Auxiliary control circuit of power amplifier module, power amplifier module and communication equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module, a power amplifier module and a communication device. The auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module includes a main control chip, a first current detection chip and a second current detection chip. The output voltage amplification factor of the first current detection chip is greater than the output voltage amplification factor of the second current detection chip. The detection input end of the first current detection chip is used to access the static voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path of the power amplifier module. The detection output end of the first current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip. The first current detection chip is used to differentially amplify the static voltage and output it to the main control chip. The detection input end of the second current detection chip is used to access the working voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path. The detection output end of the second current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip. The second current detection chip is used to differentially amplify the working voltage and output it to the main control chip. The effect of greatly improving the power amplifier current detection accuracy is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of current detection, and in particular to an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module, a power amplifier module and communication equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of power electronics technology, current detection of power amplifier modules is an indispensable part of various communication devices in modern communication systems. Through current detection, the working current of the power amplifier module in the communication equipment can be determined, and the working current can also be used as an alarm of the communication system or a feedback control quantity of the power amplifier. As an important component of the communication system, the power amplifier module is mainly responsible for amplifying the power of the communication signal to achieve a wider coverage and higher transmission data volume.

[0003] For the current detection of the power amplifier module, the traditional current detection methods include detection resistor and integrated operational amplifier detection, current mutual inductance detection, Hall sensor detection, optical coupling isolation current detection and capacitor isolation current detection. However, in the process of implementing the present invention, the inventors found that the traditional power amplifier current detection method has the problem of low detection accuracy. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module, a power amplifier module and a communication device to address the above-mentioned problems existing in the traditional power amplifier current detection method.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module, comprising a main control chip, a first current detection chip and a second current detection chip, wherein the output voltage amplification factor of the first current detection chip is greater than the output voltage amplification factor of the second current detection chip;

[0007] The detection input end of the first current detection chip is used to access the static voltage of the power supply path of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module, the detection output end of the first current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip, and the first current detection chip is used to differentially amplify the static voltage and output it to the main control chip;

[0008] The detection input end of the second current detection chip is used to access the working voltage of the power supply path of the power amplifier tube, and the detection output end of the second current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip. The second current detection chip is used to differentially amplify the working voltage and output it to the main control chip.

[0009] In one embodiment, the detection input terminal of the first current detection chip and the detection input terminal of the second current detection chip are connected in series to the power supply path of the power amplifier tube through the same current detection resistor.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, the auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module further includes a first voltage stabilizing circuit, and the detection output end of the first current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip through the first voltage stabilizing circuit.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, the auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module further includes a second voltage stabilizing circuit, and the detection output end of the second current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip through the second voltage stabilizing circuit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first voltage stabilizing circuit is a voltage stabilizing diode D1, and the second voltage stabilizing circuit is a voltage stabilizing diode D2;

[0013] The positive electrode of the voltage zener diode D1 is grounded, and the negative electrode of the voltage zener diode D1 is used to be connected between the detection output end of the first current detection chip and the main control chip;

[0014] The positive electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D2 is grounded, and the negative electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D2 is electrically connected between the detection output terminal of the second current detection chip and the main control chip.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, the auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module further includes a filter capacitor C1 and a filter capacitor C2;

[0016] One end of the filter capacitor C1 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the first current detection chip and the main control chip, and the other end of the filter capacitor C1 is grounded;

[0017] One end of the filter capacitor C2 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the second current detection chip and the main control chip, and the other end of the filter capacitor C2 is grounded.

[0018] In one of the embodiments, the auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module further includes a gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit, and the input end of the gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit is electrically connected to the main control chip;

[0019] The gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit is used to adjust the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module after receiving the static current adjustment signal output by the main control chip.

[0020] In one of the embodiments, the auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module further includes a power amplifier alarm circuit, the input end of the power amplifier alarm circuit is electrically connected to the main control chip, and the power amplifier alarm circuit is used to issue an overcurrent alarm to the power amplifier module after receiving an alarm signal output by the main control chip.

[0021] On the other hand, a power amplifier module is also provided, comprising the auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module.

[0022] On the other hand, a communication device is provided, comprising the above-mentioned power amplifier module.

[0023] In one of the embodiments, the above-mentioned communication device further includes a current display device, and the current display device is electrically connected to the main control chip of the power amplifier module;

[0024] After receiving the working current signal output by the main control chip, the display device is used to display the working current of the power amplifier module; the working current is the current corresponding to the working voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path of the power amplifier module.

