Power amplifier adjusting circuit and method, radio frequency front-end module and communication equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of radio frequency power amplifiers, in particular to a power amplifier adjusting circuit and method, a radio frequency front-end module and communication equipment, and the power amplifier adjusting circuit comprises a control module, a power amplifier module, a detector, a current detection module, a voltage detection module, a first digital adjusting module and a first charge pump, the detector is used for detecting a power signal; the current detection module and the voltage detection module are used for detecting a current signal and a voltage signal respectively; and the control module obtains the current efficiency of the power amplifier module according to the power signal, the current signal and the voltage signal, and adjusts the first digital adjustment module according to the current efficiency until the adjusted efficiency of the power amplifier module is not greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module. According to the invention, the energy loss is greatly reduced, the long-time operation of the radio frequency power device is ensured, the service life of the battery is prolonged to the greatest extent, and the maintenance and replacement cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of radio frequency power amplifiers, and in particular to a power amplifier regulation circuit and method, a radio frequency front-end module and communication equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous advancement of science and technology, 5G technology has achieved rapid development. This innovation not only greatly improves data transmission speed and network capacity, but also brings unprecedented opportunities to all walks of life and promotes the advent of the era of intelligent interconnection.

[0003] As a key technical component of 5G systems, RF power devices play a vital role in applications such as backpack devices and shipboard applications. In these application scenarios, since they mainly rely on battery power, the efficiency requirements are particularly strict. In order to ensure long-term stable operation and maximize battery life, the RF power amplifier should achieve optimal efficiency. Therefore, how to achieve optimal efficiency of the RF power amplifier has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a power amplifier adjustment circuit and method, a RF front-end module and communication equipment, which can effectively solve the problems in the prior art such as the inability of the RF power amplifier to achieve optimal efficiency and the inability to ensure long-term stable operation of the RF power device.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a power amplifier regulation circuit, including: a control module, a power amplifier module, a detector, a current detection module, a voltage detection module, a first digital regulation module and a first charge pump;

[0006] The input end of the detector is connected to the output end of the power amplifier module, the output end of the detector is electrically connected to the control module, and the detector is used to detect the radio frequency power output by the power amplifier module;

[0007] The current detection module is electrically connected to the power amplifier module and the control module respectively, and the voltage detection module is electrically connected to the power amplifier module and the control module respectively;

[0008] The control module is electrically connected to the control terminal of the first digital adjustment module, the first digital adjustment module is electrically connected to the first charge pump, and the first charge pump is electrically connected to the drain of the power amplifier module;

[0009] The control module is used to obtain the current efficiency of the power amplifier module according to the power signal of the detector, the current signal of the current detection module and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module, and adjust the first digital adjustment module according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the power amplifier module after adjustment is no greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module.

[0010] In some embodiments, the power amplifier regulation circuit further includes a second digital regulation module and a second charge pump, the control module is electrically connected to the control end of the second digital regulation module, the second digital regulation module is electrically connected to the second charge pump, and the second charge pump is connected to the gate of the power amplifier module;

[0011] The control module is further used to adjust the second digital adjustment module according to the current signal of the current detection module, so that the error between the adjusted current signal of the power amplifier module and the standard static current of the power amplifier module is within a preset range.

[0012] In some embodiments, a drain voltage control module is also included, wherein the input end of the drain voltage control module is electrically connected to the first charge pump, the output end of the drain voltage control module is connected to the drain of the power amplifier module, and the control end of the drain voltage control module is electrically connected to the second charge pump.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first digital adjustment module is a first digitally adjustable resistor, and the second digital adjustment module is a second digitally adjustable resistor.

