MEASUREMENT IN POWER AMPLIFIERS (PA)

Abstract

For example, this document describes a device, a system, and a method for measuring the current of a power amplifier (PA). For example, an integrated chip may include a PA configured to amplify a radio frequency (RF) signal. The integrated chip may include, for example, a PA measurement circuit that can be connected to the PA. For example, the PA measurement circuit may be configured to generate an analog measurement signal, which may be based, for example, on the magnitude of the PA current consumed. The integrated chip may include, for example, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that can be configured to generate a digital measurement signal, for example, based on the analog measurement signal provided by the PA measurement circuit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of the preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 494,239 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF POWER AMPLIFIER (PA) INTEGRATED CURRENT MEASUREMENT”, filed on April 5, 2023, and the preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 556,734 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF POWER AMPLIFIER (PA) CURRENT MEASUREMENT”, filed on February 22, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various types of power amplifiers (PAs) can be used in many devices to amplify the power of signals.

[0003] For example, devices that use radio frequency signals (RF signals), such as wireless communication devices, may use radio frequency power amplifiers (RF PAs) to amplify RF signals.

[0004] In some applications, it may be necessary to ensure the proper functioning of a PA, for example to avoid errors or failures of a device that includes the PA. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated in relation to others to clarify the illustration. Furthermore, reference numbers may be repeated in the figures to identify corresponding or analogous elements. The figures are listed below. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a vehicle that implements a radar according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram representation of a robot that implements a radar according to some demonstrative points of view. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram representation of a radar device according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram representation of a frequency-modulated continuous wave radar (FMCW radar) according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an extraction scheme that can be implemented to extract distance and velocity estimates (Doppler estimates) from digital received radar data values ​​according to some demonstrative considerations. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an angle determination scheme that can be implemented to determine angle of arrival (AoA) information based on an incoming radio signal received by a receiving antenna array, according to some demonstrative points of view. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a multi-input, multi-output radar antenna scheme (MIMO radar antenna scheme) that can be implemented based on a combination of transmitting antennas (Tx antennas) and receiving antennas (Rx antennas) according to some demonstrative considerations. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram representation of elements of a radar device, which, according to some demonstrative points of view, includes a radar front end and a radar processor. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a radar system which, according to some demonstrative points of view, includes a variety of radar devices implemented in a vehicle. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram representation of an integrated chip (IC) according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic representation of an IC that includes a measurement circuit for a power amplifier (PA), according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic representation of an IC that includes a measurement circuit for a power amplifier (PA), according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a manufactured product according to some demonstrative points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The following detailed description includes numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of certain aspects. However, it is clear to the average person that some aspects can be implemented in practice without these specific details. In other cases, known methods, procedures, components, units, and / or circuits have not been described in detail to avoid complicating the discussion.

[0007] Discussions herein, in which terms such as "processing", "calculating", "determining", "specifying", "analyzing", "checking" or the like are used, may refer to operation(s) and / or process(s) of a computer, computer platform, computing system or other electronic computing device that manipulates and / or converts data represented as physical (e.g. electronic) quantities in the registers and / or memories of the computer into other data represented in a similar manner as physical quantities in the registers and / or memories of the computer or other information storage medium capable of storing instructions for carrying out operations and / or processes.

[0008] The terms "multiple" and "a multitude" used herein include, for example, "several" or "two or more". For example, "a multitude" of elements includes "two or more elements".

[0009] The words "exemplary" and "demonstrative" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, demonstration, or illustration." Any viewpoint or design described herein as "exemplary" or "demonstrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferential or advantageous over other viewpoints or designs.

[0010] References to “a point of view”, “a viewpoint”, “a demonstrative viewpoint”, “various viewpoints”, etc., indicate that the viewpoint(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or property, but not every viewpoint necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or property. Furthermore, the repeated use of the phrase “in a viewpoint” does not necessarily refer to the same viewpoint, although it may.

[0011] Unless otherwise stated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first", "second", "third", etc. to describe a common object within the meaning of this description merely indicates that reference is being made to different instances of similar objects, and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in any particular order, whether temporal, spatial, rank-wise or otherwise.

[0012] The phrases "at least one" and "one or more" can be understood to include a numerical quantity greater than or equal to one, e.g., one, two, three, four, [...] etc. The phrase "at least one of" in relation to a group of elements can be used here to mean at least one element from the group of elements. For example, the phrase "at least one of" in relation to a group of elements can be used here to mean one of the listed elements, a multitude of one of the listed elements, a multitude of individual listed elements, or a multitude of multiples of individual listed elements.

[0013] The term "data" as used herein can be understood to include information in any suitable analog or digital form, e.g., provided as a file, as part of a file, as a set of files, as a signal or stream, as part of a signal or stream, as a set of signals or streams, and the like. Furthermore, the term "data" can also be used as a reference to information, e.g., in the form of a pointer. However, the term "data" is not limited to the examples mentioned above and can take various forms and / or represent any information within the meaning of the prior art.

[0014] The terms "processor" or "controller" can be understood to include any type of technological unit capable of handling all suitable types of data and / or information. The data and / or information can be handled according to one or more specific functions performed by the processor or controller. Furthermore, a processor or controller can be understood to mean any type of circuit, such as any type of analog or digital circuit.A processor or controller can therefore be or include an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a mixed-signal circuit, a logic circuit, a processor, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any combination thereof. Any other type of implementation of the respective functions, which are described in more detail below, can also be understood as a processor, controller, or logic circuit.It is understood that two (or more) processors, controllers or logic circuits described herein may be realized as a single unit with equivalent functionality or the like, and that conversely, each individual processor, controller or logic circuit described herein may be realized as two (or more) separate units with equivalent functionality or the like.

[0015] The term "memory" refers to any computer-readable medium (e.g., non-transient computer-readable medium) in which data or information can be stored for retrieval. References to "memory" may therefore be understood as references to volatile or non-volatile memory, including random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state storage, magnetic tape, hard disk drive, optical drive, and others, or any combination thereof. Registers, shift registers, processor registers, data buffers, and others are also included herein under the term "memory." The term "software" may be used to refer to any type of executable instruction and / or logic, including firmware.

[0016] A "vehicle" can include any type of powered object. For example, a vehicle can be a powered object with an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a reaction engine, an electrically powered object, a hybrid-powered object, or a combination thereof. A vehicle can be or include a car, a bus, a minibus, a van, a truck, a motorhome, a vehicle trailer, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a tricycle, a train locomotive, a train carriage, a self-propelled robot, a people mover, a boat, a ship, a submersible, a submarine, a drone, an aircraft, a rocket, and much more.