[0025] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0026] The auxiliary control circuit, power amplifier module and communication equipment of the above-mentioned power amplifier module are implemented by applying two current detection chips with different voltage amplification factors on the power amplifier module, wherein the first current detection chip is used to detect the static voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path, so that the main control chip can calculate the static current of the power amplifier module from the static voltage. The second current detection chip is used to detect the working voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path, so that the main control chip can calculate the working current of the power amplifier module from the working voltage. Since the static current is usually much lower than the working current, the required measurement accuracy is higher and the voltage amplification factor of the first current detection chip is larger than that of the second current detection chip, thus achieving high-precision measurement of the static current. At the same time, the measurement accuracy of the working current of the power amplifier tube power supply path can also be better satisfied, instead of using one current detection chip to complete the current detection of the entire process of the power amplifier tube power supply path, which effectively solves the problem of low detection accuracy of the traditional power amplifier current detection method and achieves the effect of greatly improving the power amplifier current detection accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 The figure is a block diagram of a radio frequency link of a conventional power amplifier module;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the relationship curve between voltage and current of traditional power amplifier current detection;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a first structural schematic diagram of an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a voltage-current relationship curve of power amplifier current detection of the present application in one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 is a second structural schematic diagram of an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module in one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 6 is a third structural schematic diagram of an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module in one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 is a fourth structural schematic diagram of an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module in one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 8 is a fifth structural schematic diagram of an auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module in one embodiment;

[0035] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power amplifier current detection circuit portion of a communication device in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0037] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art of the technical field of the present invention. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0038] The power amplifier module is mainly composed of two parts: the RF link and the auxiliary control circuit. Among them, the RF link part is mainly composed of power amplifier devices such as gain attenuation circuit, pre-drive stage small power amplifier tube, drive stage medium power amplifier tube and final stage large power amplifier tube, which are cascaded with the isolator stage. According to the requirements of the gain size of the power amplifier module, the higher the gain requirement, the more two or more pre-drive stages can be used for cascading. The auxiliary control circuit generally includes any one or more of the power conversion circuit, detection circuit, IO external interface circuit, alarm circuit, control circuit and linearization circuit according to different functions. The block diagram of the RF link of one common power amplifier module is as follows Figure 1 shown.

[0039] Generally, the main core component of the power amplifier module is the power amplifier tube. There are many types of power amplifier tubes, and the common ones are made of materials such as LDMOS or GaN. The gain G and saturation power P of the power amplifier tube sat There are also different grades. The common power amplifier gain is 17dB-22dB. The saturation power P of the power amplifier satThere are different grades of 10W, 20W, 50W, 100W or 400W. Engineers can choose different power amplifier tubes according to actual application needs to achieve the purpose of power amplification and realize the corresponding link function.

[0040] In order to amplify the input signal Pin to the gain and power value required for the actual use of the communication system, power amplifiers of different power levels are usually cascaded to amplify the signal and achieve reasonable utilization of the gain and saturation power P of the power amplifier. sat For power amplifiers, there are two important indicators to pay attention to in actual use, namely quiescent current and operating current. Quiescent current is the current of the power amplifier when there is no input power. The size of the quiescent current is determined by the gate voltage of the power amplifier (i.e. Figure 1 The gate voltage VGS1 and VGS2 shown in the figure are controlled by the size of the gate voltage VGS1 and VGS2. The static current reflects the initial working state and static working point of the power amplifier tube. Different saturation powers P sat The quiescent current of the power amplifier tube is different. Generally speaking, the saturation power P sat The lower the power amplifier tube, the lower the quiescent current. For example, 20W saturation power P sat The quiescent current is about 100mA ~ 200mA, 400W saturation power P sat The quiescent current is about 1000mA ~ 2000mA.

[0041] Compared with the static current, the working current is the dynamic current during operation. The working current of the power amplifier tube is related to the signal power entering the power amplifier tube, reflecting the efficiency and working state of the power amplifier tube. The working current can be used to determine whether the power amplifier tube is in a normal working state, whether the efficiency is high or low, and the working current of power amplifier tubes with different efficiencies and different output powers is different. Taking the power amplifier module as an example, when it is powered by 28V and outputs 80W RF power, the approximate working current range is 8A~10A.

[0042] In traditional applications, it is usually necessary to read the static current of the power amplifier tube through a current detection chip to automatically adjust and set the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube for the power amplifier module; read the working current of the power amplifier tube through a current detection chip to calculate the efficiency of the power amplifier module and determine whether the power amplifier module is abnormal. Commonly used current detection chips include Texas Instruments (TI) INA138 and INA168 series chips, MAXIM's MAX4173 and MAX4375 chips, and Analog Devices (ADI) ADM4073 chip. The integrated and optimized current detection IC chip has the characteristics of small size, high precision and good performance, and is widely used in printed circuit boards.

[0043] In the application of integrated current detection chips, no matter what kind of current detection chip it is, it is mainly composed of the following three parts: detection resistor, detection chip body and detection voltage external amplifier circuit. The implementation principle is to connect the detection resistor at the chip detection input end to the current path to be measured. The current flowing through will produce a voltage drop on the detection resistor. The detection chip body processes the voltage drop through the internal precision differential amplifier circuit, and then amplifies the detection voltage value corresponding to the voltage drop to a suitable value through the detection voltage external amplifier circuit and outputs it.