[0014] In some embodiments, the power amplifier regulation circuit further includes: a current limiting resistor, one end of the current limiting resistor is electrically connected to the second charge pump, and the other end of the current limiting resistor is connected to one end of the second digital adjustable resistor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the power amplifier regulation circuit also includes: a radio frequency switch, a first input end of the radio frequency switch is electrically connected to the second charge pump, a second input end of the radio frequency switch is used to input a preset power supply signal, an output end of the radio frequency switch is connected to the gate of the power amplifier module, and a control end of the radio frequency switch is used to input an antenna mode switching signal.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a power amplifier adjustment method, which is applied to the power amplifier adjustment circuit as described in the first aspect above, and the power amplifier adjustment method includes:

[0017] Acquire the current efficiency of the power amplifier module according to the power signal of the detector, the current signal of the current detection module and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module;

[0018] The first digital adjustment module is adjusted according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the power amplifier module after adjustment is not greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module.

[0019] In some embodiments, before obtaining the current efficiency of the power amplifier module according to the power signal of the detector, the current signal of the current detection module, and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module, the adjustment method further includes:

[0020] Acquiring a current signal from the current detection module;

[0021] Determine whether the error between the current signal of the current detection module and the standard static current of the power amplifier module is within a preset range;

[0022] If the error between the current signal of the current detection module and the standard static current of the power amplifier module is not within a preset range, the second digital adjustment module is adjusted until the error between the current signal of the power amplifier module and the standard static current of the power amplifier module after adjustment is within a preset range.

[0023] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency front-end module, wherein the radio frequency front-end module includes at least one power amplifier adjustment circuit as described in the first aspect above.

[0024] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a controller and the RF front-end module described in the third aspect above, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the RF front-end module, and the controller is used to control the RF front-end module to receive or send RF signals.

[0025] The embodiments of the present application have the following beneficial effects:

[0026] The power amplifier regulation circuit of the present application includes: a control module, a power amplifier module, a detector, a current detection module, a voltage detection module, a first digital regulation module and a first charge pump, wherein the input end of the detector is connected to the output end of the power amplifier module, the output end of the detector is electrically connected to the control module, and the detector is used to detect the radio frequency power output by the power amplifier module; the current detection module is electrically connected to the power amplifier module and the control module respectively, and the voltage detection module is electrically connected to the power amplifier module and the control module respectively; the control module is electrically connected to the control end of the first digital regulation module, the first digital regulation module is electrically connected to the first charge pump, and the first charge pump is electrically connected to the drain of the power amplifier module; the control module is used to obtain the current efficiency of the power amplifier module according to the power signal of the detector, the current signal of the current detection module and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module, and adjust the first digital regulation module according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the power amplifier module after adjustment is not greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module. The control module of the present application adjusts the first digital adjustment module according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the power amplifier module after adjustment is no greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module, and the efficiency after adjustment has reached the optimal efficiency, thereby greatly reducing energy loss, ensuring the long-term operation of the RF power device, and maximizing the life of the battery, reducing the cost of maintenance and replacement, and improving the reliability of the system. In addition, the present application utilizes the first digital adjustment module for adjustment, avoiding the use of chips such as digital-to-analog converters, thereby ensuring communication security while reducing the cost of the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 A first structural schematic diagram of a power amplifier regulating circuit according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A second structural schematic diagram of the power amplifier adjustment circuit according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 A third structural schematic diagram of the power amplifier adjustment circuit according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 A circuit diagram of a current limiting resistor and a second digitally adjustable resistor according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 A first flow chart of the power amplifier adjustment method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A second flow chart of the power amplifier adjustment method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0034] Description of main component symbols:

[0035] 10: control module; 11: power amplifier module; 12: detector; 13: current detection module; 14: voltage detection module; 15: first digital regulation module; 16: first charge pump; 17: second digital regulation module; 18: second charge pump; 19: drain voltage control module; 20: RF switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0037] The components of the embodiments of the present application generally described and shown in the drawings herein may be arranged and designed in various configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the application claimed for protection, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative work belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0038] Hereinafter, the terms "including", "having" and their cognates that can be used in various embodiments of the present application are intended only to indicate specific features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or a combination of the foregoing items, and should not be understood as first excluding the existence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or a combination of the foregoing items or increasing the possibility of one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or a combination of the foregoing items. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" and the like are only used to distinguish descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the various embodiments of the present application belong. The terms (such as those defined in generally used dictionaries) will be interpreted as having the same meanings as the contextual meanings in the relevant technical field and will not be interpreted as having idealized meanings or overly formal meanings unless clearly defined in the various embodiments of the present application.