[0017] A “ground vehicle” can be understood to include any type of vehicle configured to move across the ground, e.g. on a road, a track, a rail, one or more rails, off-road, or the like.

[0018] An “autonomous vehicle” can describe a vehicle capable of implementing at least one navigation change without driver input. A navigation change can describe or include a change in steering, braking, acceleration / deceleration, or any other operation related to the vehicle's movement. A vehicle can also be described as autonomous even if it is not fully autonomous, meaning it is fully functional with or without driver input. Autonomous vehicles can include vehicles that can operate under driver control during certain periods and without driver control during other periods. Additionally or alternatively, autonomous vehicles can include vehicles that control only some aspects of vehicle navigation, such as steering, for example, to...to maintain the vehicle's course between the lane markings, or some steering maneuvers under certain circumstances, e.g., not under all circumstances, but may leave other aspects of vehicle navigation to the driver, e.g., braking or braking under certain circumstances. Additionally or alternatively, autonomous vehicles may include vehicles that jointly control one or more aspects of vehicle navigation under certain circumstances, e.g., "hands-off," i.e., in response to driver input; and / or vehicles that control one or more aspects of vehicle navigation under certain circumstances, e.g., "hands-off," i.e., independently of driver input. Additionally or alternatively, autonomous vehicles may include vehicles that jointly control one or more aspects of vehicle navigation under certain circumstances, such as under certain environmental conditions, e.g.,Autonomous vehicles can control spatial areas, road conditions, or the like. In some respects, autonomous vehicles can take over some or all aspects of braking, engine speed control, cruise control, steering, and / or other ancillary vehicle operations. An autonomous vehicle can include those that can operate without a driver. The level of autonomy of a vehicle can be described or determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) level of the vehicle, as defined by the SAE, for example, in SAE J3016 2018: Taxonomy and definitions for terms related to driving automation systems for on-road motor vehicles, or by other relevant professional organizations. The SAE level can range from a minimum level, such as Level 0 (for example, essentially no driving automation), to a maximum level, such as Level 5 (for example, full driving automation).

[0019] An “assisted vehicle” can describe a vehicle that is able to inform a driver or occupants of the vehicle about data it has collected or information derived from it.

[0020] The term "vehicle operating data" can be understood to describe any type of characteristic relating to the operation of a vehicle. For example, "vehicle operating data" can describe the condition of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's tire type, vehicle type, and / or manufacturing age. Generally, "vehicle operating data" can describe or include static characteristics or static vehicle operating data (e.g., characteristics or data that do not change over time). As another example, additionally or alternatively, "vehicle operating data" can describe or include characteristics that change during the operation of the vehicle, for example, environmental conditions such as weather or road conditions during vehicle operation, fuel levels, fluid levels, operating parameters of the vehicle's power source, or the like.In general, the term "vehicle operating data" can describe or include varying characteristics or varying vehicle operating data (e.g., characteristics or data that vary over time).

[0021] Some aspects can be used in conjunction with various devices and systems, for example, a radar sensor, radar device, radar system, vehicle, vehicle system, autonomous vehicle system, vehicle communication system, vehicle device, airborne platform, waterborne platform, road infrastructure, sports infrastructure, urban surveillance infrastructure, static infrastructure platforms, indoor platforms, moving platforms, robot platforms, industrial platforms, sensor device, user equipment (UE), mobile device (MD), wireless station (STA), sensor device, non-vehicle-bound device, mobile or portable device, and the like.

[0022] Some aspects can be used in conjunction with high-frequency (HF) systems, radar systems, vehicle radar systems, autonomous systems, robotic systems, detection systems, or the like.

[0023] Some demonstrative aspects can be used in conjunction with an RF frequency in a frequency band with a starting frequency above 10 gigahertz (GHz), for example, a frequency band with a starting frequency between 10 GHz and 120 GHz. For example, some demonstrative aspects can be used in conjunction with an RF frequency with a starting frequency above 30 GHz, for example, above 45 GHz, e.g., above 60 GHz. For example, some demonstrative aspects can be used in conjunction with an automotive radar frequency band, e.g., a frequency band between 76 GHz and 81 GHz. However, other aspects can also be implemented in other suitable frequency bands, for example, in a frequency band above 140 GHz, a frequency band of 300 GHz, a sub-terahertz (sub-THz) band, a THz band, an infrared (IR) band, and / or another frequency band.

[0024] As used herein, the term “circuit” may refer to, be part of, or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit, an electronic circuit, a processor (common, dedicated, or group), and / or memory (common, dedicated, or group) that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. From certain perspectives, some functions associated with the circuit may be implemented by one or more software or firmware modules. From some perspectives, the circuit may include logic that is at least partially executable in hardware.

[0025] The term "logic" can refer, for example, to the computational logic embedded in the circuitry of a computing device and / or the computational logic stored in the memory of a computing device. For example, a processor of the computing device can access the logic to execute it in order to perform computational functions and / or operations. The logic can be embedded in various types of memory and / or firmware, such as silicon blocks in different chips and / or processors. The logic can be enclosed in and / or implemented as part of various circuits, such as radio circuits, receiver circuits, control circuits, transmitter circuits, transceiver circuits, processor circuits, and / or the like.In one example, the logic can be embedded in volatile and / or non-volatile memory, including random-access memory, read-only memory, programmable memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, persistent memory, and / or the like. The logic can be executed by one or more processors, using memory such as registers, buffers, stacks, and the like that is coupled to the one or more processors, for example, when required to execute the logic.

[0026] The term "communicate," as used here in relation to a signal, includes both sending and receiving the signal. For example, a device capable of communicating a signal may include a transmitter for sending the signal and / or a receiver for receiving it. The verb "communicate" can be used to refer to both the act of sending and receiving. In one example, the phrase "communicating a signal" may refer to the act of a transmitter sending the signal and does not necessarily include the act of a receiver receiving the signal. In another example, the phrase "communicating a signal" may refer to the act of a receiver receiving the signal and does not necessarily include the act of a transmitter sending the signal.

[0027] The term "antenna," as used here, can include any suitable configuration, structuring, and / or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies, and / or arrays. In some perspectives, the antenna can implement transmit and receive functions using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In other perspectives, the antenna can implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and / or integrated transmit / receive elements. For example, the antenna can include a phased array antenna, a MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) array antenna, a single-element antenna, a set of switched-mode antennas, and / or the like.In one example, an antenna can be implemented as a separate element or as an integrated element, for example as an on-module antenna, on-chip antenna, or according to any other antenna architecture.