[0044] In actual applications, it is found that when the traditional current detection chip is used in the power amplifier module, the static current and working current of the power amplifier tube are quite different. For example, the static current range is 100mA ~ 1200mA, while the working current range is 0A ~ 10A. The detection voltage output by the external detection voltage amplifier circuit is converted into a corresponding digital signal by the AD (analog-to-digital conversion) chip to enter the main control chip of the MCU or other programmable logic circuits, and then processed by the main control chip, or directly converted and processed by the AD (analog-to-digital conversion) port inside the main control chip. Generally, the maximum detection voltage of the analog input of the AD port cannot exceed 3.3V or 5V, so there will be a problem in actual use. Assuming that the maximum analog voltage that the main control chip of the power amplifier module can detect is 5V, and the maximum working current of the power amplifier module is 10A, the static current of the driving stage is 150mA, and the static current of the final stage is 600mA. When a commonly used current detection chip is used in conjunction with a main control chip for current detection, the detection voltage Vo output by the current detection chip is linearly proportional to the detection current I calculated by the main control chip based on the detection voltage Vo. For example, Figure 2 shown.

[0045] Take the case that when the current I of the current path to be detected is 10A, the detection voltage output by the current detection chip is 5.0V. When I=5A, the detection voltage Vo=2.5V, that is, 1A corresponds to 500mV, 10mA corresponds to 5mV current detection accuracy, and this current detection accuracy is fixed. In the actual use of the power amplifier module, when detecting the static current, the current detection accuracy is required to be higher, for example, the accuracy of 10mA corresponding to 10mV can be achieved to accurately detect the static current, so as to facilitate the accurate static current control of the power amplifier gate voltage on the power amplifier module; when detecting the working current, since the working current is relatively large, the detection accuracy of 1A corresponding to 50mV (10mA corresponding to 0.5mV) can also meet the actual use requirements, such as current alarm. That is to say, on the power amplifier module, the current detection chip requires a higher detection accuracy when detecting the static current, while the detection accuracy can be lower when detecting the working current, which cannot be achieved in the traditional current detection method.

[0046] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In order to solve the problem of low detection accuracy in the power amplifier current detection method, in one embodiment, an auxiliary control circuit 100 of a power amplifier module is provided, including a main control chip 201, a first current detection chip 12 and a second current detection chip 14. The output voltage amplification factor of the first current detection chip 12 is greater than the output voltage amplification factor of the second current detection chip 14. The detection input end of the first current detection chip 12 is used to access the static voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path of the power amplifier module. The detection output end of the first current detection chip 12 is electrically connected to the main control chip 201 of the power amplifier module. The first current detection chip 12 is used to differentially amplify the static voltage and output it to the main control chip 201. The detection input end of the second current detection chip 14 is used to access the working voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path. The detection output end of the second current detection chip 14 is electrically connected to the main control chip 201. The second current detection chip 14 is used to differentially amplify the working voltage and output it to the main control chip 201.

[0047] It can be understood that the first current detection chip 12 and the second current detection chip 14 are both current detection chips already known in the art, and the circuit structure of the chip is as follows: Figure 1As shown in . The detection accuracy of the first current detection chip 12 and the second current detection chip 14 is related to the output voltage amplification factor, that is, the greater the output voltage amplification factor, the higher the accuracy of the current detection chip. The output voltage amplification factor is determined by the resistance value of the current detection resistor R14 of the current detection chip and the resistor R31 in the external amplifier circuit. The specific resistance value can be selected according to the detection accuracy required in the actual application. Therefore, by using two current detection chips to perform current detection on the power amplifier module, the detection accuracy of the first current detection chip 12 for detecting the static current is higher than the detection accuracy of the second current detection chip 14 for detecting the working current, thereby ensuring the higher accuracy required for static current detection and improving the gate voltage control accuracy of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module.

[0048] The power amplifier tube power supply path of the power amplifier module refers to the path through which the driving source of the power amplifier module supplies power to the driving stage power amplifier tube and the final stage power amplifier tube. The current detection resistor in the detection input end of the first current detection chip 12 is connected in a conventional manner in the art and is electrically connected to the power amplifier tube power supply path, so that the current in the power amplifier tube power supply path can flow through the current detection resistor in the detection input end of the first current detection chip 12, so that the first current detection chip 12 can detect the voltage on its current detection resistor corresponding to the static current flowing through, that is, the static voltage. The circuit connection method of connecting the detection input end of the second current detection chip 14 to the power amplifier tube power supply path can be understood in the same way.

[0049] The main control chip 201 is an MCU or other type of control chip already available on the power amplifier module in the art, and has RF link control function, current measurement function and other control functions required by the power amplifier module. The main control chip 201 can be a control chip that comes with the auxiliary control circuit, or it can be a master control unit set on the power amplifier module, or it can be an auxiliary control chip independently set externally. The main control chip 201 is used to receive the static voltage output by the first current detection chip 12, and then calculate the corresponding static current to automatically control the gate voltage adjustment of the power amplifier tube; and to receive the working voltage output by the second current detection chip 14, and then calculate the corresponding working current to complete the working current monitoring and early warning of the power amplifier module. It should be noted that for the sake of convenience in explanation, the present specification provides a drawing taking the INA138 series current detection chip as an example, and the same can be understood for other types of current detection chips.

