; the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier.

[0259] S614: Go to step S618.

[0260] S615: Start timing, the timing time is the fifth time t5, and the fifth time is the time length between the power supply voltage VCC reaching the first voltage threshold Vth1 and the second voltage threshold Vth2.

[0261] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC does not satisfy Vth2<VCC<Vth1, the timing is stopped, the fifth time is reset, and the process proceeds to step S602.

[0262] S616: Determine whether the fifth time t5 reaches the fifth time threshold Tth5; when t5 ≥ Tth5, proceed to the next step. In this embodiment, the fifth time threshold Tth5 is set to 4ms.

[0263] S617: The RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode; the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the power amplifier gain.

[0264] S618: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 or the first voltage threshold Vth1; when VCC ≤ Voff1, proceed to the next step; when VCC ≥ Vth1, proceed to step S623; otherwise, proceed to the previous step S613 and continue the OVP protection mode.

[0265] S619: Start timing, the timing time is the eighth time t8, and the eighth time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC≤the fifth voltage threshold Voff1.

[0266] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is greater than the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 , the timing is stopped, the eighth time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S613 .

[0267] S620: Determine whether the eighth time t8 reaches the eighth time threshold Tth8; when t8 ≥ Tth8, proceed to the next step. In this embodiment, the eighth time threshold Tth8 is set to 3 us.

[0268] S621: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode; the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit, restoring the power amplifier gain to normal.

[0269] S622: Return to step S601.

[0270] S623: Start timing, the timing time is the tenth time t10, and the tenth time is the duration of the power supply voltage VCC ≥ the first voltage threshold Vth1.

[0271] It should be noted that, during the timing process, when the detected power supply voltage VCC is less than the first voltage threshold Vth1, the timing is stopped, the tenth time is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S613.

[0272] S624: Determine whether the tenth time t10 reaches the tenth time threshold Tth10; when t10 ≥ Tth10, proceed to the next step. In this embodiment, the tenth time threshold Tth10 is set to 3 us.

[0273] S625: The RF front-end module enters OVP protection mode. The logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit to shut down the output, and the power amplifier stops working. At this time, when the power amplifier stops working, the attenuation circuit is also turned off.

[0274] S626: Go to step S606.

[0275] In this embodiment, for the voltage detection before entering the OVP protection mode, the judgment and processing of the segmented voltage threshold are adopted. In other embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG12 , the detection and judgment of the temperature of the RF front-end module can be added as a condition for entering the OVP protection mode. Then, steps S601 and S602 can be implemented as follows:

[0276] S601: Detect the power supply voltage VCC of the RF front-end module in real time; detect the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module in real time.

[0277] S602: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC reaches a first voltage threshold Vth1 or is between the first voltage threshold Vth1 and the second voltage threshold Vth2, and determine whether the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module reaches a first temperature threshold Teth1 or a second temperature threshold Teth2. When VCC ≥ Vth1, proceed to the next step. When Vth2 < VCC < Vth1, and Temp ≤ Teth1 or Temp ≥ Teth2, proceed to step S615. Otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module. The first temperature threshold Teth1 is less than the second temperature threshold Teth2.

[0278] Seventh embodiment

[0279] As shown in Figure 13, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the RF front-end module includes at least a power amplifier (PA), an output matching circuit, a filter, and an analog control circuit. The output of the power amplifier is connected to the filter via the output matching circuit. A battery power source, Vbatt, powers the analog control circuit.

[0280] The analog control circuit includes a voltage detection and comparison circuit, a temperature detection circuit, a voltage clamping circuit, a bias power supply circuit (Vreg LDO) and a logic control circuit. Among them, the voltage detection and comparison circuit can be a Vbatt voltage detection and comparison circuit or a VCC voltage detection and comparison circuit, and the voltage clamping circuit can be a Vbatt voltage clamping circuit or a VCC voltage clamping circuit. In this embodiment, the VCC voltage detection and comparison circuit and the VCC voltage clamping circuit are used as examples for explanation. The power supply VCC supplies power to the power amplifier through the VCC voltage clamping circuit.

