Voltage protection circuit for preventing power amplifier from burning out and electronic device having the same

Abstract

A voltage protection circuit for preventing a power amplifier in an electronic device from burning out is disclosed. The electronic device includes: a power amplifier (PA) configured to amplify a transmission signal; a switch configured to set a path for a signal output from the PA; a bias control circuit configured to control the supply of a bias current driving the PA; and a voltage protection circuit configured to provide a main control signal that causes the PA to be turned off earlier than the switch based on a battery voltage that provides driving power for the electronic device, and forward the main control signal to the bias control circuit, wherein, in response to receiving the main control signal indicating that the PA is turned off from the voltage protection circuit, the bias control unit stops supplying the bias current driving the PA.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a voltage protection circuit for preventing a power amplifier from burning out and an electronic device having the voltage protection circuit. Background Art

[0002] As smartphones gradually develop, they need to support various modules and functions of smartphones. As fifth-generation (5G) smartphones add modules and functions such as large-capacity files, downloads, multi-windows, large screens, dual speakers, and multi-cameras, batteries are required to provide enough current for these functions. For example, the maximum allowable current of a traditional smartphone may be about 4 amperes (A), but the maximum allowable current of a 5G smartphone may be increased to 6A.

[0003] When the maximum allowable current increases in this way, a voltage drop may occur due to the internal battery resistance and the resistance of the power management integrated circuit (PMIC) and the printed circuit board (PCB). This may lead to unstable power supply of the power amplifier (PA) present in the RF front-end module (RFFE) of the smartphone. As a result, the unstable power supply may cause the PA to burn out.

[0004] When the current provided by the battery increases instantaneously or temporarily, a voltage drop may occur due to the internal resistance of the battery. Therefore, the PA and the switch that receive power directly from the battery may be in the OFF state instantaneously or temporarily while other modules that receive a stable voltage from the PMIC operate normally. When this happens, or when switching from the OFF state to the ON state, if the sequence is not appropriate, the PA may burn out.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an apparatus that can handle higher currents without causing burnout of the PA in an electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] Various aspects of the present disclosure are to solve at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described below. Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a voltage protection circuit and an electronic device using the voltage protection circuit, which can reduce the possibility of PA burnout caused by a voltage drop of a battery voltage by introducing a circuit that turns off the PA before the switch turns off in response to a voltage range provided by a battery deviating from normal operation.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a PA, which is configured to amplify a transmission signal; a switch, which is configured to set a path for a signal output from the PA; a bias control circuit, which is configured to control the supply of a bias current that drives the PA; and a voltage protection circuit, which is configured to provide a main control signal that causes the PA to be cut off earlier than the switch based on a battery voltage that provides driving power for the electronic device, and forward the main control signal to the bias control circuit, wherein, in response to receiving the main control signal instructing the PA to be cut off from the voltage protection circuit, a bias control unit stops supplying the bias current that drives the PA.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a plurality of antennas; a first plurality of phase converters configured to convert the phase of a transmission signal for transmission signal beamforming; a plurality of PAs configured to amplify the transmission signal; a plurality of low noise amplifiers (LNAs) configured to amplify a reception signal; a second plurality of phase converters configured to convert the phase of the reception signal; a plurality of switches configured to selectively connect the plurality of PAs or the plurality of LNAs to the plurality of antennas; a bias control circuit configured to control the supply of a bias current driving the PAs; and a voltage protection circuit configured to provide a main control signal that causes the plurality of PAs to be turned off earlier than the plurality of switches in response to an abnormality occurring in a battery voltage that provides driving power for the electronic device, and forward the main control signal to the bias control circuit, wherein, in response to receiving the main control signal instructing the plurality of PAs to be turned off from the voltage protection circuit, the bias control circuit stops supplying the bias current driving the plurality of PAs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D A communication module in an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3BA radio frequency-front end module (RF-FEM) including a bias control unit that provides a bias current to a PA or a driver amplifier (DA) as part of a communication module of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0014] Figure 3C shows a switch of a communication module in an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 4 An example of using a battery power source in an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0016] Figure 5 An example of a voltage drop caused by a transient current increase to which the present disclosure is applied is shown;

[0017] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Shows the possibility of burnout caused by the sequence of switching the PA and the switch on or off depending on the voltage drop with the application of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 shows an RF-FEM including a bias control unit and a voltage protection circuit as part of a communication module of an electronic device according to an embodiment, the bias control unit providing a bias current to a PA or a DA;

[0019] Figure 8 A voltage protection circuit according to an embodiment is shown;

[0020] Fig. 9 A termination circuit of a PA input stage according to an embodiment is shown;

[0021] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B illustrates examples of overvoltage regions, undervoltage regions, and hysteresis according to embodiments;

[0022] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A voltage protection circuit and a bias control unit in an RF-FEM including a plurality of PAs and DAs according to an embodiment are shown;

[0023] Fig.12 An RF-FEM including a voltage protection circuit and supporting 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) beamforming according to an embodiment is shown;

[0024] Fig.13 An RF-FEM including a voltage protection circuit and supporting multiple frequency bands in an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0025] Fig.14 An RF-FEM including a voltage protection circuit and supporting multiple frequency bands in an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present disclosure, relevant detailed descriptions are set forth, but this is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations are omitted.

[0027] The electronic device herein may be one of various types of electronic devices such as a portable communication device (eg, a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. However, the electronic device is not limited to these devices.

[0028] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for the corresponding embodiments. When describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

[0029] It will be understood that the noun in the singular form corresponding to the project can include one or more things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may be included in any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one in the phrase. As used herein, terms such as "the 1st" and "the 2nd" or "the first" and "the second" can be used to simply distinguish the corresponding parts from another part, and the parts are not limited in importance or order. It will be understood that if, with or without the term "operably" or "communicatively", an element (such as, the first element) is referred to as "combined with another element (such as, the second element), "combined to another element (such as, the second element)", "connected to another element (such as, the second element)" or "connected to another element (such as, the second element)", this means that the first element can be combined with the second element directly (for example, wired), wirelessly or via a third element.

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

[0031] Reference Figure 1, the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. The electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input device 150, a sound output device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. At least one of the components may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. Some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 may be implemented to be embedded in the display device 160 .

[0032] The processor 120 may run the program 140 to control at least one other hardware component or software component of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. As at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may load the command or data received from the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190 into the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 134. The processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is independent of or combined with the main processor 121 in operation. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or be adapted to be specifically used for a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 , or as part of the main processor 121 .

[0033] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101, or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 together with the main processor 121. The auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., ISP or CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

[0034] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101. The various data may include the program 140 and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

[0035] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or an application 146 .