[0050] Specifically, when the driving source of the power amplifier module starts to supply power, the current detection resistor in the detection input end of the first current detection chip 12 and the current detection resistor in the detection input end of the second current detection chip 14 will generate a corresponding voltage drop, that is, a static voltage. The first current detection chip 12 amplifies the static voltage differential to a voltage input requirement suitable for the main control chip 201 through its own internal precision differential amplifier circuit, and then outputs it to the main control chip 201. The main control chip 201 automatically reads the static voltage output by the first current detection chip 12 with higher detection accuracy, and thus calculates the static current of the initial state when the power amplifier module starts working from the static voltage to determine whether the static current is consistent with the set static current (or standard static current). If it does not match, the main control chip 201 can directly or indirectly control the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module to adjust the static current to the set size.

[0051] When it is determined that the quiescent current is consistent with the set quiescent current, the main control chip 201 automatically reads the working voltage output by the second current detection chip 14, which has a lower detection accuracy than the first current detection chip 12, that is, the working voltage after the second current detection chip 14 differentially amplifies the voltage input requirement suitable for the main control chip 201 through its own internal precision differential amplifier circuit. The main control chip 201 can calculate the corresponding working current based on the working voltage output by the second current detection chip 14 in real time during the working period after the power amplifier module is normally started, so as to determine whether the working current is overcurrent. If so, the power amplifier current alarm function can be automatically completed. If not, the working current size of the power amplifier module can be continuously monitored or the working current size of the power amplifier module can be displayed in real time with the equipped display unit.

[0052] Through the above two-way current detection chip, when the power supply path of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module is low current, the first current detection chip 12 and the main control chip 201 are used to detect the static current, so that the detection accuracy of the static current is higher, which is more conducive to the static current control of the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube on the power amplifier module. When the power supply path of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module is high current, the second current detection chip 14 and the main control chip 201 are used to detect the working current, which is more suitable for the low detection accuracy situation when the working current is relatively large during the alarm. In this way, the overall power amplifier current detection can be made more accurate at low current (static current) and low accurate at high current (working current), which can meet the actual application requirements of low current and high current. Using two current detection chips with different magnifications of the detected voltage, the first current detection chip 12 with high precision is required to have a large magnification of the detection voltage, while the second current detection chip 14 with low detection accuracy is required to have a small magnification of the detection voltage, and cooperates with the main control chip 201 to complete the detection processing of the power amplifier current, so as to achieve the purpose of variable current detection accuracy, which can be used in different application scenarios. The detection accuracy of the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, 01 represents the detection accuracy curve of the first current detection chip 12 , and 02 represents the detection accuracy curve of the second current detection chip 12 .

[0053] The auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module is implemented by applying two current detection chips with different voltage magnification factors to the power amplifier module, wherein the first current detection chip 12 is used to detect the static voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path, so that the main control chip 201 can calculate the static current of the power amplifier module from the static voltage. The second current detection chip 14 is used to detect the working voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path, so that the main control chip 201 can calculate the working current of the power amplifier module from the working voltage. Since the static current is usually much lower than the working current, the required measurement accuracy is higher and the voltage magnification factor of the first current detection chip 12 is larger than that of the second current detection chip 14, thus achieving high-precision measurement of the static current. At the same time, the measurement accuracy of the working current of the power amplifier tube power supply path can also be better satisfied, instead of using one current detection chip to complete the current detection of the entire process of the power amplifier tube power supply path, which effectively solves the problem of low detection accuracy of the traditional power amplifier current detection method and achieves the effect of greatly improving the power amplifier current detection accuracy.

[0054] In one embodiment, the detection input terminal of the first current detection chip 12 and the detection input terminal of the second current detection chip 14 are connected in series to the power supply path of the power amplifier tube through the same current detection resistor.

[0055] It can be understood that in the above embodiments, the first current detection chip 12 and the second current detection chip 14 can be connected to the power supply path of the power amplifier tube through the current detection resistors in their respective detection input terminals, while in the present embodiment, the detection input terminal of the first current detection chip 12 and the detection input terminal of the second current detection chip 14 can share a current detection resistor, and are no longer separately connected to the power supply path of the power amplifier.

[0056] Specifically, by selecting two current detection chips with different resistance values ​​of resistors R31, the output voltage amplification factor of the first current detection chip 12 is greater than the output voltage amplification factor of the second current detection chip 14 in the two current detection chips that share a current detection resistor. In this way, when the power amplifier module is in a low-current static current working stage, the static voltage generated on the shared current detection resistor is detected by the first current detection chip 12 with high precision and amplified and output to the main control chip 201 for processing, so that the main control chip 201 can accurately control the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube based on the high-precision static current. When the power amplifier module is in a high-current working stage, the working voltage generated on the shared current detection resistor is detected by the second current detection chip 14 and amplified and output to the main control chip 201 for processing, so that the main control chip 201 can perform power amplifier current alarm and monitoring based on the relatively low-precision working current.