[0040] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0041] Taking into account the problems in existing solutions such as the inability of the RF power amplifier to achieve optimal efficiency and the inability to ensure long-term stable operation of the RF power device, the present application proposes a power amplifier adjustment circuit and method, an RF front-end module and communication equipment. The control module of the present application adjusts the first digital adjustment module according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the adjusted power amplifier module is no greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module, and the adjusted efficiency has reached the optimal efficiency, which greatly reduces energy loss, ensures long-term operation of the RF power device, and maximizes the battery life, reduces maintenance and replacement costs, and improves system reliability. The present application uses the first digital adjustment module for adjustment, avoids the use of chips such as digital-to-analog converters, and reduces system costs while ensuring communication security.

[0042] The power amplifier adjustment circuit is described below in conjunction with some specific embodiments.

[0043] In one embodiment, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the power amplifier regulation circuit of the embodiment of the present application is shown. Exemplarily, the power amplifier regulation circuit includes: a control module 10, a power amplifier module 11, a detector 12, a current detection module 13, a voltage detection module 14, a first digital regulation module 15 and a first charge pump 16.

[0044] Exemplarily, the power amplifier module 11 is a power amplifier, the current detection module 13 is a current sensor, the voltage detection module 14 is a voltage sensor, and the first digital adjustment module 15 can be a digital adjustment resistor. It is understandable that the current control module 10 can be any control module 10, the control module 10 can be a DSP, the control module 10 can also be an MCU, the control module 10 can also be an FPGA, etc.

[0045] The input end of the detector 12 is connected to the output end of the power amplifier module 11, and the output end of the detector 12 is electrically connected to the control module 10. The detector 12 is used to detect the RF power output by the power amplifier module 11. It can be understood that the detector 12 can be a detector 12 that converts the power signal output by the power amplifier module 11 into an analog signal and outputs it to the control module 10. The detector 12 can also directly convert the power signal into a digital signal and output it to the control module 10. Demonstratively, the detector 12 converts the power signal into a digital signal and outputs it to the control module 10.

[0046] The current detection module 13 is electrically connected to the power amplifier module 11 and the control module 10 respectively, and the voltage detection module 14 is electrically connected to the power amplifier module 11 and the control module 10 respectively. Specifically, the current detection module 13 is used to detect the current signal of the power amplifier module 11, and the voltage detection module 14 is used to detect the voltage signal of the power amplifier module 11. The current detection module 13 and the voltage detection module 14 can transmit the signal to the control module 10 through the analog-to-digital conversion module. The current detection module 13 and the voltage detection module 14 can also transmit the signal directly to the control module 10 through the communication bus. Exemplarily, the current detection module 13 and the voltage detection module 14 transmit the signal directly to the control module 10 through the communication bus.

[0047] The control module 10 is electrically connected to the control end of the first digital adjustment module 15, the first digital adjustment module 15 is electrically connected to the first charge pump 16, the first charge pump 16 is electrically connected to the drain of the power amplifier module 11, and the control module 10 is used to obtain the current efficiency of the power amplifier module 11 according to the power signal of the detector 12, the current signal of the current detection module 13 and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module 14, and adjust the first digital adjustment module 15 according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the adjusted power amplifier module 11 is not greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module 11.

[0048] Specifically, the product of the current signal of the current detection module 13 and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module 14 is the power supply power of the power amplifier module 11, the power signal of the detector 12 is the RF power of the power amplifier module 11, and the ratio of the RF power to the power supply power is the efficiency of the power amplifier module 11.

