Power detection

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic circuit, a transmission device, and an electronic device. The electronic circuit generally includes a transformer and a coupler. The transformer includes a primary coil that receives a first signal from a power amplifier and a secondary coil that is magnetically coupled with the primary coil and outputs a second signal to an antenna. The coupler comprises two coupling paths and is used for acquiring the forward power and the reflection power of the second signal. In the two coupling paths, a first coupling path is magnetically coupled with a first portion of the primary coil and the secondary coil to generate a first voltage indicative of the forward power of the second signal. Further, a second coupling path is magnetically coupled with the primary coil and a second portion of the second coil to generate a second voltage indicative of a reflected power of the second signal. According to the embodiment of the invention, bidirectional coupling can be realized on the premise that the chip area and the insertion loss are not sacrificed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of power detection, and in particular, to an electronic circuit for detecting power, a transmitting device and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In various radio frequency applications such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, RF transceivers, etc., directional couplers are increasingly important. For example, a directional coupler can be integrated at the output stage of a power amplifier (PA) in a transmitting chain. A power detector based on the directional coupler can be configured to sample, measure or detect a transmitting signal.

[0003] It is very important to obtain accurate power detection, for example, the transmitting power after being amplified by a PA. With such accurate power detection, it is possible to properly calibrate or optimize the operation of a wireless transmitter. Directional couplers have been used to obtain accurate power by detecting the power coupled to the directional coupler. In some conventional ways, the coupler can be located between a transformer, for example, a balun transformer and an antenna. In these cases, the coupler is connected in a cascaded manner between the transformer and the antenna. Such a configuration usually has a relatively large footprint and high signal loss. SUMMARY

[0004] Generally, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure propose an electronic circuit, a transmitting device and an electronic device for implementing bidirectional coupling without sacrificing chip area and insertion loss.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an electronic circuit is provided. The electronic circuit includes a transformer and a coupler. The transformer includes a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil is configured to receive a first signal from a power amplifier, and the secondary coil is magnetically coupled with the primary coil and configured to output a second signal to an antenna. The coupler includes a first coupling path and a second coupling path. The first coupling path is magnetically coupled with a first portion of the primary coil and the secondary coil. The first coupling path is configured to generate a first voltage indicative of a forward power of the second signal. The second coupling path is magnetically coupled with a second portion of the primary coil and the secondary coil that is magnetically coupled with the secondary coil. The second coupling path is configured to generate a second voltage indicative of a reflected power of the second signal.

[0006] According to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, the forward power and the reflected power of the second signal can be obtained accordingly. In this way, since the power of the second signal is obtained in both directions, the reliability of power detection can be improved, and ultimately the accuracy of power detection and calibration can be improved accordingly.

[0007] In some example implementations, the first coupling path includes a first coil magnetically coupled to the transformer and configured to generate the first voltage indicative of the forward power of the second signal. The second coupling path includes a second coil magnetically coupled to the transformer and configured to generate the second voltage indicative of the reflected power of the second signal. With these implementations, the transformer and the coils of the coupler can be configured in a more compact manner, thereby occupying less area.

[0008] In some example implementations, the first coupling path further includes a first isolation capacitor coupled between a first end of the first coil and a first terminal of the power amplifier. The first coupling path further includes a first isolation resistor coupled between the first isolation capacitor and a ground terminal. With these implementations, the coupling and isolation factors of the first coupling path can be adjusted in a quick and convenient manner by varying the parameter values of the first isolation capacitor and the first isolation resistor.

[0009] In some example implementations, the second coupling path further includes a second isolation capacitor coupled between a first end of the second coil and a first terminal of the power amplifier. The second coupling path further includes a second isolation resistor coupled between the second isolation capacitor and a ground terminal. With these implementations, the coupling and isolation factors of the second coupling path can be adjusted in a quick and convenient manner by varying the parameter values of the second isolation capacitor and the second isolation resistor.

[0010] In some example implementations, the first coupling path further includes a first coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the first coil and a ground terminal, the second end being opposite the first end. The first coupling path further includes a first coupling capacitor coupled between the first coupling resistor and the antenna. With these implementations, the coupling and isolation factors of the first coupling path can be adjusted in a quick and convenient manner by varying the parameter values of the first isolation capacitor and the first coupling capacitor.