[0057] By designing that the first current detection chip 12 and the second current detection chip 14 share a current detection resistor, the current design and production cost and the required PCB circuit board layout space can be further saved while ensuring the normal detection function of the power amplifier current in the two stages. The current detection resistor is a high-power precision resistor with a high cost. The design of sharing a current detection resistor can not only effectively save costs, but also simplify the circuit structure and improve the reliability of the entire circuit.

[0058] See also Figure 5 In one embodiment, the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module further includes a first voltage stabilizing circuit 16. The detection output terminal of the first current detection chip 12 is electrically connected to the main control chip 201 through the first voltage stabilizing circuit 16.

[0059] It can be understood that the first voltage stabilizing circuit 16 is a circuit element or circuit module with voltage stabilization and amplitude limiting functions, and can be but not limited to various types of voltage stabilizing devices or voltage stabilizing modules in the art. The stabilizing voltage of the first voltage stabilizing circuit 16 can be determined according to the input voltage allowed by the AD device and the main control chip 201 in the actual application scenario, as long as it can effectively prevent the static voltage corresponding to the output of the first current detection chip 12 from being too large when the detected power amplifier current is large, causing the connected AD device and the main control chip 201 and other devices to be damaged.

[0060] Specifically, since the detection accuracy of the first current detection chip 12 is relatively high, under the same detection current, the static voltage detected and output by the first current detection chip 12 will be much larger than the working voltage detected and output by the second current detection chip 14, which will be more obvious under the condition of large current. Therefore, a first voltage stabilizing circuit 16 is added to the detection output end of the first current detection chip 12 as an output voltage overvoltage protection circuit. For example, if the maximum input voltage that the pins of the AD device and the main control chip 201 can withstand is 5V, a 5V first voltage stabilizing circuit 16 can be selected. When the output voltage is greater than 5V, the voltage stabilizing device in the first voltage stabilizing circuit 16 will conduct in reverse, so that the maximum output voltage will not exceed 5V, thereby protecting the circuit components.

[0061] By using the first voltage stabilizing circuit 16, it is possible to effectively prevent overvoltage from being generated when a large current appears during the power amplifier current detection process, thereby preventing damage to circuit components, thereby achieving the purpose of further improving circuit reliability.

[0062] See also Figure 6 In one embodiment, the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module further includes a second voltage stabilizing circuit 18. The detection output terminal of the second current detection chip 14 is electrically connected to the main control chip 201 through the second voltage stabilizing circuit 18.

[0063] It can be understood that the second voltage stabilizing circuit 18 is a circuit element or circuit module with voltage stabilization and amplitude limiting functions, and can also be, but not limited to, various types of voltage stabilizing devices or voltage stabilizing modules in the art. The regulated voltage of the second voltage stabilizing circuit 18 can be determined according to the input voltage allowed by the AD device and the main control chip 201 in the actual application scenario, as long as it can effectively prevent the working voltage corresponding to the output of the second current detection chip 14 from being too large when the detected power amplifier current is large, causing the connected AD device and the main control chip 201 and other devices to be damaged.

[0064] Specifically, in the above embodiment, the second current detection chip 14 with a suitable output voltage amplification factor can be selected according to the maximum current of the power amplifier module, so as to ensure that the working voltage output by the second current detection chip 14 at a large current will not exceed the maximum voltage detection range of the main control chip 201. Therefore, for cost saving considerations, the detection output end of the second current detection chip 14 can save the access of the voltage stabilizing protection circuit. In this embodiment, a second voltage stabilizing circuit 18 is added between the detection output end of the second current detection chip 14 and the main control chip 201, which can better provide overvoltage protection during the working current detection period and avoid damage to the main control chip 201 due to sudden overvoltage conditions.

[0065] By using the second voltage stabilizing circuit 18, it is possible to more effectively prevent overvoltage from being generated when a large current appears during the power amplifier current detection process, thereby damaging circuit components, thereby achieving the purpose of further improving circuit reliability.

[0066] In one embodiment, Figure 5 or Figure 6 As shown, the first voltage stabilizing circuit 16 is a voltage stabilizing diode D1. The second voltage stabilizing circuit 18 is a voltage stabilizing diode D2. The positive electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D1 is grounded. The negative electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D1 is used to be electrically connected between the detection output end of the first current detection chip 12 and the main control chip 201. The positive electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D2 is grounded. The negative electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D2 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the second current detection chip 14 and the main control chip 201.

[0067] It can be understood that the Zener diode D1 and the Zener diode D2 can be Zener diodes of the same type but different models, or Zener diodes of the same type and same model, which can be specifically determined according to the peak value of the power amplifier current and the maximum voltage detection range of the main control chip 201 in actual applications.

[0068] Specifically, a voltage zener diode D1 is added to the detection output end of the first current detection chip 12 as an output voltage overvoltage protection circuit. When the voltage output by the first current detection chip 12 exceeds the maximum voltage detection range of the main control chip 201, the voltage zener diode D1 conducts in the reverse direction, so that the maximum value of the output voltage does not exceed the maximum voltage detection range of the main control chip 201, thereby protecting the circuit components.