[0036] The input device 150 may receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (eg, a user) to be used by the processor 120 of the electronic device 101. The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (eg, a stylus).

[0037] The sound output device 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records, and the receiver can be used for incoming calls. The receiver can be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

[0038] The display device 160 may visually provide information to a user of the electronic device 101. The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. The display device 160 may include a touch circuit adapted to detect a touch or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0039] The audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal or vice versa. The audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input device 150 or output sound via the sound output device 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device 102 directly (eg, wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0040] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a user's state) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0041] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly with the external electronic device 102. The interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0042] The connection end 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected to the external electronic device 102. The connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

[0043] The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. The haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0044] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. The camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

[0045] The power management module 188 may manage power supply to the electronic device 101. The power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of a PMIC.

[0046] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. The battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0047] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that can operate independently from the processor 120 (e.g., AP) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. The communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth). TM The wireless communication module 192 may communicate with an external electronic device via a wireless communication network (e.g., a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct connection, or an infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-distance communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components separated from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 may use user information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM card 196 to identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199).

[0048] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external electronic device of the electronic device 101. The antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). The antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190. Signals or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. Other components other than the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0049] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (eg, a bus, general purpose input output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transfer commands or data therebetween.

[0050] A command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 and the electronic device 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. All or some operations to be executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute the requested at least part of the function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the electronic device 101, the communication module 190 may include various hardware components for performing communication.

[0052] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D A communication module in an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0053] Reference Figure 2A , the communication module 190 may include a communication processor (CP) 210 , a transceiver (TRCV) 220 , an RF-FEM 230 , and / or a control circuit 240 .

[0054] CP 210 can perform control for the transmission and processing of digital signals. CP 210 can control the operation or state of transceiver 220 and / or RF-FEM 230. For example, CP 210 can determine the operation or state of transceiver 220, RF-FEM 230 and / or the components included in transceiver 220 or RF-FEM 230, and provide instructions for controlling the operation or state. CP 210 may include a protocol stack for performing operations within a layer defined in a communication standard. For example, CP 210 may provide and interpret messages according to the form defined in the standard, and CP 210 may interact with a network based on the standard. CP 210 may process digital / baseband signals. For example, CP 210 may perform channel coding / decoding and modulation / demodulation.

[0055] The transceiver 220 may perform processing for transmitting or receiving a signal. The transceiver 220 may perform frequency band conversion and / or amplification of a signal. For example, the transceiver 220 may process analog / intermediate (IF) or RF signals. For example, the transceiver 220 may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) / analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a mixer, and / or an oscillator.

[0056] RF-FEM 230 can process RF signals. RF-FEM 230 can include PA 231, matching circuit 232, low noise amplifier (LNA) 233, bypass switch 234, transmit / receive switch 235, filter 236, variable resistor 237, coupler 238 and / or control unit 239. PA 231 can amplify the RF signal provided from transceiver 220. Matching circuit 232 can form load impedance. LNA 233 can amplify the received signal. Bypass switch 234 can be used to form a receiving path without using LNA 233. Transmit / receive switch 235 can connect the path including PA 231 with filter 236 when performing signal transmission, and can connect the path including LNA 233 with filter 236 when performing signal reception. According to the frequency band of the signal used for communication, filter 236 can filter the signal. Variable resistor 237 can provide the resistance value necessary for the operation of coupler 238. The coupler 238 may couple the transmission signal. The control unit 239 may provide a control signal for controlling at least one component included in the RF-FEM 230. The control unit 239 may include a bias control unit 239a for controlling a bias current of the PA 231 and / or a MIPI 239b for performing signal exchange with at least one component included in the RF-FEM 230.

[0057] The control circuit 240 may control at least one component included in the RF-FEM 230. In response to the determination of the CP 210, the control circuit 240 may control at least one component included in the RF-FEM 230. For example, the control circuit 240 may control based on the network accessed or the power mode used to tune the state of at least one of the PA 231, the matching circuit 232, or the filter 236. For example, when the RF-FEM 230 is installed in the electronic device 101 and managed therein, the control circuit 240 may measure the performance or characteristics (e.g., linearity or efficiency) of the RF-FEM 230. For example, the control circuit 240 may measure the performance or characteristics of the RF-FEM 230 by using a signal coupled by the coupler 238. The control circuit 240 may be referred to as a control block, a sensing circuit, a sensing and control block, a sensing and control circuit, or other terms having technical meanings equivalent to these.

[0058] exist Figure 2A In the embodiment, the control circuit 240 has been described as a component separate from the CP 210, the transceiver 220, or the RF-FEM 230. In other embodiments, the control circuit 240 may be included in any one of the CP 210, the transceiver 220, or the RF-FEM 230. For example, the control circuit 240 may be included in the CP 210, the transceiver 220, or the RF-FEM 230. Figure 2B CP 210, such as Figure 2C The transceiver 220 in Figure 2D In the control unit 239 of the RF-FEM 230 in .

[0059] exist Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D In the embodiment, the RF-FEM 230 may include a PA 231 for amplifying a transmission signal. The RF-FEM 230 may also include at least one other amplifier such as a pre-driver amplifier and / or a DA. In this case, an inter-stage matching circuit may also be included between the pre-driver amplifier and the DA or between the DA and the PA 231. In another embodiment, the RF-FEM 230 may also include an input matching circuit.

[0060] exist Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D In the embodiment, the matching circuit (eg, input matching circuit, inter-stage matching circuit or matching circuit 232) and / or the filter 246 are controlled, thereby being able to tune the characteristics (eg, linearity or efficiency) of the RF-FEM 230 or tune the power amplitude of the transmission signal.

[0061] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The RF-FEM including the bias control unit 239 a that provides a bias current to the PA 231 or DA is shown as part of the communication module of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0062] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The structures of PA and DA shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples.

[0063] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B In response to the bias control unit 239a of the control unit 239 providing the bias current, the transistors of the PA 231 and / or the DA are turned on, so the input signal (RFin) passes through the matching circuit 232 and outputs the output signal (RFout). On the other hand, in response to the bias control unit 239a not providing the bias current, the transistors in the PA 231 and / or the DA are turned off, so the input signal (RFin) is not forwarded and the output signal (RFout) is not output.