[0011] In some example implementations, the second coupling path further includes a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil and a ground terminal, the second end being opposite the first end. The second coupling path further includes a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and the antenna. With these implementations, the coupling and isolation factors of the second coupling path can be adjusted in a low-cost and reliable manner by varying the parameter values of the second coupling capacitor and the second isolation capacitor.

[0012] In some example implementations, the first coupling path further includes a first coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the first coil and a ground terminal, the second end being opposite the first end. The first coupling path further includes a first coupling capacitor coupled between the first coupling resistor and a negative output terminal of the power amplifier. With these implementations, the coupling and isolation factors of the first coupling path can be adjusted in a quick and easy manner by changing the parameter values of the first coupling resistor and the first coupling capacitor.

[0013] In some example implementations, the second coupling path further includes a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil and a ground terminal, the second end being opposite the first end. The second coupling path further includes a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and the antenna. With these implementations, the coupling and isolation factors of the second coupling path can be adjusted in a quick and easy manner by changing the parameter values of the second coupling resistor and the second coupling capacitor.

[0014] In some example implementations, the second coupling path further includes a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil and a ground terminal, the second end being opposite the first end. The second coupling path further includes a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and a positive output terminal of the power amplifier. With these implementations, the coupling and isolation factors of the second coupling path can be adjusted in a quick and easy manner by changing the parameter values of the second coupling resistor and the second coupling capacitor.

[0015] In some example implementations, the coupler is disposed proximate to the transformer. In some example implementations, the coupler is disposed inside the transformer, outside the transformer, above the transformer, below the transformer, or between the primary coil and the secondary coil. With these implementations, the size of the electronic circuit can be reduced.

[0016] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic device comprising a transformer and a coupler. The transformer is disposed between a power amplifier and an antenna. The transformer includes a primary coil coupled to the power amplifier and a secondary coil coupled to the antenna and magnetically coupled to the primary coil. The coupler includes a first coupling path and a second coupling path. The first coupling path includes a first coil proximate to a first portion of the primary coil and the secondary coil to magnetically couple with the first portion. The second coupling path includes a second coil proximate to a second portion of the primary coil and the secondary coil to magnetically couple with the second portion.

[0017] In some example implementations, the first coupling path further includes a first isolation capacitor coupled between the first end of the first coil and the first terminal of the power amplifier. The first coupling path further includes a first isolation resistor coupled between the first isolation capacitor and a ground terminal.

[0018] In some example implementations, the second coupling path further includes a second isolation capacitor coupled between the first end of the second coil and the first terminal of the power amplifier. The second coupling path further includes a second isolation resistor coupled between the second isolation capacitor and a ground terminal.

[0019] In some example implementations, the first coupling path further includes a first coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the first coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end. The first coupling path further includes a first coupling capacitor coupled between the first coupling resistor and the antenna.

[0020] In some example implementations, the second coupling path further includes a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end. The second coupling path further includes a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and the antenna.

[0021] In some example implementations, the first coupling path further includes a first coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the first coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end. The first coupling path further includes a first coupling capacitor coupled between the first coupling resistor and a negative output terminal of the power amplifier.

[0022] In some example implementations, the second coupling path further includes a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end. The second coupling path further includes a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and the antenna.

[0023] In some example implementations, the second coupling path further includes a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end. The second coupling path further includes a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and a positive output terminal of the power amplifier.

[0024] In some example implementations, the coupler is disposed inside the transformer, outside the transformer, above the transformer, or below the transformer.

[0025] In some example implementations, the coupler is disposed between the primary coil and the secondary coil.

[0026] According to a third aspect, a transmitting device is provided, including an antenna and electronic circuitry according to the first or second aspect coupled to the antenna.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, an electronic device is provided, including a transmitting device according to a third aspect and a power supply configured to supply power to the transmitting device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will become more readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated in the drawings in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 An exemplary electronic device is shown in which electronic circuits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0030] Figure 2 An electronic circuit diagram based on the relevant method is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An exemplary layout of the electronic circuit is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 A circuit diagram of an electronic circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 An exemplary layout of an exemplary electronic circuit is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 An exemplary implementation of an exemplary electronic circuit is shown, wherein the coils of the electronic circuit are illustrated in layout.