[0028] Some demonstrative aspects are described here in relation to RF radar signals. However, other aspects can be implemented in relation to or in conjunction with other radar signals, wireless signals, IR signals, acoustic signals, optical signals, wireless communication signals, communication schemes, networks, standards, and / or protocols. For example, some demonstrative aspects can be implemented in relation to systems such as light detection and rangefinding systems (LiDAR systems) and / or sonar systems that utilize light and / or acoustic signals.

[0029] It will now be on Fig. Reference 1, which schematically represents a block diagram of a vehicle 100 which, according to some demonstrative points, implements a radar.

[0030] In some demonstrative points of view, vehicle 100 can include a car, a truck, a motorcycle, a bus, a train, an aircraft, a watercraft, a wagon, a golf cart, an electric car, a road vehicle or any other vehicle.

[0031] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle 100 may include a radar device 101, e.g., as described below. For example, the radar device 101 may include a radar detection device, a radar sensing device, a radar sensor, or the like, e.g., as described below.

[0032] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 101 can be implemented as part of a vehicle system, for example a system that is to be implemented and / or mounted in the vehicle 100.

[0033] For example, the radar device 101 can be implemented as part of an autonomous vehicle system, an automated driving system, an assisted vehicle system, a driver assistance and / or support system and / or the like.

[0034] For example, the radar device 101 can be installed in the vehicle 100 for the detection of nearby objects, e.g. for autonomous driving.

[0035] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can be configured to detect targets in the vicinity of the vehicle 100, e.g. at a great distance and / or in close proximity, e.g. using RF and analog chains, capacitor structures, large spiral transformers and / or other electronic or electrical elements, e.g. as described below.

[0036] In one example, the radar device 101 can be mounted on the vehicle 100, e.g. placed directly on it or attached to it.

[0037] In some demonstrative viewpoints, the vehicle 100 can include a variety of radar viewpoints; the vehicle 100 can include a single radar device 101.

[0038] In some demonstrative points of view, the vehicle 100 can include a variety of radar devices 101 which can be configured to cover a 360-degree field of view around the vehicle 100.

[0039] In other respects, the vehicle 100 may include any other suitable number, arrangement and / or configuration of radar devices and / or units suitable for covering any other field of view, e.g. a field of view of less than 360 degrees.

[0040] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can be implemented as a component in a series of sensors used for driver assistance and / or autonomous vehicles, for example due to the radar's ability to operate in almost all weather conditions.

[0041] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 101 can be configured to support use by autonomous vehicles, e.g., as described below.

[0042] In one example, the radar device 101 can determine a class, location, orientation, speed, intent, perceptual understanding of the environment and / or any other information corresponding to an object in the environment.

[0043] In another example, the radar device 101 can be configured to determine one or more parameters and / or information for one or more operations and / or tasks, e.g., for path planning and / or other tasks.

[0044] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can be configured to map a scene by measuring the echoes (reflectivity) of targets and distinguishing them, for example, mainly by distance, speed, azimuth and / or elevation, e.g., as described below.

[0045] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 101 can be configured to detect and / or capture one or more objects that are in the vicinity, e.g. at a great distance and / or in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 100, and provide one or more parameters, attributes and / or information relating to the objects.

[0046] In some demonstrative points of view, the objects may include road users, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, road objects and markings, such as traffic signs, traffic lights, lane markings, road elements, e.g. a cobblestone crossing, a road edge, a road profile, a road roughness (or smoothness), general objects, such as a hazard, e.g. a tire, a box, a crack in the road surface, and / or the like.

[0047] In some demonstrative points of view, one or more parameters, attributes and / or information relating to the object may include a distance of the object from vehicle 100, an angle of the object relative to vehicle 100, a location of the object relative to vehicle 100, a relative speed of the object relative to vehicle 100 and / or the like.

[0048] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 101 can include a multiple-input, multiple-output radar device (MIMO radar device) 101, for example, as described below. In one example, the MIMO radar device can be configured to use "spatial filtering," for example, beamforming and / or another mechanism, for one or both of the transmitted signals (Tx signals) and / or received signals (Rx signals).

[0049] The following describes some demonstrative aspects of a radar device, e.g., radar device 101, implemented as a MIMO radar. However, from other perspectives, radar device 101 can also be implemented as a different type of radar using a variety of antenna elements, e.g., a single-input, multiple-output radar (SIMO radar) or a multiple-input, single-output radar (MISO radar).

[0050] Some demonstrative aspects can be implemented with respect to a radar device, e.g., radar device 101, which is implemented as a MIMO radar, as described below. However, in other aspects, radar device 101 can also be implemented as any other type of radar, for example, as an electronically guided radar, as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), as an adaptive and / or cognitive radar that changes its transmission according to the environment and / or its own state, as a reflectarray radar, or the like.

[0051] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 may include an antenna assembly 102, a radar front end 103 configured to communicate radar signals via the antenna assembly 102, and a radar processor 104 configured to generate radar information based on the radar signals, e.g. as described below.

[0052] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 104 can be configured to process radar information from the radar device 101 and / or to control one or more processes of the radar device 101, e.g. as described below.

[0053] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 104 can include circuitry and / or logic, or be partially or completely implemented by circuitry and / or logic, e.g., one or more processors including circuitry and / or logic, memory circuitry and / or logic. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functions of the radar processor 104 can be implemented by logic that can be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, e.g., as described below.

[0054] In one example, the radar processor 104 can include at least one memory which is coupled to the one or more processors and which can be configured to store at least some of the information processed by the one or more processors and / or the circuit, at least temporarily, and / or which can be configured to store the logic to be used by the processors and / or the circuit.

[0055] In other respects, the radar processor 104 can be implemented by one or more additional or alternative elements of the vehicle 100.

[0056] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar frontend 103 can, for example, include one or more (radar) transmitters and one or more (radar) receivers, e.g. as described below.

[0057] From some demonstrative perspectives, the antenna arrangement 102 can include a variety of antennas for communicating the radar signals. For example, the antenna arrangement 102 can include multiple transmitting antennas in the form of a transmitting antenna array and multiple receiving antennas in the form of a receiving antenna array. In another example, the antenna arrangement 102 can include one or more antennas that are used as both transmitting and receiving antennas. In the latter case, the radar front end 103 can, for example, include a duplexer or a circulator, i.e., a circuit for separating the transmitted from the received signals.

[0058] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the radar front end 103 and the antenna arrangement 102 can be controlled, e.g. by the radar processor 104, to send a radio transmission signal 105.

[0059] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the radio transmission signal 105 can be reflected by an object 106, resulting in an echo 107.