[0049] The working process of the power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment is as follows: the control module 10 adjusts the first digital regulation module 15 so that the first charge pump 16 outputs the standard voltage of the power amplifier module 11 to the drain of the power amplifier module 11. For example, the standard voltage is 50V. The power amplifier module 11 operates according to the standard voltage. The current detection module 13, the voltage detection module 14 and the detector 12 detect the signals to be detected and transmit them to the control module 10. The control module 10 uses the efficiency generated according to the standard voltage as the initial efficiency and adjusts the voltage input to the power amplifier module 11 by adjusting the first digital adjustable module. The power amplifier module 11 operates according to the reduced voltage. The current detection module 13, the voltage detection module 14 and the detector 12 detect the signals to be detected and transmit them to the control module 10. Module 10, the control module 10 will use the efficiency generated after adjustment as the adjusted efficiency, and compare the initial efficiency with the adjusted efficiency. If the adjusted efficiency is greater than the initial efficiency, the voltage input to the power amplifier module 11 will be reduced again by adjusting the first digital adjustable module, and the power amplifier module 11 will operate according to the voltage after the voltage is reduced again. The current detection module 13, the voltage detection module 14 and the detector 12 will detect the signals that need to be detected again. The control module 10 will use the efficiency generated after the re-adjustment as the re-adjusted efficiency, and compare the re-adjusted efficiency with the adjusted efficiency. If the re-adjusted efficiency is greater than the adjusted efficiency, continue to reduce the voltage input to the drain of the power amplifier module 11 until the final adjusted efficiency is not greater than the efficiency of the power amplifier module 11 adjusted the last time.

[0050] Furthermore, the first charge pump 16 may be configured as a digitally regulated voltage source, and the control module 10 directly controls the voltage input to the drain of the power amplifier module 11 through the digitally regulated voltage source without controlling the first digital regulation module 15 .

[0051] The power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment is provided with a current detection module 13 and a voltage detection module 14 to obtain the current and voltage of the power amplifier module 11, and a detector 12 is provided to obtain the radio frequency power of the power amplifier module 11, so that the control module 10 obtains the efficiency of the power amplifier module 11, and the control module 10 is arranged to compare the efficiency after this adjustment with the efficiency before this adjustment, and confirm the highest efficiency by judging whether the efficiency after adjustment is not greater than the efficiency before adjustment, so that the highest efficiency point of the system can be accurately found, and the overall performance and reliability can be improved. At the same time, the first digital regulation module 15 is used for adjustment, and the control is simple, and there is no need to set a digital-to-analog conversion module and a protection circuit and an operational amplifier circuit of the digital-to-analog conversion module, thereby reducing the debugging cost, improving the debugging efficiency, and reducing the maintenance cost.

[0052] As an optional solution, Figure 2 Shown is another structural schematic diagram of a power amplifier regulation circuit.

[0053] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, on the basis of the above embodiment, the power amplifier regulation circuit further includes a second digital regulation module 17 and a second charge pump 18, the control module 10 is electrically connected to the control end of the second digital regulation module 17, the second digital regulation module 17 is electrically connected to the second charge pump 18, and the second charge pump 18 is connected to the gate of the power amplifier module 11. It can be understood that the second digital regulation module 17 is a digital regulation resistor. The second charge pump 18 is a negative charge pump for outputting a negative voltage. Exemplarily, the model of the second charge pump 18 is GBQ6205. Further, the second charge pump 18 can be set as a digital regulation voltage source, and the control module 10 directly controls the voltage input to the gate of the power amplifier module 11 through the digital regulation voltage source, and does not need to be controlled by controlling the second digital regulation module 17.

[0054] The control module 10 is further configured to adjust the second digital adjustment module 17 according to the current signal of the current detection module 13 so that the error between the adjusted current signal of the power amplifier module 11 and the standard static current of the power amplifier module 11 is within a preset range.

[0055] The standard quiescent current and preset range of the power amplifier module 11 can be set according to the actual application. For example, the model of the power amplifier module 11 is NV2701, and the standard quiescent current is 80 mA. By way of example, the preset range can be set between +3 mA and -2 mA, and the quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11 is between 83 and 78 mA to meet the requirements of the power amplifier module 11.