[0069] By adding a voltage stabilizing diode D2 to the detection output terminal of the second current detection chip 14, an output voltage overvoltage protection circuit is provided. When the voltage output by the second current detection chip 14 exceeds the maximum voltage detection range of the main control chip 201, the voltage stabilizing diode D2 conducts in the reverse direction, so that the maximum value of the output voltage will not exceed the maximum voltage detection range of the main control chip 201, thereby protecting the circuit components.

[0070] By applying the above-mentioned Zener diode D1 and Zener diode D2, the circuit reliability of the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module can be effectively improved. At the same time, adding one or two Zener diodes can provide the required circuit protection, simplifying the circuit structure and reducing the cost.

[0071] See also Figure 7In one embodiment, the auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module further includes a filter capacitor C1 and a filter capacitor C2. One end of the filter capacitor C1 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the first current detection chip 12 and the main control chip 201. The other end of the filter capacitor C1 is grounded. One end of the filter capacitor C2 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the second current detection chip 14 and the main control chip 201. The other end of the filter capacitor C2 is grounded.

[0072] It can be understood that in this embodiment, a filter capacitor C1 can be connected between the detection output end of the first current detection chip 12 and the main control chip 201 to filter out the clutter on the detection output end of the first current detection chip 12, so that the output DC voltage is more stable. A filter capacitor C2 is connected between the detection output end of the second current detection chip 14 and the main control chip 201 to filter out the clutter on the detection output end of the second current detection chip 14, so that the output DC voltage is more stable.

[0073] The parameter specifications of the filter capacitor C1 and the filter capacitor C2 can be selected according to the power supply mode of the power amplifier module and the output characteristics of the current detection chip in the actual application, as long as the required clutter filtering function can be effectively provided. By applying the above-mentioned filter capacitor C1 and filter capacitor C2, a filtering effect is provided between the first current detection chip 12 and the main control chip 201, and between the second current detection chip 14 and the main control chip 201, so that the output voltage of the two current detection chips is more stable, and the interference of clutter on the power amplifier current detection is eliminated, so that the detection accuracy of the power amplifier current can be further improved.

[0074] See also Figure 8 In one embodiment, the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module further includes a gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit 20. The input end of the gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit 20 is used to electrically connect to the main control chip 201. The gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit 20 is used to adjust the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module after receiving the static current adjustment signal output by the main control chip 201.

[0075] It can be understood that the gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit 20 is a power amplifier gate voltage adjustment circuit already available in the art. Specifically, during the operation of the power amplifier module, the static voltage detected by the first current detection chip 12 is differentially amplified to a suitable voltage, and then passes through the filter capacitor C1 and the voltage regulator diode D1 for clutter filtering and voltage stabilization before entering the main control chip 201, such as the MCU processing unit of the power amplifier module. The MCU processing unit obtains the corresponding static current based on the input static voltage detection, and compares the static current with the set static current to determine whether the current static current is correct. If not, the MCU processing unit will automatically generate a corresponding static current adjustment signal and output the static current adjustment signal to the gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit 20. After the gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit 20 receives the static current adjustment signal, it will adjust the gate voltage of the corresponding power amplifier according to the static current adjustment signal. In this way, after adjusting the gate voltage, the MCU processing unit performs static current detection again based on the static voltage detected by the first current detection chip 12, until the static current corresponding to the static voltage detected by the first current detection chip 12 is consistent with the set static current, or is within the floating range allowed by the set static current. If so, the MCU processing unit will receive and detect the working current based on the working voltage output by the second current detection chip 14.

[0076] Through the coordinated application of the first current detection chip 12, the main control chip 201 and the gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit 20, high-precision static current detection can be effectively achieved while achieving high-precision automatic adjustment of the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube.

[0077] In one embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module further includes a power amplifier alarm circuit 22. The input end of the power amplifier alarm circuit 22 is used to electrically connect to the main control chip 201. The power amplifier alarm circuit 22 is used to issue an overcurrent alarm to the power amplifier module after receiving the alarm signal output by the main control chip 201.

[0078] It can be understood that the power amplifier alarm circuit 22 is a power amplifier alarm circuit 22 set in a traditional auxiliary control circuit in the field. Specifically, during the operation of the power amplifier module, the second current detection chip 14 detects the output working voltage, and after differential amplification to a suitable voltage, it enters the main control chip 201 after clutter filtering and voltage stabilization processing by the filter capacitor C2 and the voltage regulator diode D2, such as the MCU processing unit of the above-mentioned power amplifier module. The MCU processing unit obtains the corresponding working current based on the input working voltage detection, and compares the working current with the set working current (or standard dynamic current) to determine whether the current working current is too large. If so, the MCU processing unit will automatically generate a corresponding alarm signal and output the alarm signal to the power amplifier alarm circuit 22. After the power amplifier alarm circuit 22 receives the alarm signal, it will perform an overcurrent alarm on the power amplifier module according to the alarm signal, for example, uploading the relevant information of the current alarm to the main control unit of the device where the power amplifier module is located or the external master control system. If not, the MCU processing unit will continue to receive and detect the working current based on the working voltage output by the second current detection chip 14, or can output the working current data to the outside for linkage with external devices.