[0060] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can receive the echo 107, e.g. via the antenna arrangement 102 and the radar front end 103, and the radar processor 104 can generate radar information, e.g. by calculating information about the position, radial velocity (Doppler) and / or direction of the object 106, e.g. in relation to the vehicle 100.

[0061] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 104 can be configured to provide the radar information to a vehicle control unit 108 of the vehicle 100, e.g. for autonomous driving of the vehicle 100.

[0062] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar processor 104 can be implemented as part of the vehicle control unit 108. In other aspects, the functionality of the radar processor 104 can be implemented as part of any other element of the radar device 101 and / or the vehicle 100. In still other aspects, the radar processor 104 can be implemented as a separate part or as part of another element of the radar device 101 and / or the vehicle 100.

[0063] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle control unit 108 can be configured to control one or more functions, operating modes, components, devices, systems and / or elements of the vehicle 100.

[0064] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle control unit 108 can be configured to control one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle 100, e.g., as described below.

[0065] In some demonstrative points of view, the vehicle systems may include, for example, a steering system, a braking system, a drive system and / or any other system of the vehicle 100.

[0066] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle control unit 108 can be configured to control the radar device 101 and / or process one or more parameters, attributes and / or information of the radar device 101.

[0067] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle control unit 108 can, for example, be configured to control the vehicle systems of the vehicle 100, for example based on radar information from the radar device 101 and / or one or more other sensors of the vehicle 100, e.g. light detection and distance measurement (LIDAR) sensors, camera sensors and / or the like.

[0068] In one example, the vehicle control unit 108 can control the steering system, the braking system and / or other vehicle systems of the vehicle 100, for example based on information from the radar device 101, e.g. based on one or more objects detected by the radar device 101.

[0069] In other respects, the vehicle control unit 108 can be configured to control all other additional or alternative functions of the vehicle 100.

[0070] Some demonstrative aspects are described here with regard to a radar device 101 implemented in a vehicle, e.g., vehicle 100. In other aspects, a radar device, e.g., radar device 101, can be implemented as part of any other element of a traffic system or network, for example, as part of road infrastructure and / or another element of a traffic network or system. Other aspects can be implemented with regard to any other system, environment, and / or device, which can be implemented in any other object, environment, location, or place. For example, radar device 101 can be part of a non-vehicle-bound device, which can be implemented, for example, in an interior space, stationary outdoor infrastructure, or elsewhere.

[0071] In some demonstrative aspects, the Radar Device 101 can be configured to support security applications. For example, the Radar Device 101 can be configured to determine the type of operation, such as the entry of a person, the entry of an animal, movement in the environment, and the like, in order to identify a threat level of a detected event and / or other additional or alternative operations.

[0072] Some demonstrative aspects can be implemented with regard to any other additional or alternative devices and / or systems, for example for a robot, e.g. as described below.

[0073] In other respects, the radar device 101 can be configured to support other uses and / or applications.

[0074] It will now be on Fig. 2 referenced, which schematically illustrates a block diagram of a robot 200 implementing a radar, in accordance with some demonstrative points.

[0075] In some demonstrative aspects, the robot 200 can include a robot arm 201. For example, the robot 200 can be implemented in a factory to handle an object 213. This object could be, for example, a part to be attached to a product that is currently being manufactured. The robot arm 201 can include a variety of movable elements, such as the movable elements 202, 203, 204, and a support 205. The movement of the movable elements 202, 203, and / or 204 of the robot arm 201, for example, by actuating the associated motors, can enable physical interaction with the environment to perform a task, such as handling the object 213.

[0076] In some demonstrative aspects, the robot arm 201 can include a variety of joint elements, e.g., joint elements 207, 208, 209, which can connect, for example, elements 202, 203, and / or 204 to each other and to the support 205. For example, a joint element 207, 208, 209 can have one or more joints, each of which can provide rotatable movement, e.g., a rotational movement, and / or translational movement, e.g., a displacement, for associated elements and / or movement of elements relative to each other. The movement of elements 202, 203, 204 can be initiated by suitable actuators.

[0077] From a demonstrative point of view, the element furthest from support 205, e.g., element 204, can also be referred to as the end effector 204 and may include one or more tools, such as a claw for grasping an object, a welding tool, or the like. Other elements, e.g., elements 202 and 203, which are closer to support 205, can be used to change the position of the end effector 204, e.g., in three-dimensional space. For example, the robot arm 201 can be configured to function similarly to a human arm, e.g., with a tool at its end.

[0078] In some demonstrative aspects, the robot 200 can include a (robot) controller 206 configured to implement interaction with the environment, e.g., by controlling the actuators of the robot arm, for example, according to a control program to control the robot arm 201 according to the task to be performed.

[0079] In some demonstrative terms, an actuator can include a component capable of influencing a mechanism or process in response to a control input. The actuator can respond to commands from the controller (called activation) by performing a mechanical movement. This means that an actuator, typically a motor (or electromechanical transducer), can be configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy when activated (i.e., actuated).

[0080] In some demonstrative aspects, the control unit 206 can communicate with a radar processor 210 of the robot 200.

[0081] In some demonstrative aspects, a radar frontend 211 and a radar antenna assembly 212 can be coupled with the radar processor 210. In one example, the radar frontend 211 and / or the radar antenna assembly 212 can be included as part of the robot arm 201.

[0082] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar front end 211, the radar antenna assembly 212, and the radar processor 210 can be operated as a radar device and / or configured to form a radar device. For example, the antenna assembly 212 can be configured to perform one or more functions of the antenna assembly 102 ( Fig. 1) performs, the radar frontend 211 can be configured to perform one or more functions of the radar frontend 103 ( Fig. 1) performs, and / or the radar processor 210 can be configured to perform one or more functions of the radar processor 104 ( Fig. 1) carries out, e.g. as described above.

[0083] In some demonstrative aspects, for example the radar front end 211 and the antenna arrangement 212 can be controlled, e.g. by the radar processor 210, to send a radio transmission signal 214.

[0084] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the radio transmission signal 214 can be reflected by the object 213, resulting in an echo 215.

[0085] In some demonstrative aspects, the echo 215 can be received, e.g. via the radar antenna arrangement 212 and the radar front end 211, and the radar processor 210 can generate radar information, e.g. by calculating information about the position, speed (Doppler) and / or direction of the object 213, e.g. in relation to the robot arm 201.

[0086] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 210 can be configured to provide the radar information to the robot controller 206 of the robot arm 201, for example, to control the robot arm 201. For example, the robot controller 206 can be configured to control the robot arm 201 based on the radar information, for example, to grasp the object 213 and / or perform another operation.