[0281] When the VCC voltage clamp circuit function is enabled, when the power supply voltage VCC is greater than the preset clamp voltage, the output voltage of the VCC voltage clamp circuit is equal to the clamp voltage. When the power supply voltage VCC is less than the preset clamp voltage, the output voltage of the VCC voltage clamp circuit is equal to the power supply voltage VCC. When the VCC voltage clamp circuit function is disabled, its output voltage is always equal to the power supply voltage VCC.

[0282] In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the preset clamping voltage of the VCC voltage clamping circuit is represented by a first voltage threshold Vth1. As shown in FIG14 , the present invention provides an overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, comprising the following steps:

[0283] S700: Enable the OVP function.

[0284] S701: Detect the power supply voltage VCC of the RF front-end module in real time, and detect the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module in real time.

[0285] S702: Determine whether the power supply voltage VCC has reached the first voltage threshold Vth1, and whether the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module has reached the first temperature threshold Teth1 or the second temperature threshold Teth2. When VCC ≥ Vth1, and Temp ≤ Teth1 or Temp ≥ Teth2, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue to detect the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module. The first temperature threshold Teth1 is less than the second temperature threshold Teth2. In this embodiment, the first temperature threshold Teth1 is set to -15°C, and the second temperature threshold Teth2 is set to 65°C.

[0286] S703: The RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode; the VCC voltage clamp circuit is turned on to provide a clamped supply voltage to the power amplifier, thereby limiting the gain of the power amplifier.

[0287] S704: Determine whether the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module reaches between the third temperature threshold Teth3 and the fourth temperature threshold Teth4 (i.e., the normal temperature range); when Teth3 < Temp < Teth4, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to the previous step and continue the OVP protection mode. The third temperature threshold Teth3 is less than the fourth temperature threshold Teth4. In this embodiment, the third temperature threshold Teth3 is set to -10°C and the fourth temperature threshold Teth4 is set to 60°C.

[0288] S705: The RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode; the VCC voltage clamp circuit is closed, providing the power amplifier with the power supply voltage VCC, and the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

[0289] S706: Return to step S701.

[0290] The above describes in detail the specific steps of the overvoltage protection method for the RF front-end module provided by the present invention through multiple specific embodiments. It should be noted that the technical solution of activating the OVP function of the RF front-end module by detecting the power supply voltage VCC in each embodiment is also applicable to activating the OVP function of the RF front-end module by detecting the battery voltage Vbatt. The voltage threshold, time threshold, and temperature threshold in each specific embodiment can all be set and changed by the logic control circuit.

[0291] Based on the above-mentioned overvoltage protection method for an RF front-end module, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an RF front-end module with overvoltage protection. This RF front-end module includes at least a power amplifier, an output matching circuit, and an analog control circuit, and may also include an attenuation circuit and a filter as needed. The output of the power amplifier is connected to the filter via the output matching circuit; the attenuation circuit is connected to the input of the power amplifier. The power supply includes a battery Vbatt and / or a power supply VCC.

[0292] The analog control circuit includes at least a voltage detection and comparison circuit, a bias power supply circuit, and a logic control circuit. It may also include a timer, an attenuation enable control circuit, a temperature detection circuit, and a voltage clamp circuit as needed. The voltage detection and comparison circuit includes a Vbatt voltage detection and comparison circuit and / or a VCC voltage detection and comparison circuit.

[0293] Among them, the voltage detection and comparison circuit is used to detect the supply voltage and compare it with the set threshold voltage. When the detection voltage reaches the voltage threshold, it generates a control signal and provides it to the logic control circuit; the bias power supply circuit is used to provide power for the bias circuit of the power amplifier, and its output voltage is adjustable; the logic control circuit is the logic control unit of the entire RF front-end module, used to control the function of the RF front-end module and adjust the electrical parameters;

[0294] When the power supply voltage reaches the first voltage threshold Vth1, or the power supply voltage reaches the first voltage threshold Vth1 and the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module reaches the first temperature threshold Teth1 or the second temperature threshold Teth2, the RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode, or the RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode after a preset time period; the analog control circuit controls the corresponding unit circuit to reduce the power amplifier gain or turn off the power amplifier.