[0079] To make it easier to understand, on the power amplifier module, the static current and the working current are both currents in the path powered by the same driving source. Take the static current of 750mA and the working current of 9.5A as an example:

[0080] The first current detection chip 12 is mainly responsible for the detection of the static voltage corresponding to the static current, and the required detection accuracy is higher, that is, the magnification of the detection voltage is larger. The second current detection chip 14 is mainly responsible for the detection of the working voltage corresponding to the working current, and the required detection relative accuracy is relatively low, that is, the magnification of the detection voltage is relatively small. The maximum input voltage that the MCU processing unit can withstand is 5V, and the selected current detection resistor R14 is 0.05Ω.

[0081] The resistor R31 of the detection voltage external amplifier circuit of the first current detection chip 12 is a 400kΩ resistor. Then, the relationship between the output voltage and current of the first current detection chip 12 is: Vo1 = I*0.05*400k / 5k = I*4. When I = 1A, Vo1 = 4.0V, where I represents the current flowing through the current detection resistor R14.

[0082] The resistor R31 of the detection voltage external amplifier circuit of the second current detection chip 14 is a 40kΩ resistor. Then, the relationship between the output voltage and current of the second current detection chip 14 is: Vo2 = I*0.05*40k / 5k = I*0.4. When I = 1A, Vo2 = 0.4V.

[0083] When the static current is 750 mA, Vo1 = 4*0.75 = 3.0 V; Vo2 = 0.4*0.75 = 0.3 V; at this time, the MCU processing unit only selects the Vo1 voltage for processing and performs gate voltage automatic adjustment control on the gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit 20. The Vo2 voltage is not processed.

[0084] When the working current is 9.5A, Vo1=4*9.5=38V; Vo2=0.4*9.5=3.8V. In order to prevent the gate voltage VGS1 from being too large when the current is large, a first voltage regulator circuit 16 (the main component is a voltage regulator diode D1, also called a voltage regulator limiting diode D1) electrically connected to the first current detection chip 12 is added. The gate voltage VGS1 after passing through the first voltage regulator circuit 16 will not exceed 5V at most, so that the reliability of the circuit can be improved. In this example, the role of the MCU control unit is to read the voltage values ​​Vo1 and Vo2 detected and output by the first current detection chip 12 and the second current detection chip 14, and use Vo1 and Vo2 in the above-mentioned different power amplifier detection control processes according to the comparison results corresponding to the voltage values ​​Vo1 and Vo2.

[0085] Through the coordinated application of the first current detection chip 12, the second current detection chip 14, the main control chip 201 and the power amplifier alarm circuit 22, the accurate detection of the working current can be effectively achieved, and the overcurrent alarm function of the working current of the power amplifier module can be reliably realized.

[0086] In one embodiment, a power amplifier module is further provided, comprising the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module.

[0087] It can be understood that the explanation of the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module in this embodiment can be understood by referring to the relevant explanations in the various embodiments of the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the power amplifier module mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] The above-mentioned power amplifier module, through the combined application of the main control chip 201 and the auxiliary control circuit 100 of the above-mentioned power amplifier module, makes the current detection accuracy variable during the power amplifier current detection process, and can realize high-precision measurement of static current. At the same time, the measurement accuracy of the working current of the power amplifier tube power supply path can also be better met, instead of using a current detection chip to complete the current detection of the entire process of the power amplifier tube power supply path, which effectively solves the problem of low detection accuracy of traditional power amplifier current detection methods and achieves the effect of greatly improving the power amplifier current detection accuracy.

[0089] In one embodiment, a communication device 300 is further provided, comprising the above-mentioned power amplifier module.

[0090] It can be understood that those skilled in the art can understand that the above-mentioned communication device 300 can be various types of devices applied to the power amplifier module in the communication system to perform power amplifier current detection and alarm. The above-mentioned communication device can also include other components besides the power amplifier module, such as but not limited to storage devices, transceiver antennas and data conversion circuits.

[0091] The above-mentioned communication device 300, by applying the above-mentioned power amplifier module, can make the current detection accuracy variable during the power amplifier current detection process, and can achieve high-precision measurement of static current. At the same time, the measurement accuracy of the working current of the power supply path of the power amplifier tube can also be well met, which effectively solves the problem of low detection accuracy of traditional power amplifier current detection methods and achieves the effect of greatly improving the power amplifier current detection accuracy.

[0092] See also Fig. 9 In one embodiment, the communication device 300 further includes a current display device 31. The current display device 31 is electrically connected to the main control chip 201 of the power amplifier module. After receiving the working current signal output by the main control chip 201, the display device is used to display the working current of the power amplifier module. The working current is the current corresponding to the working voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path of the power amplifier module.