[0087] It will be on Fig. 3 Reference is made to a schematic illustration of a radar device 300 according to some exemplary aspects.

[0088] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 300 can be implemented as part of a device or system 301, e.g. as described below.

[0089] For example, the radar device 300 can be implemented as part of the devices or systems described above with reference to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 are described, and / or be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the devices or systems. In other respects, the radar device 300 can be implemented as part of any other device or system 301.

[0090] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 300 can include an antenna arrangement that may include one or more transmitting antennas 302 and one or more receiving antennas 303. In other aspects, any other antenna arrangement can be implemented.

[0091] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 300 can include a radar front end 304 and a radar processor 309.

[0092] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the one or more transmitting antennas 302 can be coupled to a transmitter (or transmitter arrangement) 305 of the radar front end 304; and / or the one or more receiving antennas 303 can be coupled to a receiver (or receiver arrangement) 306 of the radar front end 304, e.g. as described below.

[0093] In some demonstrative points of view, the transmitter 305 may include one or more elements, for example an oscillator, a power amplifier and / or one or more other elements configured to generate radio transmit signals to be sent by the one or more transmitting antennas 302, e.g. as described below.

[0094] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 309 can, for example, provide digital radar transmit data values ​​to the radar front end 304. For instance, the radar front end 304 can include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 307 to convert the digital radar transmit data values ​​into an analog transmit signal. The transmitter 305 can then convert this analog transmit signal into a radio transmit signal to be sent by the transmitting antennas 302.

[0095] In some demonstrative points of view, the receiver 306 may include one or more elements, for example one or more mixers, one or more filters and / or one or more other elements configured to process and down-convert radio signals received via the one or more receiving antennas 303, e.g. as described below.

[0096] In some demonstrative aspects, the receiver 306 can, for example, convert a radio signal received via one or more receiving antennas 303 into an analog received signal. The radar front-end 304 can include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 308 to generate digital radar received data values ​​based on the analog received signal. For example, the radar front-end 304 can provide the digital radar received data values ​​to the radar processor 309.

[0097] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 309 can be configured to process the digital radar reception data values ​​in order to detect, for example, one or more objects in the vicinity of the device / system 301. This detection can, for example, include determining information that contains one or more of the following: distance, velocity (Doppler), direction, and / or other information about one or more objects, e.g., in relation to the system 301.

[0098] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 309 can be configured to provide the acquired radar information to a control unit 310 of the device / system 301. For example, the control unit 310 can include a vehicle control unit, e.g., if the device / system 301 includes a vehicle device / system, a robot control unit, e.g., if the device / system 301 includes a robot device / system, or any other type of control unit for any other type of device / system 301.

[0099] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar information can be processed by the radar processor 309, e.g. by the system controller 310 and / or another element of the system 301, for example in combination with information from one or more other information sources, for example LiDAR information from a LiDAR processor, image information from an image processing-based processor or the like.

[0100] In some demonstrative aspects, an environment model of the environment of the system 301 can be determined, e.g., by the system controller 310 and / or another element of the system 301, for example, based on the radar information of the radar processor 309 and / or the information from one or more other information sources.

[0101] In some demonstrative aspects, a policy-based system, which may be implemented by, for example, the controller 310 and / or another element of the system 301, can process the environment model to decide, for example, on one or more actions that may be taken.

[0102] In some exemplary aspects, the system controller 310 can be configured to control one or more controlled system components 311 of the system 301, e.g., a motor, a brake, a steering system, and the like, e.g., by means of one or more corresponding actuators, for example, based on one or more action decisions.

[0103] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 300 can include a storage 312 or a memory 313 to store, for example, information processed by the radar 300, such as digital radar reception data values ​​processed by the radar processor 309, radar information generated by the radar processor 309, and / or other data to be processed by the radar processor 309.

[0104] In some demonstrative aspects, the device / system 301 may, for example, include an application processor 314 and / or a communication processor 315 to, for example, at least partially implement one or more functionalities of the system controller 310 and / or to carry out communication between the system controller 310, the radar device 300, the controlled system components 311 and / or one or more additional elements of the device / system 301.

[0105] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 300 can be configured to generate and transmit the radio transmission signal in a form that determines distance, speed and / or direction, e.g. as described below.

[0106] For example, a radar's radio signal can be configured to include a variety of pulses. For instance, a pulse transmission might include sending short bursts of high energy combined with periods when the radar is listening for echoes.

[0107] For example, to optimally support a highly dynamic situation, such as in an automotive scenario, a continuous wave (CW) signal can be used instead. While a continuous wave, e.g., with a constant frequency, can support speed determination, it may not allow for distance determination, for example, due to the lack of a time marker that would enable distance calculation.

[0108] In some demonstrative points of view, the radio transmission signal 105 ( Fig. 1) transmitted according to technologies such as frequency-modulated continuous wave radar (FMCW radar), phase-modulated continuous wave radar (PMCW radar), orthogonal frequency-division multiplex radar (OFDM radar) and / or any other type of radar technology that can determine distance, speed and / or direction, e.g. as described below.

[0109] It will be on Fig. 4 Reference is made to a schematically illustrating an FMCW radar device according to some demonstrative points.

[0110] In some demonstrative aspects, the FMCW radar device 400 can include a radar front-end 401 and a radar processor 402. For example, the radar front-end 304 ( Fig. 3) include one or more elements of the radar front end 401 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar processor; and / or the radar processor 309 ( Fig. 3) may include one or more elements of the radar processor and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar processor 402.

[0111] In some demonstrative aspects, the FMCW radar device 400 can be configured to communicate radio signals according to FMCW radar technology, e.g., instead of transmitting a radio signal at a constant frequency.

[0112] In some demonstrative aspects, the radio front end 401 can be configured to periodically increase and decrease the frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, according to a sawtooth waveform 403. In other aspects, a triangle waveform or another suitable waveform can be used.

[0113] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 402 can, for example, be configured to provide the waveform 403 to the frontend 401 in digital form, e.g. as a sequence of digital values.

[0114] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar front end 401 can include a DAC 404 to convert the waveform 403 into an analog form and feed it to a voltage-controlled oscillator 405. For example, the oscillator 405 can be configured to generate an output signal that can be frequency-modulated from the waveform 403.

[0115] In some demonstrative points of view, the oscillator 405 can be configured to generate the output signal including a radio transmit signal that can be fed in and transmitted by one or more transmitting antennas 406.

[0116] In some demonstrative points of view, the radio transmit signal generated by the oscillator 405 can take the form of a sequence of chirps 407, which may be the result of modulating a sine wave with the sawtooth waveform 403.