[0295] When the supply voltage reaches the fifth voltage threshold Voff1 or the temperature Temp of the RF front-end module reaches between the third temperature threshold Teth3 and the fourth temperature threshold Teth4 (i.e., the normal temperature range), the RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode, or the RF front-end module exits the OVP protection mode after a preset delay period. The analog control circuit controls the corresponding unit circuits to restore the power amplifier to low-gain operation or normal operation, thereby achieving overvoltage protection for the RF front-end module.

[0296] Among them, after the RF front-end module enters the OVP protection mode, the technical solution for reducing the power amplifier gain can be one or two of the following solutions. Other technical solutions can also be used to reduce the power amplifier gain. The present invention does not limit this.

[0297] First, the attenuation enable control circuit is used to start the attenuation circuit, and the RF signal input from the RF signal input terminal Input enters the power amplifier through the attenuation circuit, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier.

[0298] Second, the output voltage of the bias power supply circuit of the power amplifier is adjusted to a low voltage position to change the DC operating point of the power amplifier, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier.

[0299] Third, in a power amplifier circuit composed of multiple power amplifiers, the bias power supply of the pre-stage amplifier is turned off, leaving only the final amplifier working, and the RF signal is transmitted to the final amplifier through a feedback path, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier.

[0300] Fourth, a voltage clamp circuit is used to limit the supply voltage of the power amplifier to a first voltage threshold Vth1, so that the gain of the power amplifier is limited.

[0301] In addition, the RF front-end module with overvoltage protection function provided by the present invention can be used in electronic devices as an important component of communication components. The electronic equipment here refers to computer equipment that can be used in a mobile environment and supports multiple communication systems such as GSM, EDGE, CDMA, TD_SCDMA, WCDMA, TDD_LTE, FDD_LTE, NR, etc., including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, car computers, etc. In addition, the technical solution provided by the present invention is also applicable to other applications of RF integrated circuits, such as communication base stations, smart connected cars, etc.

[0302] As shown in Figure 15, the electronic device includes at least a processor, a memory and a communication component, and may further include a sensor component, a power component, a multimedia component and an input / output interface according to actual needs. Among them, the memory, communication component, sensor component, power component, multimedia component and input / output interface are all connected to the processor. The memory can be a static random access memory (SRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic memory, a flash memory, etc., and the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processing (DSP) chip, etc. Other communication components, sensor components, power components, multimedia components, etc. can all be implemented using general components and are not specifically described here.

[0303] In summary, compared with the prior art, the overvoltage protection method of the RF front-end module provided by the present invention achieves effective protection of the RF front-end module by adopting a technical solution of judging whether the power supply voltage or the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module have reached a set threshold, controlling the RF front-end module to enter or exit the OVP protection mode, and controlling the relevant unit circuits in the OVP protection mode to reduce the gain of the power amplifier or shut down the power amplifier. Therefore, the present invention has the beneficial effects of clever and reasonable design, low design cost, high reliability, and good flexibility, which achieves effective protection of the RF front-end module, reduces the failure probability of the mobile communication system, and at the same time, improves the service life of the RF front-end module, and is suitable for various RF front-end modules and electronic devices thereof.

[0304] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely examples, and the technical solutions of the various embodiments may be combined and are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0305] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0306] The above describes in detail the overvoltage protection method and electronic device for the RF front-end module provided by the present invention. For those skilled in the art, any obvious modification made to the present invention without departing from the essence of the present invention will constitute an infringement of the patent rights of the present invention and will result in corresponding legal liability.

Claims

1. An overvoltage protection method for a radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that The steps include: (1) Real-time detection of the power supply voltage of the RF front-end module; (2) When the power supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold, proceed to the next step; otherwise, continue to detect the power supply voltage; (3) starting to count a first time, where the first time is the duration during which the power supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold; (4) When the first time ≥ the first time threshold, proceed to the next step; (5) The RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, reducing the gain of the power amplifier or shutting down the power amplifier; (6) When the supply voltage is less than or equal to the fifth voltage threshold, proceed to the next step; otherwise, continue with the overvoltage protection mode; (7) starting to count a second time, where the second time is the duration during which the supply voltage is less than or equal to the fifth voltage threshold; (8) When the second time ≥ the second time threshold, proceed to the next step; (9) The RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, and the power amplifier resumes low-gain operation or resumes normal operation. (10) Return to step (1); Wherein, the first voltage threshold>the fifth voltage threshold.