[0056] The working process of the power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment is as follows: the control module 10 obtains the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 through the current detection module 13, and determines whether the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is greater than the maximum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11. If the judgment result is that the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is greater than the maximum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11, the resistance value of the second digital regulation module 17 is increased, and the voltage input to the gate of the power amplifier module 11 is reduced; if the judgment result is that the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is not greater than the maximum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11, it is determined whether the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is less than the minimum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11. If the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is less than the minimum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11, the resistance value of the second digital regulation module 17 is increased, and the voltage input to the gate of the power amplifier module 11 is increased until the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is within the preset range of the standard quiescent current.

[0057] The power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment is provided with a second digital regulation module 17 and a second charge pump 18, so that the control module 10 regulates the second digital regulation module 17 according to the signal of the current sensor, so that the error between the output quiescent current of the power amplifier and the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11 is within a preset range, thereby achieving precise control of the quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11, ensuring that the indicators of the power amplifier module 11 meet relevant requirements, and improving the stability and reliability of the system.

[0058] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, based on the above embodiment, it also includes a drain voltage control module 19, the input end of the drain voltage control module 19 is electrically connected to the first charge pump 16, the output end of the drain voltage control module 19 is connected to the drain of the power amplifier module 11, and the control end of the drain voltage control module 19 is electrically connected to the second charge pump 18.

[0059] Specifically, any control element can be set in the drain voltage control module 19. The drain voltage control module 19 can be set with a switch tube, and the second charge pump 18 controls the input of the drain voltage of the power amplifier module 11 by controlling the switch tube; the drain voltage control module 19 can be set with a relay, and the second charge pump 18 controls the input of the drain voltage of the power amplifier module 11 by controlling the relay; the drain voltage control module 19 can be set with an optocoupler, and the second charge pump 18 controls the input of the drain voltage of the power amplifier module 11 by controlling the optocoupler.

[0060] The working process of the power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment is as follows: the control module 10 adjusts the first digital regulation module 15 so that the first charge pump 16 outputs the standard voltage of the power amplifier module 11 to the input end of the drain voltage control module 19, and controls the voltage input to the gate of the power amplifier module 11 by adjusting the second digital regulation module 17. After the gate is powered on, the second charge pump 18 controls the drain voltage control module 19 to be turned on, the first charge pump 16 supplies power to the power amplifier, the current detection module 13 detects the current, and the control module 10 adjusts the second digital regulation module 17 according to the signal of the current detection module 13, so that the error between the current of the power amplifier module 11 and the standard static current of the power amplifier module 11 is within a preset range.

[0061] The power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment, by setting up a drain voltage control module 19, enables the second charge pump 18 to not only control the voltage input to the power amplifier gate, but also control the input of the drain voltage input to the power amplifier module 11 through the drain voltage control module 19, which can avoid the power amplifier module 11 from operating in a saturation mode, thereby ensuring the quality of data transmission, simplifying the circuit and reducing the cost of the system.

[0062] In one embodiment, Figure 3Another structural schematic diagram of the power amplifier regulation circuit of the embodiment of the present application is shown. On the basis of the above embodiment, the power amplifier regulation circuit also includes: a radio frequency switch 20, a first input end of the radio frequency switch 20 is electrically connected to the second charge pump 18, a second input end of the radio frequency switch 20 is used to input a preset power supply signal, an output end of the radio frequency switch 20 is connected to the gate of the power amplifier module 11, and a control end of the radio frequency switch 20 is used to input an antenna mode switching signal.

[0063] Specifically, the RF switch 20 is a single-pole double-throw switch. The preset power signal can be set according to the actual application. It is understandable that the preset power signal should be a signal that the power amplifier module 11 cannot be turned on. Exemplarily, the preset power signal is -7V.

[0064] The working process of the power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment is: when the antenna is in the sending time, the output end of the RF switch 20 is connected to the first input end, the second charge pump 18 controls the power amplifier module 11 through the RF switch 20, and the power amplifier module 11 works normally; when the antenna is in the receiving time, the output end of the RF switch 20 is connected to the second input end, the preset power signal flows to the power amplifier module 11, the gate of the power amplifier module 11 is completely closed, the static current of the power amplifier module 11 is zero, and the power amplifier module 11 does not consume power.