[0035] Figure 7 An exemplary implementation of an exemplary electronic circuit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 An exemplary implementation of an exemplary electronic circuit according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments are described only for illustrative purposes and to aid in the understanding of and implementation of the present disclosure, and do not impose any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0039] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0040] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "one example embodiment", etc. means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure, but not necessarily in all embodiments. Furthermore, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0041] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0043] Figure 1An exemplary electronic device 1 in which an electronic circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. As shown, the electronic device 1 generally includes a transceiver 11 and a power supply 12. The power supply 12 supplies power to the transceiver 11 to ensure normal operation of the transceiver 11. The transceiver 11 includes a power amplifier 111, an antenna 113, and an electronic circuit 112 coupled to the power amplifier 111 and the antenna 113. In one embodiment, the electronic circuit 112 can include a transformer such as a Balun and a coupler such as a directional coupler. Signals can be transmitted from the power amplifier 111 to the antenna 113 through the electronic circuit 112. It should be understood that the electronic device 1 shown is exemplary only and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] As described above, the related configuration of the coupler and the transformer generally has a relatively large footprint or size. Figure 2 A diagram of an electronic circuit 20' according to a related directional coupler is shown. As shown, the electronic circuit 20' generally includes a power amplifier 21', a transformer 22', a coupler 23', and an antenna 24'. In one example, the transformer 22' can be implemented as a Balun and coupled with the coupler 23' between the power amplifier 21' and the antenna 24'. Thus, the transformer 22' and the coupler 23' are connected in a cascade manner.

[0045] The transformer 22' includes a primary coil L1' and a secondary coil L2'. The primary coil L1' is coupled to the power amplifier 21' and, in the example, is used to receive signals from the power amplifier 21'. The secondary coil L2' is magnetically coupled with the primary coil L1' to output signals to the coupler 23'. The coupler 23' is coupled between the secondary coil L2' and the antenna 24' and includes a first coil L3' and a second coil L4'. Through the coupler 23', an inductive signal can be formed in the second coil L4' based on signals transmitted through the first coil L3'. Thus, the characteristics of the inductive signal can represent the characteristics of the signals transmitted through the first coil L3', such as the power of the amplified signals. A resistance Z coup The second coil L4' is coupled to detect the signals. Based on the signals, the power transmitted from the power amplifier 21' to the antenna 24' can be determined accordingly.

[0046] Figure 3 A diagram of an electronic circuit 20' according to a related directional coupler is shown. As shown, the electronic circuit 20' generally includes a power amplifier 21', a transformer 22', a coupler 23', and an antenna 24'. In one example, the transformer 22' can be implemented as a Balun and coupled with the coupler 23' between the power amplifier 21' and the antenna 24'. Thus, the transformer 22' and the coupler 23' are connected in a cascade manner. Figure 2An exemplary layout of the electronic circuit is shown. The transformer 32' including the primary coil L1' and the secondary coil L2' is implemented as a coil assembly. The coupler 33' including the first coil L3' and the second coil L4' is implemented as another coil assembly. Thus, the electronic circuit 30' generally includes two coil assemblies. Since the two coil assemblies are connected and implemented in a cascaded manner, each coil assembly occupies an independent area. The total occupied area of the two coil assemblies is substantially the sum of the two independent occupied areas, thus having a relatively large total occupied area or area. Since the two coil assemblies occupy a relatively large area of the chip associated with the electronic circuit 30', the space of the chip has to become larger to accommodate the two coil assemblies. Thus, the relevant chip is difficult to miniaturize, thus limiting the application scenarios. In addition, the first coil L3' disposed between the secondary coil L2' and the antenna 34' will generate insertion loss during signal transmission.

[0047] In addition, accurate power detection and calibration require forward and reflected power detection. The coupler 23' can theoretically detect the forward power at Z coup and the reflected power at Z isol . However, connecting the power detector at Z isol will actually interfere with the coupling and isolation factors, and cause reliability problems. In order to make the power detection reliable, a fixed load is usually terminated at Z isol . An additional coupler between 23' and 24' will require reliable forward and reflected power detection. However, this will require additional chip occupation space and increase the loss.