[0064] Figure 3C A switch 235 of a communication module in an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0065] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D The switch 235 shown in FIG. 2 can connect the path including the PA 231 to the filter 236 when a signal is transmitted, and can connect the path including the LNA 233 to the filter 236 when a signal is received. Figure 3C , the switch 235 can be controlled by the switch on / off control signal 320 passing through the buffer 310 for the sake of path connection. DD_SW ), a battery voltage (Vbat) through a regulator may be applied. The reason for using a regulator is that the driving voltage of the buffer 310 (e.g., 1.8V) and the battery voltage (e.g., 3.7V) may be different from each other. In response to the battery voltage (Vbat) being higher or lower than the driving voltage range of the regulator, the regulator cannot provide the driving voltage of the buffer 310, and as a result, the buffer 310 cannot operate. Therefore, the switch 235 cannot be controlled and may be in a cut-off or abnormal state.

[0066] Figure 4 An example of using a battery power source in an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0067] Reference Figure 4, the battery 420 can supply the current necessary to drive each module in the electronic device 101. The current of the battery 420 can be supplied to each module through the PMIC 440, which is in the front stage of the battery 420 and manages the entire power of the electronic device 101. In another example, for the sake of stable supply of power, each module in the electronic device 101 can receive current through separate PMICs 411, 412 and 413. The PA 231 or the switch 235 of the RF-FEM 230 can directly receive power from the battery 420 without a separate PMIC. Generally, the RF-FEM 230 needs to provide a high output that requires sufficient bias current to the PA 231. When passing through the PMIC, the RF-FEM 230 cannot provide enough bias current to provide a high output. Therefore, the RF-FEM 230 needs to be directly connected to the battery 420 without the PMIC.

[0068] The voltage (Vcc) supplied to the PA 231 may be supplied via an envelope tracking integrated circuit (ETIC) or an envelope tracking modulator (ETM) 430. The ETM is a device capable of varying the voltage (Vcc) supplied to the PA 231 according to the envelope of the transmitted RF signal. Thus, the electronic device 101 may reduce the consumption of the transmitted power.

[0069] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 includes a plurality of modules. In a maximum load scenario where these modules are operated simultaneously, the maximum possible allowable current (e.g., 6 A) may be used instantaneously (e.g., several milliseconds (ms)) or during a predetermined period (e.g., several seconds). In this case, a voltage drop may occur due to the total resistance of the battery, the internal circuit (ESR) of the PMIC, and the PCB line for power supply.

[0070] Figure 5 An example of a voltage drop caused by an instantaneous current increase to which the present disclosure is applied is shown.

[0071] Reference Figure 5, when the current 520 increases instantaneously in the region 510, there may be a sudden drop in the voltage 530. In response to the assumption that the power supplied from the battery ranges from 4V to 3.7V and a 1.13V instantaneous voltage drop occurs, the voltage (Vbat) supplied to the RF-FEM 230 may drop to a range of 3V to 2.5V or less. In this case, the module receiving power via a single PMIC may operate normally, but the components such as the PA 231 and the switch 235 within the RF-FEM 230 module receiving power from the battery 420 without a single PMIC cannot operate because the supplied voltage deviates from the voltage range that can operate the component and is instantaneously cut off. The transceiver 220 that provides the RF signal (RFin) input to the PA 231 operates normally and continuously forwards the RF signal, while the PA 231 and the switch 235 may switch from the on state to the off state or from the off state to the on state. In response to an inappropriate order of switching the PA 231 and the switch 235 to the off state or the order of switching them to the on state, there is a possibility that the PA 231 burns out.

[0072] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The possibility of burnout caused by the PA and the sequence of turning on or off the switches depending on the voltage drop is shown applying the present disclosure.

[0073] Reference Fig. 6A In response to the battery voltage drop, PA 231 is turned off first and switch 235 is turned off later, or in response to the voltage drop recovery, switch 235 is turned on first and PA 231 is turned on later, PA 231 is unlikely to burn out. Figure 6B In response to the battery voltage drop, the switch 235 is turned off first and the PA 231 is turned off later, or the PA 231 is turned on first and the switch 235 is turned on later in response to the recovery of the voltage drop, the possibility of the PA 231 burning out increases. Figure 6B In the embodiment, in response to the RF signal input from the transceiver 220 being amplified in the PA 231 and then advancing to the switch 235 in the off state, the signal advances to the high impedance side through the switch 235. Therefore, the amplified signal may be completely reflected to the PA 231. In this case, the reflected signal is input to the output stage of the PA 231, which may cause the PA 231 to burn out.

[0074] As described above, in response to undervoltage or overvoltage being supplied to the RF-FEM 230 , the PA 231 needs to be turned off earlier than the switch 235 in order to prevent the PA 231 from burning out.

[0075] The electronic device herein may include a voltage protection circuit for turning off the PA 231 earlier than the switch 235 so as to render the above-mentioned burnout possibility extremely unlikely.

[0076] Figure 7 An RF-FEM including a bias control unit 239 a providing a bias current to the PA 231 or DA and a voltage protection circuit 239 c is shown as part of a communication module of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0077] Figure 7 Shown based on Figure 3A The example adds a voltage protection circuit 239c, but can even be applied to Figure 3B In addition, although it is shown that the voltage protection circuit 239c is constructed separately from the bias control unit 239a, the voltage protection circuit 239c may be constructed in combination with another circuit of the control unit 239 (for example, the bias control unit 239a).

[0078] Reference Figure 7 The control unit 239 may further include a voltage protection circuit 239c. By controlling the driving voltage (V DD_SW ) abnormality causes the switch 235 to switch to the cut-off state, a signal to cut off the PA 231 is sent to the bias control unit 239a, and the voltage protection circuit 239c can prevent the PA 231 from burning out.

[0079] Figure 8 A voltage protection circuit 239c according to an embodiment is shown.

[0080] Reference Figure 8 , it is shown that the voltage protection circuit 239c includes two undervoltage obtaining units 810 and 820 and an overvoltage obtaining unit 830, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the voltage protection circuit 239c may include fewer or more obtaining units depending on the type of set voltage being sought.

[0081] The undervoltage obtaining unit 810 can monitor the battery voltage (Vbat) and distinguish the state where the battery voltage (Vbat) drops to less than a predetermined voltage (i.e., a set voltage). The undervoltage obtaining unit 810 may include resistors (R1 and R2) and / or a comparator (C1) for monitoring the battery voltage (Vbat). The resistors (R1 and R2) can divide the battery voltage (Vbat) to provide a voltage based on equation (1) as follows:

[0082]

[0083] The comparator (C1) may compare the provided voltage (V1) with a reference voltage (Ref1). In response to the provided voltage (V1) being less than the reference voltage (Ref1), the comparator (C1) may provide a control signal (Ctrl1) for preventing bias current. The undervoltage obtaining unit 810 may further include an inverter that performs a logic "NOT" additionally connected to the output stage of the comparator (C1). The reference voltage (Ref1) may be set to a value capable of providing a signal for preventing bias current before the switch 235 enters a cut-off state due to a decrease in the driving voltage of the buffer 310 applied to the control switch 235.