[0065] The power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment is provided with a radio frequency switch 20 to form a time division duplex technology system, allowing the uplink and the downlink to share the same frequency resources, and to better adapt to the asymmetric data demand by dynamically adjusting the uplink and downlink time slot ratio, thereby improving the overall performance of the system; using the same frequency for transmission and reception, thereby simplifying the design of the antenna system and reducing the demand for components such as filters, which helps to reduce costs and simplify the device structure; when the antenna is in the receiving time, the output end of the radio frequency switch 20 is connected to the second input end, the preset power signal flows to the power amplifier module 11, the gate of the power amplifier module 11 is completely closed, the quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11 is zero, and the power amplifier module 11 does not consume power; and when the antenna is in the receiving time, the gate of the power amplifier module 11 is completely closed, the quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11 is zero, and the power amplifier module 11 does not consume power, thereby further improving the efficiency of the system.

[0066] In one embodiment, based on the above embodiment, the first digital adjustment module 15 is a first digital adjustable resistor, and the second digital adjustment module 17 is a second digital adjustable resistor. The resolution and nominal resistance value of the first digital adjustable resistor and the second digital adjustable resistor can be set according to actual application conditions.

[0067] The power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment sets the digital regulation module as a digital adjustable resistor. The digital adjustable resistor can achieve high-precision control, improve the accuracy of the system, and the digital potentiometer has no mechanical wear parts, which reduces the failure rate caused by wear, thereby reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

[0068] In one embodiment, Figure 4 The circuit diagram of the current limiting resistor and the second digital adjustable resistor of the embodiment of the present application is shown. Based on the above embodiment, the power amplifier regulation circuit further includes: a current limiting resistor R1, one end of the current limiting resistor R1 is electrically connected to the second charge pump 18, and the other end of the current limiting resistor R1 is connected to one end of the second digital adjustable resistor RP1.

[0069] It is understandable that a voltage dividing resistor R2 should be set, one end of the voltage dividing resistor R2 is connected to one end of the current limiting resistor R2, and the other end of the voltage dividing resistor R2 is grounded. The voltage dividing resistor R2 is used to form a voltage dividing circuit. The parameters of the current limiting resistor R1 can be set according to the actual application situation. Exemplarily, the current limiting resistor is 16KΩ.

[0070] The power amplifier regulation circuit of this embodiment sets a current limiting resistor R1 in series with the second digital adjustable resistor RP1 to avoid excessively high gate voltage of the power amplifier module 11 when the second digital adjustable resistor RP1 is damaged or cannot be adjusted, thereby further increasing the reliability of the system.

[0071] The present application also provides a power amplifier adjustment method. Figure 5 A flow chart of a power regulation method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The regulation method is applied to the power amplifier regulation circuit mentioned in any of the above embodiments. The self-test method is executed by the control module 10 of the power amplifier regulation circuit. The self-test method includes:

[0072] Step S101 : obtaining the current efficiency of the power amplifier module 11 according to the power signal of the detector 12 , the current signal of the current detection module 13 , and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module 14 .

[0073] Specifically, the power supply power of the power amplifier module 11 is obtained using the current signal of the current detection module 13 and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module 14. The power signal of the detector 12 is the RF power of the power amplifier module 11. The ratio of the RF power to the power supply power is the efficiency of the power amplifier module 11.

[0074] Step S102 : adjusting the first digital adjustment module 15 according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the power amplifier module 11 after adjustment is not greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module 11 .