[0117] In one example, a chirp 407 can correspond to the sine wave of the oscillator signal, which is frequency-modulated by a "tooth" of the sawtooth waveform 403, e.g. from the minimum frequency to the maximum frequency.

[0118] In some demonstrative points of view, a radar device may be configured to use radio transmission signals in the form of chirps, e.g., Chirps 407, according to a chirp modulation, e.g., as described below.

[0119] In other respects, the radar device can be configured to use radio signals configured according to phase modulation (PM), digital modulation, OFDM modulation and / or another suitable type of modulation.

[0120] In some demonstrative aspects, the FMCW radar device 400 can include one or more receiving antennas 408 to receive a radio receive signal. The radio receive signal can be based on the echo of the radio transmit signal, e.g., in addition to noise, interference, or the like.

[0121] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front end 401 can include a mixer 409 to mix the radio transmit signal with the radio receive signal to form a mixed signal.

[0122] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar front end 401 can include a filter, such as a low-pass filter (LPF) 410, which can be configured to filter the signal mixed by the mixer 409 to provide a filtered signal. For example, the radar front end 401 can include an ADC 411 to convert the filtered signal into digital received data values ​​that can be provided to the radar processor 402. In another example, the filter 410 can be a digital filter, and the ADC 411 can be placed between the mixer 409 and the filter 410.

[0123] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 402 can be configured to process the digital received data values ​​to provide radar information, including, for example, distance, velocity (speed / Doppler) and / or direction (AoA) information from one or more objects.

[0124] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 402 can be configured to perform a first Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) (also known as the "distance FFT") to extract a delay response that can be used to extract distance information, and / or a second FFT (also known as the "Doppler FFT") to extract a Doppler shift response that can be used to extract velocity information from the digital received data values.

[0125] From other perspectives, additional or alternative methods can be used to extract distance information. For example, in a digital radar implementation, a correlation with the transmitted signal can be used, e.g., after an implementation with adapted filters.

[0126] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 schematically illustrates an extraction scheme that can be implemented to extract range and velocity estimates (Doppler estimates) from digital radar reception data values ​​in accordance with some demonstrative considerations. For example, the radar processor 104 ( Fig. 1), the radar processor 210 ( Fig. 2), the radar processor 309 ( Fig. 3) and / or the radar processor 402 ( Fig. 4) be configured to make distance and / or velocity estimates (Doppler estimates) from digital received radar data values ​​according to one or more aspects of the extraction scheme of Fig. 5 to extract.

[0127] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a radio receive signal, which may include echoes of a radio transmit signal, can be received by a receiving antenna array 501. The radio receive signal can be received by a radio radar front end 502 to generate digital receive data values, for example, as described above. The radio radar front end 502 can provide the digital receive data values ​​to a radar processor 503, which can process the digital receive data values ​​to provide radar information, for example, as described above.

[0128] In some demonstrative contexts, the digital received data values ​​can be represented in the form of a 504 data cube. For example, the 504 data cube can include digitized samples of the received radio signal, which is based on a transmitted radio signal sent by one transmitting antenna and received by M receiving antennas. In some demonstrative contexts, for example, in relation to a MIMO implementation, there can be multiple transmitting antennas, and the number of samples can be multiplied accordingly.

[0129] In some demonstrative points of view, a layer of the 504 data cube, for example a horizontal layer of the 504 data cube, can include samples from an antenna, e.g. a corresponding antenna of the M antennas.

[0130] From some demonstrative perspectives, the data cube can contain 504 samples for K chirps. For example, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the chirp samples are arranged in a so-called "slow time" direction.

[0131] In some demonstrative points of view, the data cube can contain 504 L samples, e.g., L = 512 or any other number of samples, for a chirp, e.g., for each chirp. For example, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the samples per chirp are arranged in a so-called “Fast Time” direction of the data cube 504.

[0132] In some demonstrative aspects, the 504 processor can be configured to determine distance values, Doppler values ​​and / or angle of arrival (AoA) values, e.g., azimuth values ​​and / or elevation values, based on FFT techniques, e.g., as described below.

[0133] In other respects, the 504 processor can be configured to determine distance values, Doppler values ​​and / or angle of arrival (AoA) values, e.g., azimuth values ​​and / or elevation values, based on super-resolution (SR) techniques and / or any other suitable processing technique.

[0134] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 503 can be configured to process a large number of samples, e.g., L samples collected for each chirp and for each antenna, using a first FFT. The first FFT can be performed, for example, for each chirp and each antenna, so that a result of processing the data cube 504 by the first FFT can again have three dimensions and the size of the data cube 504, while including values ​​for L distance bins, e.g., instead of the values ​​for the L sampling times.

[0135] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 503 can be configured to process the result of the processing of the data cube 504 by the first FFT, for example by processing the result after a second FFT along the chirps, e.g. for each antenna and for each range bin.

[0136] For example, the first FFT can be performed in the “Fast Time” direction and the second FFT in the “Slow Time” direction.

[0137] In some exemplary aspects, the result of the second FFT, for example when aggregated over the antennas, can provide a range / Doppler map (R / D map) 505. The R / D map can, for example, exhibit FFT peaks 506, which include peaks of FFT output values ​​(in the form of absolute values) for certain combinations of range / velocity, e.g., for range / Doppler bins. For example, a range / Doppler bin can correspond to a range bin and a Doppler bin. For example, the radar processor 503 can regard a peak as potentially corresponding to an object, e.g., with the range and velocity corresponding to the range and velocity bin of the peak.

[0138] In some demonstrative aspects, the extraction scheme of Fig. 5 can be implemented for an FMCW radar, e.g. for the FMCW radar 400 ( Fig. 4), as described above. In other respects, the extraction scheme of Fig. 5 can also be implemented for any other radar type. In one example, the radar processor 503 can be configured to determine a range / Doppler map 505 from digital received data values ​​from a PMCW radar, an OFDM radar, or any other radar technology. For example, in adaptive or cognitive radar, the pulses in a frame, the waveform, and / or the modulation can be changed over time, e.g., according to the environment.

[0139] With renewed reference to Fig. 3 In some demonstrative aspects, the receiving antenna arrangement 303 can be implemented using a receiving antenna array comprising a plurality of receiving antennas (or receiving antenna elements). For example, the radar processor 309 can be configured to determine the angle of arrival of the received radio signal, e.g., Echo 107 ( Fig. 1) and / or Echo 215 ( Fig. 2) For example, the radar processor 309 can be configured to determine the direction of a detected object, e.g., with respect to the device / system 301, based on the arrival angle of the received radio signal, e.g., as described below.