[0048] To at least solve the above problems in the current electronic circuits 20', 30', embodiments of the present disclosure propose a new architecture. The electronic circuit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, such as a balun, does not dispose a coil between the transformer and the antenna. Instead, the electronic circuit implements a direct connection between the transformer and the antenna. In this way, the overall occupied area of the transformer and the coupler can be reduced. In addition, the insertion loss caused by the coil between the transformer and the antenna can also be eliminated. In addition, the electronic circuit according to the present disclosure adopts two coupling paths to detect the forward power and the reflected power respectively, which enables accurate detection of the transmitted signal.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4 to Figure 8 . Figure 4 A circuit diagram of an electronic circuit 40 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As Figure 4As shown, the electronic circuit 40 generally includes a transformer 42 and a coupler 43. In one example, the transformer 42 is a balun and includes a primary coil LI and a secondary coil L2. The primary coil LI is coupled to the power amplifier 41 and is configured to receive the first signal from the power amplifier 41. The secondary coil L2 is magnetically coupled to the primary coil LI and is coupled to the antenna 44. The secondary coil L2 outputs the second signal to the antenna 44.

[0050] As shown, the transformer 42 has a first input terminal PA+, a second input terminal PA-, and an output terminal ANT. The primary coil LI is coupled between the first input terminal PA+ and the second input terminal PA-, which are coupled to the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the differential power amplifier 41, respectively. The secondary coil L2 is coupled between the output terminal ANT and a reference terminal (e.g., a ground terminal GND), and the output terminal ANT is directly coupled to the antenna 44. The amplified signal generated by PA can be adjusted by the transformer 42 to be a proper signal suitable for the antenna.

[0051] The coupler 43 includes two coupling paths, i.e., a first coupling path and a second coupling path. The first coupling path is magnetically coupled to the primary coil LI and a first portion of the secondary coil L2. For example, the first coupling path is magnetically coupled to the secondary coil L2. The first coupling path is configured to generate a first voltage indicative of a forward power of the second signal from the transformer 42. The first coupling path further includes a first isolation capacitor C M2 . The first isolation capacitor C M2 is coupled between the first end of the first coil L3 and the positive output terminal of the power amplifier 41 to at least partially determine a coupling and isolation factor of the first coupling path, which is an important factor to evaluate the performance of the first coupling path. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling path can further include a first isolation resistor R IF . The first isolation resistor R IF may be coupled between the first isolation capacitor C M2 and the ground terminal GND.

[0052] The second coupling path further includes a second isolation capacitor C D2 and a second isolation resistor R IR . The second isolation capacitor C D2 is coupled between the first end of the second coil L4 and the positive output terminal of the power amplifier 41 to at least partially determine a coupling and isolation factor of the second coupling path. In the illustrated embodiment, the second isolation resistor R IR may be coupled between the second isolation capacitor C D2 and the ground terminal GND.

[0053] The first coupling path further includes a first coupling resistor Z CFand a first coupling capacitor C M1 A first coupling resistance Z CF may be coupled between a second end of the first coil L3 and a ground terminal GND, and the second end is opposite the first end. In the illustrated embodiment, a first coupling capacitor C M1 is coupled between the first coupling resistance Z CF and the antenna to at least partially determine a coupling and isolation factor of the first coupling path. Forward power can be detected at the first coupling resistance Z CF . By providing the first coupling resistance Z CF to the first coupling path, a desired coupling with good isolation between the antenna and the forward coupling port can be achieved, thereby improving the directivity of the first coupling path. It should be appreciated that the first coupling resistance Z CF may also be implemented in other forms of impedance.

[0054] The second coupling path also includes a second coupling resistance Z CR and a second coupling capacitor C D1 . The second coupling resistance Z CR may be coupled between a second end of the second coil L4 and a reference terminal (e.g., a ground terminal GND), and the second end is opposite the first end. In the illustrated embodiment, a second coupling capacitor C D1 may be coupled between the second coupling resistance Z CR and the antenna to at least partially determine a coupling and isolation factor of the second coupling path. Reflected power can be detected at the second coupling resistance Z CR . By providing the second coupling resistance Z CR to the second coupling path, a desired coupling with good isolation between the power amplifier and the reflected coupling port can be achieved, thereby improving the directivity of the second coupling path. It should be appreciated that the second coupling resistance Z CR may also be implemented in other forms of impedance.