[0084] In order to provide a signal to prevent bias current in response to the battery voltage (Vbat) being reduced to less than 2.5V, the resistor (R1) may have a value of 100 ohms, the resistor (R2) may have a value of 900 ohms, and the reference voltage (Ref1) may be 0.25V. The voltage division (V1) provided by the resistors (R1 and R2) is reduced to 0.1Vbat, and in response to being reduced to less than the reference voltage (Ref1) set to 0.25V, the battery voltage (Vbat) is reduced to less than 2.5V, and the comparator (C1) that obtains the reduced voltage may provide a control signal (Ctrl1) (in addition with an inverter). In response to the voltage division (V1) being less than the reference voltage (Ref1), the control signal (Ctrl1) is enabled, and in response to the voltage division (V1) being greater than the reference voltage (Ref1), the control signal (Ctrl1) is disabled. Thus, the control signal is provided based on whether the bias current is supplied to the PA 231 or to the bias control unit 239a.

[0085] Similarly, the undervoltage obtaining unit 820 may monitor the driving voltage (V DD_SW ), and distinguish the driving voltage (V DD_SW ) is reduced to a state below a predetermined voltage. The undervoltage obtaining unit 820 may include a unit for monitoring the buffer driving voltage (V DD_SW ) of the resistors (R3 and R4) and / or the comparator (C2). The resistors (R3 and R4) can increase the drive voltage (V DD_SW ) to provide a voltage based on equation (2) as follows:

[0086]

[0087] The comparator (C2) can compare the provided voltage (V2) with a reference voltage (Ref2). In response to the provided voltage (V2) being less than the reference voltage (Ref2), the comparator (C2) can provide a control signal (Ctrl2) for preventing bias current. The undervoltage obtaining unit 820 may also include an inverter that performs a logical "not" additionally connected to the output stage of the comparator (C2). The reference voltage (Ref2) can be set to a value that can provide a signal for preventing bias current before the switch 235 enters a cut-off state due to a decrease in the driving voltage applied to the buffer 310 that controls the switch 235.

[0088] In order to respond to the driving voltage (V DD_SW ) is reduced to below 1.2V to provide a signal to prevent bias current, the resistor (R3) may have a value of 100 ohms, the resistor (R4) may have a value of 400 ohms, and the reference voltage (Ref2) may be 0.24V. Then, the divided voltage (V2) provided by the resistors (R3 and R4) is reduced to 0.2V DD_SW , and in response to the voltage (V2) decreasing to less than the reference voltage (Ref2) set to 0.24V, the driving voltage (V DD_SW ) is reduced to less than 1.2V, and the comparator (C2) that obtains the voltage can provide a control signal (Ctrl2) (additionally with an inverter). In response to the divided voltage (V2) being less than the reference voltage (Ref2), the control signal (Ctrl2) is enabled, and in response to the divided voltage (V2) being greater than the reference voltage (Ref2), the control signal (Ctrl2) is disabled. Therefore, the control signal is provided based on whether the bias current is supplied to the bias control unit 239a.

[0089] The overvoltage acquisition unit 830 can monitor the battery voltage (Vbat) and distinguish a state where the battery voltage (Vbat) increases to a value greater than a predetermined voltage. The overvoltage acquisition unit 830 may include resistors (R5 and R6) and / or a comparator (C3) for monitoring the battery voltage (Vbat). The resistors (R5 and R6) may divide the battery voltage (Vbat) to provide a voltage based on equation (3) as follows:

[0090]

[0091] The comparator (C3) can compare the provided voltage (V3) with the reference voltage (Ref3). In response to the provided voltage (V3) being greater than the reference voltage (Ref3), the comparator (C3) can provide a control signal (Ctrl3) for preventing bias current. The overvoltage obtaining unit 830 can also include an inverter that performs a logical "not" additionally connected to the output stage of the comparator (C3). In order to provide a signal for preventing bias current in response to the battery voltage (Vbat) increasing to greater than 4V, the resistor (R5) can have a value of 100 ohms, the resistor (R6) can have a value of 900 ohms, and the reference voltage (Ref1) can be 0.4V. Then, the divided voltage (V3) provided by the resistors (R5 and R6) is increased to 0.1Vbat. In response to v3 increasing to greater than the reference voltage (Ref3) set to 0.4V, the battery voltage (Vbat) increases to greater than 4V, and the comparator (C3) that obtains the increased Vbat can provide a control signal (Ctrl3). In response to the divided voltage (V3) being greater than the reference voltage (Ref3), the control signal (Ctrl3) is enabled, and in response to the divided voltage (V3) being less than the reference voltage (Ref3), the control signal (Ctrl3) is disabled. Therefore, the control signal can be provided based on whether the bias current is supplied to the bias control unit 239a.

[0092] The control signals (Ctrl1, Ctrl2, and Ctrl3) provided by the above-mentioned undervoltage obtaining units 810 and 820 and the overvoltage obtaining unit 830 may be combined into one control signal (Ctrl) through an OR gate 840. In response to at least one of the control signals (Ctrl1, Ctrl2, and Ctrl3) for preventing bias current being enabled by the undervoltage obtaining units 810 and 820 and the overvoltage obtaining unit 83, the voltage protection circuit 239c may enable the control signal (Ctrl) for preventing bias current by using the OR gate 840 and forward it to the bias control unit 239a. The bias control unit 239a may receive the control signal (Ctrl) to stop supplying bias current to the PA 231 and / or the DA.

[0093] exist Figure 8 In FIG. 2 , it is shown that the voltage protection circuit 239 c includes three obtaining units, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the voltage protection circuit 239 c may also include one, two, four or more obtaining units.

[0094] Fig. 9 1 shows a termination circuit of an input stage of the PA 231 according to an embodiment.

[0095] exist Fig. 9In the embodiment of the present invention, the termination circuit may include a switch 910 and a termination resistor 920, and may be additionally connected to an input stage of the PA 231 to which the RF signal (RFin) is input.

[0096] In response to the PA 231 receiving the battery power (Vbat) directly instead of via the PMIC, and the voltage via the PMIC being applied to the transceiver 220 providing the RF signal, although the battery power (Vbat) is momentarily reduced and thus the PA 231 is turned off, the transceiver 220 may normally forward the RF signal to the PA 231. Therefore, the possibility of burnout in the input stage of the turned-off PA 231 increases.