[0140] It will be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 6, which schematically illustrates an angle determination scheme that can be implemented to determine information about the angle of arrival (AoA) based on an incoming radio signal received by a receiving antenna array 600, in accordance with some demonstrative considerations.

[0141] Fig. Figure 6 presents an angle determination scheme based on the signals received at the receiving antenna array. In some demonstrative aspects, for example in a virtual MIMO array, the angle determination can also be based on the signals transmitted by the array of Tx antennas.

[0142] Fig. Figure 6 represents a one-dimensional angle determination scheme. Other multidimensional angle determination schemes, e.g., a two-dimensional scheme or a three-dimensional scheme, can be implemented.

[0143] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the receiving antenna array can include 600 M antennas (numbered, from left to right, 1 to M).

[0144] Like the arrows in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the echo is assumed to originate from an object located in the upper left direction. Accordingly, the direction of the echo, e.g., of the incoming radio signal, can point downwards and to the right. Following this example, the further to the left a receiving antenna is located, the earlier it will receive a specific phase of the incoming radio signal.

[0145] For example, a phase difference (Δφ) between two antennas of the receiving antenna array 600 can be determined, e.g. as follows: Δφ=2πλ⋅d⋅sin(θ) where λ denotes a wavelength of the incoming radio signal, d a distance between the two antennas, and θ an arrival angle of the incoming radio signal, e.g., with respect to a normal direction of the array.

[0146] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 309 ( Fig. 3) be configured to use this relationship between phase and angle of the incoming radio signal to determine, for example, the arrival angle of echoes by performing an FFT, e.g., a third FFT (“angle FFT”) across the antennas.

[0147] In some demonstrative applications, multiple transmitting antennas, e.g., in the form of a multi-transmitting antenna array, can be used to increase spatial resolution, for example, to provide high-resolution radar information. For instance, a MIMO radar system can use a virtual MIMO radar antenna, which can be formed by convolution of a multitude of transmitting antennas with a multitude of receiving antennas.

[0148] It will be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 7, which schematically illustrates a MIMO radar antenna scheme that can be implemented based on a combination of transmitting antennas (Tx antennas) and receiving antennas (Rx antennas) according to some demonstrative points.

[0149] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a radar MIMO arrangement can include a transmit antenna array 701 and a receive antenna array 702. For example, the one or more transmit antennas 302 ( Fig. 3) be implemented to include the transmitting antenna array 701, and / or the one or more receiving antennas 303 ( Fig. 3) can be implemented to include the 702 receiving antenna array.

[0150] From some demonstrative perspectives, antenna arrays, which include multiple antennas for both transmitting radio signals and receiving echoes of those signals, can be used to provide a variety of virtual channels, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates this. For example, a virtual channel can be formed as a convolution, for example as a Kronecker product, between a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, which, for example, represent a virtual steering vector of the MIMO radar.

[0151] In some demonstrative points of view, a transmitting antenna, e.g., any transmitting antenna, can be configured to emit an individual radio transmit signal that, for example, has a phase associated with the respective transmitting antenna.

[0152] For example, an array with N transmitting antennas and M receiving antennas can be implemented to provide a virtual MIMO array of size N x M. For example, the virtual MIMO array can be formed using the Kronecker product operation, which is applied to the Tx and Rx steering vectors.

[0153] Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram representation of elements of a radar device 800, according to some demonstrative points. For example, the radar device 101 ( Fig. 1), the radar device 300 ( Fig. 3) and / or the radar device 400 ( Fig. 4) include one or more elements of the radar device 800 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar device 800.

[0154] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the radar device 800 can include a radar front-end 804 and a radar processor 834. For example, the radar front-end 103 ( Fig. 1), the radar frontend 211 ( Fig. 1), the radar front end 304 ( Fig. 3), the radar front end 401 ( Fig. 4) and / or the radar frontend 502 ( Fig. 5) include one or more elements of the Radar Frontend 804 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Radar Frontend 804.

[0155] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front-end 804 can be implemented as part of a MIMO radar which uses a MIMO radar antenna 881, which includes a plurality of Tx antennas 814 configured to transmit a plurality of Tx RF signals (also referred to as "Tx radar signals"); and a plurality of Rx antennas 816 configured to receive a plurality of Rx RF signals (also referred to as "Rx radar signals"), for example, based on the Tx radar signals, as described below.

[0156] In some demonstrative points of view, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can include, or be part of, any type of antenna suitable for transmitting and / or receiving radar signals. For example, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can be implemented as part of any suitable configuration, structure, and / or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies, and / or arrays. For example, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can be implemented as part of a phased array antenna, a multi-element antenna, a group of switching beam antennas, and / or the like.In some aspects, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can be implemented to provide transmit and receive functionality using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In other aspects, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can be implemented to provide transmit and receive functionality using shared and / or integrated transmit / receive elements.

[0157] From some demonstrative perspectives, the MIMO radar antenna 881 can include a rectangular MIMO antenna array and / or a curved array, adapted, for example, to the design of a vehicle. From other perspectives, any other shape, form, and / or arrangement of the MIMO radar antenna 881 can be implemented.

[0158] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front end 804 can include one or more radios configured to generate and transmit the Tx RF signals via Tx antennas 814; and / or to process the Rx RF signals received via Rx antennas 816, e.g. as described below.

[0159] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front end 804 can include at least one transmitter (Tx) 883 which includes circuitry and / or logic configured to generate and / or transmit the Tx radar signals via the Tx antennas 814.

[0160] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front end 804 can include at least one receiver (Rx) 885 which includes circuitry and / or logic to receive and / or process the Rx radar signals received via the Rx antennas 816, for example based on the Tx radar signals.

[0161] In some demonstrative points of view, the transmitter 883 and / or the receiver 885 may include circuits; logic; high-frequency elements, circuits and / or logic (RF elements, circuits and / or logic); baseband elements, circuits and / or logic; modulation elements, circuits and / or logic; demodulation elements, circuits and / or logic; amplifiers; analog-to-digital and / or digital-to-analog converters; filters; and / or the like.

[0162] In some demonstrative points of view, the transmitter 883 can include a variety of Tx chains 810 configured to generate and transmit the Tx RF signals, e.g., via the Tx antennas 814; and / or the receiver 885 can include a variety of Rx chains 812 configured to receive and process the Rx RF signals received, e.g., via the Rx antennas 816.

[0163] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate radar information 813, for example, based on the radar signals communicated by the MIMO radar antenna 881, e.g., as described below. For example, the radar processor 104 ( Fig. 1), the radar processor 210 ( Fig. 2), the radar processor 309 ( Fig. 3), the radar processor 402 ( Fig. 4) and / or the radar processor 503 ( Fig. 5) include one or more elements of the radar processor 834 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar processor 834.