[0055] Figure 5 An example layout of the exemplary electronic circuit shown in Figure 4 is shown, and Figure 6 an example implementation of the exemplary electronic circuit shown in Figure 5 is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 are intended to illustrate example layouts and implementations of the coils. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, descriptions of components other than the coils will be omitted herein. As such Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the primary coil L1 is formed within the secondary coil L2. In another embodiment, the primary coil L1 can be formed outside the secondary coil L2. The positions of the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2 are not limited as long as the two coils are operable to achieve the function of a transformer. The secondary coil L2 of the transformer 52 is directly connected to the antenna 54. Thus, there is no insertion loss in the electronic circuit 50.

[0056] The first coil L3 of the first path is disposed adjacent to a first portion of the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2 to magnetically couple with the first portion. In Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first coil L3 is located outside the secondary coil L2. Alternatively, the first coil L3 can be located inside, above or below the secondary coil L2.

[0057] The second coupling path magnetically couples with a second portion of the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2. The second coupling path is configured to generate a second voltage indicative of the reflected power of a second signal. A second coil L4 of the second coupling path is disposed adjacent to the second portion of the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2 to magnetically couple to the second portion. In Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the second coil L4 is located outside the secondary coil L2. Alternatively, the second coil L4 can be located inside, above or below the secondary coil L2.

[0058] Referring to Figure 5 , the first coil L3 of the transformer 52 is located outside the secondary coil L2 of the coupler 53, and the second coil L4 of the transformer 52 is located outside the primary coil L1. In other words, the coils of the transformer 52 are positioned in a concentric manner, and the coils of the coupler 53 are positioned to surround the coils of the transformer. Thus, the coils of the transformer 52 and the coupler 53 are configured in a more compact manner, thus occupying less area. Therefore, additional chip area is not needed, and the size of the associated chip can be made smaller to accommodate more scenarios.

[0059] It should be appreciated that the spatial positions of the first coil L3 and the second coil L4 are exemplary only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The coils can be adjusted according to the spatial considerations of the actual application as long as the distance is close enough to be able to induce power from the primary coil L1 and / or the secondary coil L2. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the positions of the first coil L3 and the second coil L4 of the coupler 53 can be designed to be within the transformer 52. Alternatively, the coils of the coupler 53 can be positioned interleaved between the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2. In other words, the coils of the transformer 52 and the coils of the coupler 53 can be interleaved in the same plane.

[0060] In other exemplary embodiments, the first coil L3 and the second coil L4 of the coupler 53 may be located above or below the transformer 52. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first coil L3 may be located between the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2 of the transformer 52, and the second coil L4 may be located outside or inside the primary coil L1 and the secondary coil L2 of the transformer 52.

[0061] According to the exemplary embodiments described above, one coupling path of the coupler is used for forward power detection, and the other coupling path is used for reflected power detection. The forward power and reflected power of the second signal can be determined accordingly. In this way, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be used to analyze load impedance, which can be further used to improve power calibration accuracy, load tuning, etc. By utilizing different coupling paths to detect the power of the second signal in both directions, the reliability of power detection can be improved, and ultimately the accuracy of power detection and calibration can be correspondingly improved.

[0062] exist Figure 6 In this example, the coil can be implemented as a portion of a polygon. This is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Other shapes are also possible, as long as they can generate an inductive signal. Furthermore, the coil is formed as straight stripes, but this is also for illustrative purposes only. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Exemplary implementations of exemplary electronic circuits according to different exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively. Figure 7 and Figure 8 and Figure 6 The main difference lies in the specific arrangement of the capacitors and resistors.