2. The overvoltage protection method of the RF front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before step (1), the method further includes enabling the overvoltage protection function.

3. The overvoltage protection method of the RF front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit of the power amplifier to turn off, so that the power amplifier stops working; After the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode in step (9), the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit of the power amplifier to turn on, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

4. The overvoltage protection method of the RF front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier; After the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode in step (9), the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

5. The overvoltage protection method of the RF front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the following sub-steps are included: In the first step, the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier; Step 2: start timing the third time; when the third time reaches the third time threshold, proceed to the next step; The third step is that the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit of the power amplifier to turn off, so that the power amplifier stops working; After the RF front-end module in step (9) exits the overvoltage protection mode, the following sub-steps are included: In the first step, the logic control circuit controls the bias power circuit of the power amplifier to start, and the attenuation enable control circuit starts the attenuation circuit, so that the power amplifier resumes low gain operation; Step 2: start timing the fourth time; when the fourth time reaches the fourth time threshold, proceed to the next step; In the third step, the attenuation enable control circuit turns off the attenuation circuit to restore the power amplifier to normal operation.

6. The overvoltage protection method of the radio frequency front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the following sub-steps are included: The first step is to turn off the bias power supply of the pre-amplifier in the power amplifier to reduce the gain of the power amplifier; Step 2: start timing the third time; when the third time reaches the third time threshold, proceed to the next step; The third step is to turn off the bias power supply of the final amplifier in the power amplifier to stop the power amplifier from working; After the RF front-end module in step (9) exits the overvoltage protection mode, the following sub-steps are included: The first step is to turn on the bias power supply of the final amplifier in the power amplifier to restore the power amplifier to low gain operation; Step 2: start timing the fourth time; when the fourth time reaches the fourth time threshold, proceed to the next step; The third step is to turn on the bias power supply of the pre-amplifier in the power amplifier to restore the power amplifier to normal operation.

7. The overvoltage protection method of the radio frequency front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step (1), in addition to real-time detection of the power supply voltage, the temperature of the RF front-end module is also detected in real time; In the step (2), determining whether the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module have reached a set threshold value includes the following sub-steps: In the first step, when the power supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold, proceed to the next step; otherwise, continue to detect the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module; In the second step, when the temperature of the RF front-end module is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold or the temperature of the RF front-end module is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, proceed to the next step; Otherwise, continue to detect the power supply voltage and the temperature of the RF front-end module; The first temperature threshold is lower than the second temperature threshold.

8. The overvoltage protection method of the radio frequency front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step (2), when the power supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold, or when the second voltage threshold is < the power supply voltage < the first voltage threshold, the timing is started in the next step. After the timing time meets the time threshold, the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, reduces the gain of the power amplifier or shuts down the power amplifier; wherein the first voltage threshold is greater than the second voltage threshold.

9. The overvoltage protection method of the radio frequency front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step (6), when the power supply voltage is ≤ the fifth voltage threshold, or when the fifth voltage threshold is < the power supply voltage < the fourth voltage threshold, the timing is started in the next step. After the timing time meets the time threshold, the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, and the power amplifier resumes low gain operation or resumes normal operation; wherein the fourth voltage threshold is greater than the fifth voltage threshold.

10. The overvoltage protection method of the radio frequency front-end module according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the step (2), when the power supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold, or when the second voltage threshold is < the power supply voltage < the first voltage threshold, and the temperature of the RF front-end module is ≤ the first temperature threshold or the temperature of the RF front-end module is ≥ the second temperature threshold, the timing is started in the next step. After the timing time meets the time threshold, the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, reduces the gain of the power amplifier or turns off the power amplifier; wherein the first voltage threshold is greater than the second voltage threshold, and the first temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

11. The overvoltage protection method of the radio frequency front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the voltage clamping circuit is turned on to provide a clamped supply voltage to the power amplifier, so that the gain of the power amplifier is limited; After the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode in step (9), the voltage clamping circuit is turned off to provide a normal power supply voltage to the power amplifier, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

12. The overvoltage protection method of the radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: After the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode in step (5), the output voltage of the bias power supply circuit of the power amplifier is adjusted to a low voltage position, the DC operating point of the power amplifier is changed, and the gain of the power amplifier is reduced.