[0093] It can be understood that the current display device 31 is a display device with data display, or data display and broadcasting functions, such as a touch display, a non-touch display, or a common display screen without control input function. The current display device 31 can be independently set up as discrete components with the power amplifier module on the communication device 300, or can be integrated in an integrated package. The specific setting method can be determined according to the size and shape of the current display device 31, as well as the auxiliary functions (such as touch input, key input, or floating operation input, etc.).

[0094] Specifically, during the operation of the power amplifier module, the working voltage output by the second current detection chip 14 is differentially amplified to a suitable voltage, and then enters the MCU processing unit after clutter filtering and voltage stabilization processing by the filter capacitor C2 and the voltage regulator diode D2. The MCU processing unit obtains the corresponding working current based on the input working voltage detection, and compares the working current with the set working current (or standard dynamic current) to determine whether the current working current is too large. If so, the MCU processing unit will link the power amplifier alarm circuit 22 to the power amplifier module to perform an overcurrent alarm for the working current. If not, the MCU processing unit will continue to receive and detect the working current based on the working voltage output by the second current detection chip 14, and output the real-time working current to the current display device 31. The current display device 31 can display the real-time working current data by means of numerical values ​​or curve graphs, or numerical values ​​and curve graphs, so that the operation and maintenance personnel can know the working current size of the power amplifier module in the communication device 300 at any time, thereby determining the working state of the power amplifier module.

[0095] Through the combined application of the power amplifier module and the current display device 31, a real-time display function of the working current can be realized during the working current detection process of the power amplifier module.

[0096] In one embodiment, the communication device 300 is any one of a repeater device, a radio frequency remote device, a track power amplifier device, an integrated power amplifier and a receiver.

[0097] It can be understood that the communication device 300 using the above power amplifier module can be any one of the repeater equipment, radio frequency remote equipment, track power amplifier equipment, integrated power amplifier and receiver in the field, so as to improve the power amplifier current detection accuracy of the equipment, thereby more accurately controlling the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube, and completing the functions of power amplifier alarm or current display. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the above list is only a few common communication devices 300, and the above power amplifier module can also be used in other devices that need to have a power amplifier current detection function.

[0098] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0099] The above embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present invention, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be pointed out that, for those of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present invention shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary control circuit of a power amplifier module, characterized in that: It includes a main control chip, a first current detection chip and a second current detection chip, wherein the output voltage amplification factor of the first current detection chip is greater than the output voltage amplification factor of the second current detection chip; The detection input end of the first current detection chip is used to access the static voltage of the power supply path of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module, the detection output end of the first current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip, and the first current detection chip is used to differentially amplify the static voltage and then output it to the main control chip; The detection input end of the second current detection chip is used to access the working voltage of the power supply path of the power amplifier tube, the detection output end of the second current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip, and the second current detection chip is used to differentially amplify the working voltage and then output it to the main control chip; The detection input end of the first current detection chip and the detection input end of the second current detection chip are connected in series to the power supply path of the power amplifier tube through the same current detection resistor.

2. The auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first voltage stabilizing circuit, and the detection output end of the first current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip through the first voltage stabilizing circuit.

3. The auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a second voltage stabilizing circuit, and the detection output end of the second current detection chip is electrically connected to the main control chip through the second voltage stabilizing circuit.

4. The auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first voltage stabilizing circuit is a voltage stabilizing diode D1, and the second voltage stabilizing circuit is a voltage stabilizing diode D2; The positive electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D1 is grounded, and the negative electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D1 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the first current detection chip and the main control chip; The positive electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D2 is grounded, and the negative electrode of the voltage stabilizing diode D2 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the second current detection chip and the main control chip.

5. The auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes filter capacitor C1 and filter capacitor C2; One end of the filter capacitor C1 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the first current detection chip and the main control chip, and the other end of the filter capacitor C1 is grounded; One end of the filter capacitor C2 is electrically connected between the detection output end of the second current detection chip and the main control chip, and the other end of the filter capacitor C2 is grounded.

6. The auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit, the input end of which is electrically connected to the main control chip; The gate voltage automatic adjustment circuit is used to adjust the gate voltage of the power amplifier tube of the power amplifier module after receiving the static current adjustment signal output by the main control chip.

7. The auxiliary control circuit of the power amplifier module according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a power amplifier alarm circuit, the input end of which is electrically connected to the main control chip. The power amplifier alarm circuit is used to issue an over-current alarm to the power amplifier module after receiving an alarm signal output by the main control chip.

8. A power amplifier module, characterized in that: An auxiliary control circuit comprising the power amplifier module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising the power amplifier module as claimed in claim 8.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that It also includes a current display device, which is electrically connected to the main control chip of the power amplifier module; After receiving the working current signal output by the main control chip, the display device is used to display the working current of the power amplifier module; the working current is the current corresponding to the working voltage of the power amplifier tube power supply path of the power amplifier module.

Images