[0063] from Figure 7 It can be seen that the electronic circuit 70 may include a first coupling resistor R coupled between the second end of the first coil L3 and the ground terminal GND. CF The second terminal is opposite to the first terminal of the first coil L3. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic circuit 70 may further include a first coupling capacitor C. M1 First coupling capacitor C M1 Coupled to the first coupling resistor R CF Between the negative output terminal of power amplifier 71 and the positive output terminal, a first coupling capacitor C can be provided. M1 To at least partially determine the coupling and isolation factors of the first coupling path. Figure 7In some embodiments, the first coil L3 and the second coil L4 are located outside the balun. In another embodiment, the first coil L3 and the second coil L4 can be formed at other locations relative to the balun. Alternatively, the second coil L4 can be located inside, above or below the balun. The locations of the first coil L3 and the second coil L4 are not limited as long as the two coils are operable to achieve the function of a transformer.

[0064] From Figure 7 It can be seen that the electronic circuit 70 can include a second coupling resistance R CP coupled between the second end of the second coil L4 and the ground terminal GND, and the second end is opposite to the first end of the second coil L4. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic circuit 70 can further include a second coupling capacitance C CP coupled between the second coupling resistance R D1 and the antenna to at least partially determine the coupling and isolation factors of the second coupling path. In Figure 7 , the coils can be implemented in the shape of a part of a polygon. This is only for illustration and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other shapes are also possible as long as the induced signal can be generated. In addition, the coils are formed as flat stripes, which is also only for illustration purposes.

[0065] Figure 8 The difference from Figure 7 mainly lies in the specific electrical connection of the second coupling capacitance C D1 . Similar to Figure 7 , the second coupling resistance R CP is coupled between the second end of the second coil L4 and the ground terminal GND as shown in Figure 8 . Unlike Figure 7 , in the embodiment as shown in Figure 8 , the second coupling capacitance C D1 may be coupled between the second coupling resistance R CP and the positive output terminal of the power amplifier 81, and can be provided to at least partially determine the coupling and isolation factors of the second coupling path. In Figure 8 , the coils can be implemented in the shape of a part of a polygon. This is only for illustration and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other shapes are also possible as long as the induced signal can be generated. In addition, the coils are formed as flat stripes, which is also only for illustration purposes.

[0066] It should be understood that although the above embodiments are described by way of example with directional couplers, it can be easily envisaged that this is only for illustration and not limitation. The electronic circuit according to the present disclosure can be used in other scenarios.

[0067] Because capacitors and resistors can be placed in different ways, their parameters may be similar or different depending on the user's specific requirements. For example, ... Figure 7 The first isolation capacitor C in the embodiment shown M2 The parameter values ​​are as follows Figure 8 The first isolation capacitor C in the embodiment shown M2 The parameter values ​​are different, or as... Figure 7 The second isolation resistor R in the illustrated embodiment IR The value and such Figure 8 The differences are shown. In this way, users can envision various capacitor and resistor placement schemes to achieve the desired purpose. Thus, by changing the parameter values ​​of specific devices, the coupling and isolation factors of the first and / or second coupling paths can be quickly and easily adjusted. It should be understood that... Figure 7 to Figure 8 The specific placement methods shown are just a few examples and are not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0068] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also relate to a transmitting device. The transmitting device includes an antenna and electronic circuitry coupled to the antenna. The electronic circuitry can be any of the electronic circuitry described above. The transmitting device may further include a power amplifier, a coupler, and an antenna, and the electronic circuitry may be coupled / connected between the antenna and the power amplifier.

[0069] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also relate to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a transmitting device as described above and a power supply configured to supply power to the transmitting device.

[0070] Compared to existing electronic circuit solutions, embodiments according to this disclosure enable bidirectional power sensing without sacrificing chip area or eliminating insertion losses. Therefore, a miniaturized coupler with smaller electrical dimensions can be realized.

[0071] Similarly, while the above discussion includes some specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. In the context of a single embodiment, certain features described herein may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0072] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. In fact, the disclosure of the aforementioned specific features and actions serves as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic circuit comprising: a transformer comprising: a primary coil configured to receive a first signal from a power amplifier; and a secondary coil magnetically coupled with the primary coil and configured to output a second signal to an antenna; and a coupler comprising: a first coupling path magnetically coupled with the primary coil and a first portion of the secondary coil and configured to generate a first voltage indicative of forward power of the second signal; a second coupling path magnetically coupled with the primary coil and a second portion of the secondary coil and configured to generate a second voltage indicative of reflected power of the second signal.