[0097] To prevent burning, add Fig. 9 . In another example, the termination circuit can block the signal input to the PA 231 and prevent the signal amplified in the PA 231 and output therefrom. Therefore, although the PA and the RF-FEM are not operating normally, the termination circuit can prevent the possibility of burnout caused by the reflected wave in the switch. The switch 910 of the termination circuit can be controlled by using the control signal (Ctrl) output from the OR gate 840 of the voltage protection circuit 239c and preventing the bias current from passing to the bias control unit 239a. In response to enabling the control signal (Ctrl) to provide the bias current, the switch 910 can be turned off and enable the RF signal (RFin) to be forwarded to the PA 231. However, in response to the control signal (Ctrl) preventing the bias current, the switch 910 can be turned on and enable the RF signal (RFin) to be terminated via the termination resistor 920 without being forwarded to the PA 231. Therefore, the added termination circuit and the use / non-use of the termination circuit depending on the control signal (Ctrl) of the voltage protection circuit 239c can prevent the input stage of the PA 231 from burning out.

[0098] Each of the comparators (C1, C2 and C3) of the voltage protection circuit 239c can use hysteresis to prevent or reduce oscillation of the control signal (Ctrl1, Ctrl2 and Ctrl3) output from the comparator (C1, C2 and C3), which can be provided when the desired voltage is unstable.

[0099] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Examples of an overvoltage region, an undervoltage region, and hysteresis according to an embodiment are shown.

[0100] Refer to the battery voltage (Vbat) Fig. 10A, the solid line 1030 refers to the battery voltage (Vbat). In response to the battery voltage (Vbat) entering the overvoltage region 1010 or the undervoltage region 1020, the voltage protection circuit 230c may enable the control signal (Ctrl) and control to prevent the bias current from being supplied to the PA 231.

[0101] Reference Fig. 10A , in response to the battery voltage (Vbat) increasing to greater than V ON_OVP , the voltage protection circuit 239c can enable the control signal (Ctrl3) and control to prevent the bias current from being supplied to the PA 231. In response to the battery voltage (Vbat) decreasing to less than V OFF_OVP , the voltage protection circuit 239c can disable the control signal (Ctrl3) and control to supply bias current to the PA 231. At this time, the voltage (V ON_OVP ) increases to a voltage greater than the voltage (V OFF_OVP ), thereby providing an overvoltage hysteresis 1063. This can reduce the risk of an oscillating control signal (Ctrl3).

[0102] exist Fig. 10A In response to the battery voltage (Vbat) decreasing to less than V ON_UVP , the voltage protection circuit 239c can enable the control signal (Ctrl1) and control so as not to supply bias current to the PA 231. In response to the battery voltage (Vbat) increasing to a value greater than V OFF_UVP , the voltage protection circuit 239c can disable the control signal (Ctrl1) and control to supply bias current to the PA 231. At this time, the voltage (V ON_UVP ) is reduced to less than the voltage (V OFF_UVP ), thereby providing an undervoltage hysteresis 1065. This can reduce the risk of an oscillating control signal (Ctrl1).

[0103] Referring to the driving voltage (V DD_SW ) Fig. 10B , the solid line 1050 refers to the driving voltage (V DD_SW ). Driving voltage (V DD_SW ) is usually provided by a regulator using the battery voltage (Vbat), so the drive voltage (V DD_SW ) does not enter the overvoltage region. In response to the battery voltage (Vbat) being equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a normal voltage (V DD_SW_normal), but in response to the battery voltage (Vbat) decreasing to a predetermined value or less, it is possible to provide an undervoltage. DD_SW ) enters the under-voltage region 1040, the voltage protection circuit 230c may enable the control signal (Ctrl) and perform control to prevent the bias current from being supplied to the PA 231.

[0104] Reference Fig. 10B , in response to the driving voltage (V DD_SW ) is reduced to less than V ON_UVP1 , the voltage protection circuit 239c can enable the control signal (Ctrl2) and control to prevent the bias current from being supplied to the PA 231. DD_SW ) increases to greater than V OFF_UVP , the voltage protection circuit 239c can disable the control signal (Ctrl2) and control to supply bias current to the PA 231. At this time, the voltage (V ON_UVP ) is lower than the voltage (V OFF_UVP ), thereby providing an undervoltage hysteresis 1067. This can reduce the risk of oscillation of the control signal (Ctrl2).

[0105] Each of the comparators (C1, C2 or C3) of the obtaining units 810, 820 and 830 of the voltage protection circuit 239c may have hysteresis. Each of the comparators (C1 and C2) of the undervoltage obtaining units 810 and 820 may use a voltage (e.g., 1.01×reference voltage) higher than a reference voltage input based on the reference voltage (Ref1 and Ref2) by a predetermined ratio to provide an OFF control signal, and may use a voltage (e.g., 0.99×reference voltage) lower than the reference voltage by a predetermined ratio to provide an ON control signal. Alternatively, the comparator (C3) of the overvoltage obtaining unit 830 may use a voltage (e.g., 0.99×reference voltage) lower than a reference voltage input based on the reference voltage (Ref3) by a predetermined ratio to provide an OFF control signal, and may use a voltage (e.g., 1.01×reference voltage) higher than the reference voltage by a predetermined ratio to provide an ON control signal.

[0106] The voltage protection circuit of the embodiments herein can prevent the PA 231 from burning out due to the on / off sequence of the switch 235 of the RF-FEM 230 and the PA 231 when the battery voltage is abnormal.

[0107] The above description is based on Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D The time division duplex (TDD) RF-FEM shown in FIG. 1 is performed and can be applied to other RF-FEMs used with PAs and switches.

[0108] Figure 8 The embodiment shows controlling the bias current of one PA / DA, but in another or more embodiments, multiple PA / DAs may be included in the RF-FEM.

[0109] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A voltage protection circuit 239c and a bias control unit 239A in an RF-FEM including a plurality of PA / DAs according to an embodiment are shown.

[0110] exist Fig.11A In the embodiment, a bias control unit 239a can supply bias current to multiple PA / DAs and simultaneously supply bias current to multiple PA / DAs according to a control signal (Ctrl) provided by a voltage protection circuit 239c to prevent multiple PA / DAs from burning out.

[0111] exist Fig. 11B In the system, multiple PA / DA (PA 1 ,PA 2 ,PA N DA 1 DA 2 DA N ) A plurality of bias control units 239a for supplying bias current. The control signal (Ctrl) output from the voltage protection circuit 239c is forwarded to each of the plurality of bias control units 239a, and based on the received control signal (Ctrl), each of the bias control units 239a supplies or does not supply bias current to the corresponding PA / DA, thereby being able to prevent the PA / DA from burning out.