[0075] By adjusting the first digital adjustment module 15, the first charge pump 16 outputs the standard voltage of the power amplifier module 11 to the drain of the power amplifier module 11. For example, the standard voltage is 50V. The power amplifier module 11 operates according to the standard voltage. The current detection module 13, the voltage detection module 14 and the detector 12 detect the signals to be detected and transmit them to the control module 10. The control module 10 uses the efficiency generated according to the standard voltage as the initial efficiency, and adjusts the voltage input to the power amplifier module 11 by adjusting the first digital adjustable module. The power amplifier module 11 operates according to the reduced voltage. The current detection module 13, the voltage detection module 14 and the detector 12 detect the signals to be detected and transmit them to the control module 10. The control module 10 uses the efficiency generated according to the standard voltage as the initial efficiency. The efficiency generated after adjustment is used as the adjusted efficiency, and the initial efficiency is compared with the adjusted efficiency. If the adjusted efficiency is greater than the initial efficiency, the voltage input to the power amplifier module 11 is further reduced by adjusting the first digital adjustable module, and the power amplifier module 11 operates according to the voltage that has been reduced again. The current detection module 13, the voltage detection module 14 and the detector 12 detect the signals that need to be detected again. The control module 10 uses the efficiency generated after the re-adjustment as the re-adjusted efficiency, and compares the re-adjusted efficiency with the adjusted efficiency. If the re-adjusted efficiency is greater than the adjusted efficiency, continue to reduce the voltage input to the drain of the power amplifier module 11 until the final adjusted efficiency is not greater than the efficiency of the power amplifier module 11 adjusted the last time.

[0076] In this embodiment, the current detection module 13 and the voltage detection module 14 are used to obtain the current and voltage of the power amplifier module 11, and the detector 12 is used to obtain the RF power of the power amplifier module 11, so that the control module 10 obtains the efficiency of the power amplifier module 11, and the control module 10 is set to compare the efficiency after this adjustment with the efficiency before this adjustment. The highest efficiency is confirmed by judging whether the efficiency after adjustment is not greater than the efficiency before adjustment, which can accurately find the highest efficiency point of the system and improve the overall performance and reliability.

[0077] In one embodiment, Figure 6 Another flow chart of an embodiment of the present application is shown. Based on the above embodiment, before step S101, the power amplifier adjustment method further includes:

[0078] Step S201 : obtaining a current signal from the current detection module 13 .

[0079] The signal of the current detection module 13 may be obtained through the analog-to-digital conversion module, or may be obtained through the communication bus.

[0080] Step S202 : determining whether the error between the current signal of the current detection module 13 and the standard static current of the power amplifier module 11 is within a preset range.

[0081] The standard quiescent current and the preset range of the power amplifier module 11 can be set according to actual application conditions.

[0082] Step S203: If the error between the current signal of the current detection module 13 and the standard static current of the power amplifier module 11 is not within the preset range, the second digital adjustment module 17 is adjusted until the error between the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 and the standard static current of the power amplifier module 11 after adjustment is within the preset range.

[0083] Specifically, determine whether the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is greater than the maximum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11. If the judgment result is that the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is greater than the maximum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11, increase the resistance value of the second digital adjustment module 17 and reduce the voltage input to the gate of the power amplifier module 11. If the judgment result is that the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is not greater than the maximum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11, determine whether the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is less than the minimum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11. If the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is less than the minimum value of the standard quiescent current of the power amplifier module 11, increase the resistance value of the second digital adjustment module 17 and increase the voltage input to the gate of the power amplifier module 11 until the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is within the preset range of the standard quiescent current.

[0084] In this embodiment, before obtaining the efficiency, the current detection module 13 is first used to detect the current signal, and the second digital adjustment module 17 is adjusted according to the current detection signal, so that the current signal of the power amplifier module 11 is within the preset range of the standard static current, and the power amplifier module 11 is kept running near its optimal operating point, so as to protect the power amplifier module 11, extend the service life of the power amplifier module 11, and improve the performance of the system.

[0085] An embodiment of the present application further provides a radio frequency front-end module. Exemplarily, the radio frequency front-end module includes the power amplifier adjustment circuit mentioned in any of the above embodiments.

[0086] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which includes a controller and the above-mentioned RF front-end module, the controller and the RF front-end module are electrically connected, and the controller is used to control the RF front-end module to receive or transmit RF signals. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a 5G base station, and the communication device can also be a communication radar, etc.