2. The electronic circuit of claim 1, wherein the first coupling path comprises a first coil magnetically coupled to the transformer and configured to generate the first voltage indicative of the forward power of the second signal; and wherein the second coupling path comprises a second coil magnetically coupled to the transformer and configured to generate the second voltage indicative of the reflected power of the second signal.

3. The electronic circuit of claim 2, wherein the first coupling path further comprises: a first isolation capacitor coupled between a first end of the first coil and a first terminal of the power amplifier; and a first isolation resistor coupled between the first isolation capacitor and a ground terminal.

4. The electronic circuit of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the second coupling path further comprises: a second isolation capacitor coupled between a first end of the second coil and a first terminal of the power amplifier; and a second isolation resistor coupled between the second isolation capacitor and a ground terminal.

5. The electronic circuit of claim 3, wherein the first coupling path further comprises: a first coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the first coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end; and a first coupling capacitor coupled between the first coupling resistor and the antenna.

6. The electronic circuit of claim 4, wherein the second coupling path further comprises: a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end; and a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and the antenna.

7. The electronic circuit of claim 3, wherein the first coupling path further comprises: a first coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the first coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end; and a first coupling capacitor coupled between the first coupling resistor and a negative output terminal of the power amplifier.

8. The electronic circuit of any one of claims 4 and 6, wherein the second coupling path further comprises: a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil and a ground terminal, the second end opposite the first end; and a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and the antenna.

9. The electronic circuit of any one of claims 4 and 6, wherein the second coupling path further comprises: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil opposite the first end and a ground terminal; and a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and a positive output terminal of the power amplifier.

10. The electronic circuit of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the coupler is disposed adjacent to the transformer.

11. The electronic circuit of claim 10, wherein the coupler is disposed inside the transformer, outside the transformer, above the transformer, or below the transformer.

12. An electronic device comprising: a transformer disposed between a power amplifier and an antenna, the transformer comprising: a primary coil coupled to the power amplifier; a secondary coil coupled to the antenna and magnetically coupled to the primary coil; a coupler comprising: a first coupling path comprising a first coil adjacent to a first portion of the primary coil and the secondary coil to magnetically couple to the first portion; a second coupling path comprising a second coil adjacent to a second portion of the primary coil and the secondary coil to magnetically couple to the second portion.

13. The electronic circuit of claim 12, wherein the first coupling path further comprises: a first isolation capacitor coupled between a first end of the first coil and a first terminal of the power amplifier; and a first isolation resistor coupled between the first isolation capacitor and a ground terminal.

14. The electronic circuit of claim 12 or 13, wherein the second coupling path further comprises: a second isolation capacitor coupled between a first end of the second coil and a first terminal of the power amplifier; and a second isolation resistor coupled between the second isolation capacitor and a ground terminal.

15. The electronic circuit of claim 13, wherein the first coupling path further comprises: a first coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the first coil opposite the first end and a ground terminal; and a first coupling capacitor coupled between the first coupling capacitor and the antenna.

16. The electronic circuit of claim 14, wherein the second coupling path further comprises: a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil opposite the first end and a ground terminal; and a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling capacitor and the antenna.

17. The electronic circuit of claim 13, wherein the first coupling path further comprises: a first coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the first coil opposite the first end and a ground terminal; and a first coupling capacitor coupled between the first coupling resistor and a negative output terminal of the power amplifier.

18. The electronic circuit of any one of claims 14 and 16, wherein the second coupling path further comprises: a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil opposite the first end and a ground terminal; and a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and the antenna.

19. The electronic circuit of any one of claims 14 and 16, wherein the second coupling path further comprises: a second coupling resistor coupled between a second end of the second coil, the second end being opposite the first end, and a ground terminal; and a second coupling capacitor coupled between the second coupling resistor and a positive output terminal of the power amplifier.

20. The electronic circuit of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the coupler is disposed inside the transformer, outside the transformer, above the transformer, or below the transformer.

21. The electronic circuit of claim 20, wherein the coupler is disposed between the primary coil and the secondary coil.

22. A transmitting device comprising: an antenna; the electronic circuit of any one of claims 1 to 21 coupled to the antenna.

23. An electronic apparatus comprising: the transmitting device of claim 22; a power source configured to supply power to the transmitting device. ​

Images