[0112] The voltage protection circuit 239c can also be applied to RF-FEM supporting 5G mmWave beamforming.

[0113] Fig.12 An RF-FEM including a voltage protection circuit and supporting 5G mmWave beamforming according to an embodiment is shown.

[0114] Reference Fig.12, for the sake of beamforming, the RF-FEM supporting 5G mmWave beamforming includes a plurality of phase converters 1231 to 1236 or a plurality of PAs 1221, 1223, and 1225. A single driving power supply (Vcc) and a battery power supply (Vbat) can be shared by a plurality of PAs 1221, 1223, and 1225. In another example, TDD operation is performed with millimeter waves, and therefore, switches 1211, 1213, and 1215 can be connected to the output stages of a plurality of PAs 1221, 1223, and 1225 to implement a transmit path and a receive path. In this structure, the battery voltage (Vbat) may be reduced, and there may be a possibility that the PA burns out in response to an inappropriate on / off sequence of the PA and the switch. In order to address the possibility of PA burnout, the voltage protection circuit 239c mentioned above can be applied. In this case, the operating voltages of the PA of 6 GHz or less and the PA of the millimeter wave may be different, so the voltage protection circuit 239c may also include a separate additional acquisition unit with a different reference voltage.

[0115] Even RF-FEMs including 5G mmWave beamforming transmit modules can be used Figure 8 , Fig.11A and Fig. 11B 239c shown in FIG. The output control signal (Ctrl) is forwarded to the bias control unit 239a that supplies the bias current to the corresponding PA, and controls the bias current supply to all PAs at the same time. In this case, the number of undervoltage obtaining units and / or overvoltage obtaining units included in the voltage protection circuit 239c may be greater or less than the above-mentioned examples. Alternatively, the resistance values ​​or reference voltages used in the corresponding obtaining units may be different from each other.

[0116] Fig.13 An RF-FEM including a voltage protection circuit 239 c and supporting a plurality of frequency bands in the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0117] Reference Fig.13, the RF-FEM 230 may include a mid-band (MB) PA 1331a, a high-band (HB) PA 1331b, a plurality of filters 1333a to 1333h, an MB switch 1332a and an HB switch 1332b, a filter switch 1334, and an antenna switch 1335. The MBPA 1331a may amplify a mid-band RF signal. The HB PA 1331b may amplify a high-band RF signal. The MB switch 1332a and the HB switch 1332b may connect the mid-band RF signal to the high-band RF signal using one of the plurality of filters 1333a to 1333h. The filter switch 1334 may connect one of the filters 1333g and 1333h to the antenna switch 1335. The antenna switch 1335 may connect the filtered RF signal to at least one of the plurality of antennas 1336a and 1336b.

[0118] For support Fig.13 The RF-FEM 230 of multiple frequency bands shown in FIG. 2 includes multiple PAs 1331a and 1331b and multiple switches 1332a, 1332b, 1334, and 1335. At least one of the multiple switches 1332a, 1332b, 1334, and 1335 is connected to the output stage of the PA 1331a or 1331b, so the output signal of the PA 1331a or 1331b is reflected from at least one of the multiple switches 1332a, 1332b, 1334, and 1335. This increases the possibility that the PA may burn out. Therefore, the voltage protection circuit 239c herein is used to control and first turn off the PA earlier than the multiple switches, thereby preventing the PA from burning out. In this case, in response to the voltages supplied to the buffers controlling the multiple switches being different from each other, the voltage protection circuit 239c may include an undervoltage obtaining unit for each voltage and control the bias current supplied to the multiple PAs 1331a and 1331b.

[0119] Fig.14 An RF-FEM including a voltage protection circuit and supporting multiple frequency bands in an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0120] Reference Fig.14, the RF-FEM 230 may include PAs 1411, 1413, and 1415, matching circuits 1421, 1423, and 1425, switches 1431 and 1433, additional matching circuits 1411 to 1446, a plurality of duplexers or filters 1451, 1453, 1455, 1457, and 1459, and a switch 1461. The PAs 1411, 1413, and 1415 may amplify at least one RF input signal. The matching circuits 1421, 1423, and 1425 may be connected to the output stages of the PAs 1411, 1413, and 1415. The switches 1431 and 1433 may be connected to the matching circuits 1421, 1423, and 1425. The plurality of duplexers or filters 1451, 1453, 1455, 1457, and 1459 may perform filtering to transmit only RF signals of a desired frequency band. The switch 1461 may select one of the RF signals processed by at least one of the plurality of duplexers or filters 1451, 1453, 1455, 1457, and 1459. The RF signal selected by the switch 1461 may be radiated through the antenna 1471 after passing through another filter.

[0121] Fig.14 The RF-FEM 230 for supporting multiple frequency bands in the embodiment includes multiple PAs 1411, 1413, and 1415 and multiple switches 1431, 1433, and 1461. At least one of the multiple switches 1431, 1433, and 1461 is connected to the output stage of the PAs 1411, 1413, and 1415, so that the output signal of the PAs 1411, 1413, or 1415 is reflected from at least one of the multiple switches 1431, 1433, and 1461, thereby increasing the possibility of the PAs burning out. Therefore, the voltage protection circuit 239c of the present disclosure is used to control the PAs to be turned off earlier than the multiple switches, thereby preventing the PAs from burning out. For example, in response to the voltages supplied to the buffers controlling the multiple switches 1431, 1433, and 1461 being different from each other, the voltage protection circuit 239c may include an undervoltage obtaining unit for each voltage, and control the bias currents supplied to the multiple PAs 1411, 1413, and 1415.

[0122] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: a PA configured to amplify a transmission signal; and a switch configured to set a path of a signal output from the PA; and a bias control circuit configured to control the supply of a bias current driving the PA; and a voltage protection circuit configured to provide a main control signal that causes the PA to be turned off earlier than the switch in response to an abnormality occurring in a battery voltage that provides driving power for the electronic device, and forward the main control signal to a bias control unit. In response to receiving the main control signal indicating that the PA is turned off from the voltage protection circuit, the bias control unit may stop supplying the bias current driving the PA.

[0123] The electronic device may further include: a matching circuit configured to be connected to an output stage of the PA and form a load impedance; and a filter configured to filter a signal of a selected frequency band on a path of the transmission circuit.