[0087] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can also be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the flowcharts and structure diagrams in the accompanying drawings show the possible architecture, functions and operations of the devices, methods and computer program products according to multiple embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, a program segment or a part of a code, and the module, a program segment or a part of a code contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in an alternative implementation, the functions marked in the box can also occur in a different order from the order marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive boxes can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the structure diagram and / or the flow diagram, and the combination of boxes in the structure diagram and / or the flow diagram, can be implemented with a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action, or can be implemented with a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0088] In addition, the functional modules or units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated together to form an independent part, or each module may exist separately, or two or more modules may be integrated to form an independent part.

[0089] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a smart phone, a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application.

[0090] The above description is only a specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A power amplifier adjustment circuit, characterized in that: include: control module, power amplifier module, detector, current detection module, voltage detection module, first digital adjustment module and first charge pump, The input end of the detector is connected to the output end of the power amplifier module, the output end of the detector is electrically connected to the control module, and the detector is used to detect the radio frequency power output by the power amplifier module; The current detection module is electrically connected to the power amplifier module and the control module respectively, and the voltage detection module is electrically connected to the power amplifier module and the control module respectively; The control module is electrically connected to the control terminal of the first digital adjustment module, the first digital adjustment module is electrically connected to the first charge pump, and the first charge pump is electrically connected to the drain of the power amplifier module; The control module is used to obtain the current efficiency of the power amplifier module according to the power signal of the detector, the current signal of the current detection module and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module, and adjust the first digital adjustment module according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the power amplifier module after adjustment is no greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module.

2. The power amplifier adjustment circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power amplifier regulation circuit further includes a second digital regulation module and a second charge pump, the control module is electrically connected to the control end of the second digital regulation module, the second digital regulation module is electrically connected to the second charge pump, and the second charge pump is connected to the gate of the power amplifier module; The control module is further used to adjust the second digital adjustment module according to the current signal of the current detection module, so that the error between the adjusted current signal of the power amplifier module and the standard static current of the power amplifier module is within a preset range.

3. The power amplifier adjustment circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a drain voltage control module, the input end of the drain voltage control module is electrically connected to the first charge pump, the output end of the drain voltage control module is connected to the drain of the power amplifier module, and the control end of the drain voltage control module is electrically connected to the second charge pump.

4. The power amplifier adjustment circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first digital adjustment module is a first digitally adjustable resistor, and the second digital adjustment module is a second digitally adjustable resistor.

5. The power amplifier adjustment circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power amplifier regulation circuit further includes: a current limiting resistor, one end of which is electrically connected to the second charge pump, and the other end of which is connected to one end of the second digital adjustable resistor.

6. The power amplifier adjustment circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The power amplifier regulation circuit also includes: a radio frequency switch, a first input end of the radio frequency switch is electrically connected to the second charge pump, a second input end of the radio frequency switch is used to input a preset power supply signal, an output end of the radio frequency switch is connected to the gate of the power amplifier module, and a control end of the radio frequency switch is used to input an antenna mode switching signal.

7. A power amplifier adjustment method, characterized in that: The power amplifier adjustment method is applied to the power amplifier adjustment circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the adjustment method includes: Acquire the current efficiency of the power amplifier module according to the power signal of the detector, the current signal of the current detection module and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module; The first digital adjustment module is adjusted according to the current efficiency until the efficiency of the power amplifier module after adjustment is no greater than the current efficiency of the power amplifier module.

8. The power amplifier adjustment method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Before obtaining the current efficiency of the power amplifier module according to the power signal of the detector, the current signal of the current detection module and the voltage signal of the voltage detection module, the adjustment method further includes: Acquiring a current signal from the current detection module; Determine whether the error between the current signal of the current detection module and the standard static current of the power amplifier module is within a preset range; If the error between the current signal of the current detection module and the standard static current of the power amplifier module is not within a preset range, the second digital adjustment module is adjusted until the error between the current signal of the power amplifier module and the standard static current of the power amplifier module after adjustment is within a preset range.

9. A radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that: include: The power amplifier regulation circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a controller and the RF front-end module as described in claim 9, the controller is electrically connected to the RF front-end module, and the controller is used to control the RF front-end module to receive or send RF signals.

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