13. A radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function, characterized in that At least includes a power amplifier, an output matching circuit and an analog control circuit; the analog control circuit at least includes a voltage detection and comparison circuit, a bias power supply circuit and a logic control circuit; wherein, The output end of the power amplifier is connected to the output matching circuit; The voltage detection and comparison circuit is used to detect the supply voltage and compare it with the set threshold voltage. When the detected voltage reaches the voltage threshold, a control signal is generated and provided to the logic control circuit; The bias power supply circuit is used to provide power for the bias circuit of the power amplifier; The logic control circuit is used to control the function of the RF front-end module and adjust the electrical parameters; When the supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold, the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, and the analog control circuit reduces the gain of the power amplifier or turns off the power amplifier; when the supply voltage is ≤ the fifth voltage threshold, the RF front-end module exits the overvoltage protection mode, and the analog control circuit restores the power amplifier to low gain operation or normal operation, thereby achieving overvoltage protection of the RF front-end module.

14. [Corrected 21.01.2025 in accordance with Rule 26] The radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The RF front-end module further includes an attenuation circuit, and the analog control circuit further includes a timer and an attenuation enable control circuit; The attenuation circuit is connected to the input end of the power amplifier; When the supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold, the RF front-end module delays a preset period of time to enter the overvoltage protection mode, and the attenuation enable control circuit controls the start of the attenuation circuit to reduce the gain of the power amplifier; When the supply voltage is ≤ the fifth voltage threshold, the RF front-end module delays a preset period of time to exit the overvoltage protection mode, and the attenuation enable control circuit controls the attenuation circuit to be turned off, so that the power amplifier resumes normal operation.

15. The radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function according to claim 13, characterized in that: The analog control circuit also includes a temperature detection circuit, which is used to detect the temperature of the RF front-end module and compare it with a set temperature threshold; When the supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold and the temperature of the RF front-end module is ≤ the first temperature threshold or the temperature of the RF front-end module is ≥ the second temperature threshold, the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, and the analog control circuit reduces the gain of the power amplifier or shuts down the power amplifier.

16. The radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function according to claim 15, characterized in that: The analog control circuit further includes a voltage clamping circuit, and the power supply supplies power to the power amplifier through the voltage clamping circuit; When the supply voltage is ≥ the first voltage threshold and the temperature of the RF front-end module is ≤ the first temperature threshold or the temperature of the RF front-end module is ≥ the second temperature threshold, the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, and the voltage clamping circuit limits the supply voltage of the power amplifier to the first voltage threshold, so that the gain of the power amplifier is limited.

17. The radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function according to claim 13, characterized in that: After the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, in the power amplifier circuit composed of a multi-stage power amplifier, the bias power supply of the pre-stage amplifier is turned off, and only the final amplifier is kept working. The RF signal is transmitted to the final amplifier through a feedback path, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier.

18. The radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function according to claim 13, characterized in that: After the RF front-end module enters the overvoltage protection mode, the output voltage of the bias power supply circuit is adjusted to a low voltage position, and the DC operating point of the power amplifier is changed, thereby reducing the gain of the power amplifier.

19. The radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function according to claim 14, characterized in that: The attenuation circuit is composed of a first capacitor, a first transistor, a first resistor and a second resistor; wherein the collector of the first transistor is connected to the RF signal input terminal through the first capacitor, and the emitter of the first transistor is connected to the ground potential terminal; the two ends of the first resistor are connected across the collector and the base of the first transistor; and the attenuation enable control signal terminal is connected to the base of the first transistor through the second resistor.

20. The radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function according to claim 14, characterized in that: The attenuation circuit is connected in parallel with the RF switch branch, one end of the parallel connection is connected to the RF signal input end, and the other end is connected to the input end of the power amplifier; the control end of the RF switch in the RF switch branch is connected to the attenuation enable control signal end.

21. An electronic device, characterized in that A radio frequency front-end module with overvoltage protection function comprising any one of claims 13 to 20.

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