[0124] The electronic device may further include a buffer that buffers a signal for controlling the switch and forwards the signal to the switch. In response to a driving voltage of the buffer dropping to a set value or less, the switch may be turned off.

[0125] The voltage protection circuit may include: at least one obtaining unit, which compares the expected voltage with a reference voltage, obtains whether the expected voltage is undervoltage or overvoltage, and provides a control signal based on the obtained result; and an OR gate, which provides a main control signal instructing to cut off the PA based on the control signal provided by the at least one obtaining unit.

[0126] The at least one obtaining unit may include: two resistors for dividing a voltage desired to be obtained; and a comparator for comparing a voltage divided by the two resistors with a set reference voltage and providing a control signal.

[0127] The comparator may compare a voltage of a first ratio of a set reference voltage with the divided voltage to enable a control signal, and compare a voltage of a second ratio of the set reference voltage with the divided voltage to disable the control signal. The comparator may include a hysteresis function in which the first ratio and the second ratio are set differently.

[0128] At least one obtaining unit may include: a first obtaining unit, the first obtaining unit obtaining whether the battery voltage is undervoltage based on a first reference voltage and providing a first control signal, the first control signal having a conduction value in response to obtaining the undervoltage and having a cutoff value in response to not obtaining the undervoltage; and a second obtaining unit, the second obtaining unit obtaining whether the driving voltage of the buffer is undervoltage based on a second reference voltage and providing a second control signal, the second control signal having a conduction value in response to obtaining the undervoltage and having a cutoff value in response to not obtaining the undervoltage. The OR gate may provide a main control signal instructing to cut off the PA in response to at least one of the first control signal having a conduction value and the second control signal.

[0129] The first reference voltage and the second reference voltage may be set, wherein the under voltage may be obtained by at least one obtaining unit before the driving voltage of the buffer drops to a set value or less.

[0130] The at least one obtaining unit may further include a third obtaining unit, the third obtaining unit obtaining whether the battery voltage is an overvoltage based on a third reference voltage, and providing a third control signal having a turn-on value in response to obtaining the overvoltage and having a turn-off value in response to not obtaining the overvoltage. The OR gate may provide a main control signal instructing to turn off the PA in response to at least one of the first control signal having a turn-on value, the second control signal, and the third control signal.

[0131] The electronic device may further include a termination circuit having a termination switch and a termination resistor connected in series. The termination circuit may be connected in parallel with the input stage of the PA and change the termination switch to a closed position based on a main control signal instructing to cut off the PA and terminate the RF signal input to the PA.

[0132] The electronic device may further include a low noise amplifier configured to amplify the received signal. The switch may connect the matching circuit and the filter for the sake of signal transmission according to time, and connect the LNA and the filter for the sake of signal reception.

[0133] The electronic device may further include a plurality of PAs. The bias control unit may control the supply of bias current to the plurality of PAs. In response to receiving a main control signal provided by the voltage protection circuit, the bias control unit may stop supplying bias current to the plurality of PAs.

[0134] The electronic device may further include: a plurality of filters configured to filter signals of a plurality of designated frequency bands; a plurality of PAs amplifying transmission signals of mutually different frequency bands; and a plurality of matching circuits corresponding to the plurality of PAs. The switch may be controlled to connect at least one of the plurality of matching circuits and at least one of the plurality of filters. The bias control unit may control the supply of bias current to the plurality of PAs. In response to receiving a main control signal provided by the voltage protection circuit, the bias control unit may stop supplying bias current to the plurality of PAs.

[0135] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: a plurality of antennas; and a first plurality of phase converters that convert the phase of a transmission signal for transmission signal beamforming; and a plurality of PAs that amplify the transmitted signal; and an LNA that amplifies the received signal; and a second plurality of phase converters that convert the phase of the received signal; and a plurality of switches that selectively connect the plurality of PAs or the plurality of LNAs to the plurality of antennas; and a bias control unit that controls the supply of bias current for driving the PAs; and a voltage protection circuit that is configured to provide a main control signal that causes the plurality of PAs to be turned off earlier than the plurality of switches in response to an abnormality occurring in a battery voltage that provides driving power for the electronic device, and forward the main control signal to the bias control unit. In response to receiving the main control signal that instructs the plurality of PAs to be turned off from the voltage protection circuit, the bias control unit may stop supplying the bias current for driving the plurality of PAs.

[0136] The electronic device may further include at least one buffer that buffers signals for controlling the plurality of switches and forwards the signals to the plurality of switches. In response to a driving voltage of the at least one buffer dropping to a set value or less, the switches may be turned off.

[0137] The voltage protection circuit may include: at least one obtaining unit, which compares the expected voltage with a reference voltage, obtains whether the expected voltage is undervoltage or overvoltage, and provides a control signal based on the obtained result; and an OR gate, which provides a main control signal instructing to cut off multiple PAs based on the control signal provided by the at least one obtaining unit.

[0138] At least one obtaining unit may include: two resistors for dividing a voltage to be obtained; and a comparator for comparing a voltage divided by the two resistors with a set reference voltage and providing a control signal.

[0139] The comparator may compare a voltage of a first ratio of a set reference voltage with the divided voltage to enable a control signal, and compare a voltage of a second ratio of the set reference voltage with the divided voltage to disable the control signal. The comparator may include a hysteresis function in which the first ratio and the second ratio are set differently.

[0140] At least one obtaining unit may include: a first obtaining unit, the first obtaining unit determining whether the battery voltage is an undervoltage based on a first reference voltage and providing a first control signal, the first control signal having a conduction value in response to obtaining the undervoltage and having a cutoff value in response to not obtaining the undervoltage; and a second obtaining unit, the second obtaining unit determining whether the driving voltage of the buffer is an undervoltage based on a second reference voltage and providing a second control signal, the second control signal having a conduction value in response to obtaining the undervoltage and having a cutoff value in response to not obtaining the undervoltage. The OR gate may provide a main control signal instructing to cut off the PA in response to at least one of the first control signal having a conduction value and the second control signal.

[0141] The electronic device may further include a plurality of termination circuits each having a termination switch and a termination resistor connected in series. Each of the plurality of termination circuits may be connected in parallel with the input stage of the plurality of PAs, and based on a main control signal instructing to cut off the plurality of PAs, the termination switch of each of the plurality of termination circuits is changed to a closed position, and the plurality of RF signals input to the plurality of PAs are terminated.

[0142] As used herein, the term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or the smallest unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0143] The various embodiments set forth herein may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium that can be read by a machine. For example, under the control of a processor, the processor of the machine may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in a storage medium and run the instruction with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal, but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and data being temporarily stored in a storage medium.

[0144] The methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be released in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be downloaded via an application store (e.g., PlayStore). TM ) The computer program product may be published (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online, or the computer program product may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). If published online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0145] Each component (e.g., module or program) in the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities. One or more components in the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each component in the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding component in the multiple components before integration. The operations performed by a module, program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or one or more operations in the operations may be run or omitted in different orders, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0146] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject matter as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: A power amplifier PA, wherein the PA is configured to amplify a transmission signal; a switch configured to set a path of a signal output from the PA; a battery configured to supply a battery voltage for driving the PA and the switch, wherein the switch is turned off in response to the battery voltage deviating from a voltage range capable of driving the switch due to a drop in the battery voltage; a bias control circuit configured to control supply of a bias current for driving the PA; and A voltage protection circuit, wherein the voltage protection circuit is configured to: monitors the battery voltage, and generating a control signal for turning off the PA in the event that the battery voltage drops below a reference voltage, and forwarding the control signal to the bias control circuit, wherein the reference voltage is set so that the control signal is forwarded before the switch is turned off due to the battery voltage deviating from the voltage range capable of driving the switch, The bias control circuit is configured to stop supplying the bias current driving the PA in response to receiving the control signal instructing to cut off the PA from the voltage protection circuit.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a matching circuit, the matching circuit being located between the PA and the switch, connected to an output stage of the PA, and configured to form a load impedance; as well as A filter is connected to the output of the switch and is configured to filter a signal of a selected frequency band on a path of the transmission signal.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer configured to buffer a signal for controlling the switch and forward the signal to the switch, in, The switch is turned off in response to a driving voltage of the buffer being reduced to be less than or equal to a specified value.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The voltage protection circuit comprises: At least one obtaining unit, wherein the at least one obtaining unit is configured to: comparing the battery voltage with the reference voltage, determining whether the battery voltage is undervoltage based on the comparison result, and generating a designated control signal in a case where the battery voltage is determined to be the undervoltage; and An OR gate is configured to generate the control signal instructing to turn off the PA based on the designated control signal generated by the at least one obtaining unit.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one obtaining unit comprises: two resistors configured to divide the battery voltage into divided voltages; and A comparator is configured to compare the divided voltage with the reference voltage and, when a result of the comparison indicates that an undervoltage has been detected, generate the designated control signal for preventing the bias current.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein: The comparator is further configured to: comparing the reference voltage with the divided voltage, and enabling the designated control signal when the divided voltage drops below the reference voltage, and comparing a fourth reference voltage with the divided voltage, and disabling the designated control signal when the divided voltage increases to be greater than the fourth reference voltage, and The comparator includes a hysteresis function in which the reference voltage is set to be lower than the fourth reference voltage.

7. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one obtaining unit comprises: a first obtaining unit configured to determine whether the battery voltage is an undervoltage based on the reference voltage and generate a first control signal having an on value in response to obtaining the undervoltage and having an off value in response to not obtaining the undervoltage; and a second obtaining unit configured to determine whether the driving voltage of the buffer is an undervoltage based on a second reference voltage and generate a second control signal, the second control signal having an on value in response to obtaining the undervoltage and having an off value in response to not obtaining the undervoltage, and The OR gate is configured to generate the control signal instructing to turn off the PA in response to at least one of the first control signal and the second control signal having the conduction value.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: The reference voltage and the second reference voltage are set such that the under voltage is obtained by the at least one obtaining unit before the driving voltage of the buffer is reduced to be less than or equal to the specified value.

9. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one obtaining unit further includes a third obtaining unit configured to determine whether the battery voltage is an overvoltage based on a third reference voltage and generate a third control signal having an on value in response to obtaining the overvoltage and having an off value in response to not obtaining the overvoltage, and The OR gate is configured to generate the control signal instructing to turn off the PA in response to at least one of the first control signal, the second control signal and the third control signal having the conduction value.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A termination circuit having a termination switch and a termination resistor connected in series, The termination circuit is connected to the input stage of the PA, and changes the termination switch to a closed position based on the control signal indicating that the PA is to be cut off, thereby terminating the RF signal input to the PA.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a low noise amplifier LNA configured to amplify a received signal, The switch connects the matching circuit and the filter between the PA and the switch for signal transmission, or connects the LNA and the filter for signal reception.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of PAs, and in, The bias control circuit is further configured to: controlling supply of bias current to the plurality of PAs; and In response to receiving the control signal generated by the voltage protection circuit, supplying the bias current to the plurality of PAs is stopped.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of filters configured to filter signals of a plurality of designated frequency bands; a plurality of PAs configured to amplify transmission signals of mutually different frequency bands; as well as a plurality of matching circuits, the plurality of matching circuits corresponding to the plurality of PAs, wherein the switch is controlled to connect at least one of the plurality of matching circuits and at least one of the plurality of filters, Wherein, the bias control circuit is configured as follows: controlling supply of bias current to the plurality of PAs; and In response to receiving the control signal generated by the voltage protection circuit, supplying the bias current to the plurality of PAs is stopped.

14. An electronic device, comprising: Multiple antennas; a first plurality of phase shifters configured to phase shift a transmit signal for beamforming; a plurality of power amplifiers PA, wherein the plurality of PAs are configured to amplify the transmission signal; a plurality of low noise amplifiers LNA, wherein the plurality of LNAs are configured to amplify a received signal; a second plurality of phase shifters configured to phase shift the received signal; a plurality of switches configured to selectively connect the plurality of PAs or the plurality of LNAs with the plurality of antennas; a battery configured to supply a battery voltage for driving the plurality of PAs and the plurality of switches, wherein the plurality of switches are turned off in response to the battery voltage deviating from a voltage range capable of driving the plurality of switches due to a decrease in the battery voltage; a bias control circuit configured to control supply of a bias current for driving the PA; and A voltage protection circuit, wherein the voltage protection circuit is configured to: monitors the battery voltage, and generating a control signal for turning off the plurality of PAs when the battery voltage drops below a reference voltage, and forwarding the control signal to the bias control circuit, wherein the reference voltage is set so that the control signal is forwarded before the plurality of switches are turned off due to the battery voltage deviating from the voltage range capable of driving the plurality of switches, The bias control circuit is configured to stop supplying the bias current driving the multiple PAs in response to receiving the control signal instructing to cut off the multiple PAs from the voltage protection circuit.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, further comprising: at least one buffer configured to buffer signals for controlling the plurality of switches and forward the signals to the plurality of switches, The plurality of switches are turned off in response to a driving voltage of the at least one buffer decreasing to be less than or equal to a specified value.

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