[0164] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate radar information 813, for example, based on the radar Rx data 811 received by the multitude of Rx chains 812. For example, the radar Rx data 811 can be based on the radar Rx signals received via the Rx antennas 816.

[0165] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can include an input 832 to receive radar input data, e.g. including the radar Rx data 811 from the multitude of Rx chains 812.

[0166] In some demonstrative points of view, input 832 can include any suitable input interface, input unit, input module, input component, input circuit, memory interface, memory access unit, memory reader, digital storage unit, bus interface, processor interface or the like, which may be able to receive the input radar data from a memory, a processor and / or other suitable component to provide the input radar data.

[0167] In some demonstrative aspects, the Radar Processor 834 can include circuitry and / or logic, or be partially or completely implemented by circuitry and / or logic, e.g., one or more processors with circuitry and / or logic, a memory circuit and / or logic. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of the Radar Processor 834 can be implemented by logic that can be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, e.g., as described below.

[0168] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can include at least one processor 836, which may, for example, be configured to process the radar Rx data 811 and / or to perform one or more operations, procedures and / or algorithms.

[0169] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 834 can include at least one memory 838, which is coupled, for example, to the processor 836. For example, the memory 838 can be configured to store the data processed by the radar processor 834. For example, the memory 838 can store at least some of the information processed by the processor 836 and / or the logic to be used by the processor 836, at least temporarily.

[0170] In some demonstrative points of view, the 836 processor can be connected to the 838 memory, for example via a 839 memory interface.

[0171] In some demonstrative aspects, the 836 processor can be configured to access the 838 memory, e.g., to write data to the 838 memory and / or to read data from the 838 memory, for example, via the 839 memory interface.

[0172] In some demonstrative points of view, the memory 838 can be configured to store at least some of the radar data, e.g., some of the radar Rx data or all of the radar Rx data, e.g., for processing by the processor 836, e.g., as described below.

[0173] In some demonstrative points of view, the memory 838 can be configured to store processed data, such as that generated by the processor 836 during the process of generating the radar information 813, e.g., as described below.

[0174] In some demonstrative aspects, memory 838 can be configured to store range information and / or Doppler information that can be generated, for example, by processor 836 based on radar-Rx data. In one example, the range information and / or Doppler information can be determined based on a cross-correlation (XCORR) applied to the radar-Rx data. Any other additional or alternative operation, algorithm, and / or procedure can be used to generate the range and / or Doppler information.

[0175] From a demonstrative point of view, memory 838 can be configured to store AoA information, which can be generated, for example, by processor 836 based on radar receiver data, range information, and / or Doppler information. In one example, the AoA information can be determined based on an AoA estimation algorithm. Any other additional or alternative operation, algorithm, and / or procedure can be used to generate the AoA information.

[0176] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate the radar information 813, which includes one or more range information, Doppler information and / or AoA information.

[0177] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar information 813 may, for example, include information on point cloud 1 (PC1), including raw point cloud estimates, e.g. distance, radial velocity, azimuth and / or elevation.

[0178] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar information 813 may include additional information, which may be based on and / or refer to the raw point cloud estimates, for example.

[0179] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar information can include 813 metadata information that corresponds to the raw point cloud estimates.

[0180] In some demonstrative points of view, radar information 813 may, for example, include information relating to a degree of reliability of the raw point cloud estimates, information relating to one or more parameters, conditions and / or criteria implemented in determining the raw point cloud estimates, and / or other suitable additional or alternative information.

[0181] For example, radar information may include 813 log likelihood ratio (LLR) information based on raw point cloud estimates, radar cross-sectional (RCS) estimate information, SNR estimate information and / or other suitable additional or alternative information.

[0182] From some demonstrative perspectives, radar information can include point cloud 2 (PC2) information, which can be generated, for example, based on PC1 information. For instance, PC2 information can include clustering information, tracking information (e.g., tracking of probabilities and / or density functions), bounding box information, classification information, orientation information, and the like. In one example, PC2 information can be based on one or more temporal filtering techniques applied to PC1 information, such as temporal filtering of multiple frames and / or multiple PC1 instances.

[0183] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar information 813 may include target tracking information corresponding to a variety of targets in the vicinity of the radar device 800, e.g., as described below.

[0184] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate the radar information 813 in the form of four-dimensional (4D) image information, e.g. a cube, which can represent 4D information corresponding to one or more detected targets.

[0185] In some demonstrative aspects, the 4D image information can include, for example, distance values, e.g., based on distance information; velocity values, e.g., based on Doppler information; azimuth values, e.g., based on azimuth AoA information; elevation values, e.g., based on elevation AoA information; and / or any other values.

[0186] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate the radar information 813 in any other form and / or to include other additional or alternative information.

[0187] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to process the signals communicated via the MIMO radar antenna 881 as signals of a virtual MIMO array formed by a convolution of the plurality of Rx antennas 816 and the plurality of Tx antennas 814.

[0188] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar front-end 804 and / or the radar processor 834 can be configured to utilize MIMO techniques to support, for example, a reduced physical array aperture, such as a smaller array size, and / or to use a reduced number of antenna elements. For example, the radar front-end 804 and / or the radar processor 834 can be configured to transmit orthogonal signals over one or more Tx arrays 824, which include a plurality of N elements, such as Tx antennas 814, and process received signals over one or more Rx arrays 826, which include a plurality of M elements, such as Rx antennas 816.

[0189] In some demonstrative aspects, the use of MIMO technology for transmitting orthogonal signals from the Tx arrays 824 with N elements and processing the received signals in the Rx arrays 826 with M elements can be equivalent, for example, under a far-field approach, to a radar that uses transmission from one antenna and reception with N*M antennas. For example, the radar front-end 804 and / or the radar processor 834 can be configured to use the MIMO antenna array 881 as a virtual array with an equivalent array size of N*M, which can define the positions of the virtual elements, for example, as a convolution of the positions of the physical elements, such as the antennas 814 and / or 816.

[0190] From some demonstrative perspectives, a radar system can include a variety of radar devices. For example, the vehicle can have 100 ( Fig. 1) include a large number of radar devices 800, e.g. as described below.

[0191] It will be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 9, which schematically illustrates a radar system 901 comprising a variety of radio head radar devices (RH radar devices) (also referred to as RH) 910 implemented in a vehicle 900 according to some demonstrative points.

[0192] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the plurality of RH radar devices 910 can, for example, be arranged in a plurality of positions around the vehicle 900, for example to provide radar detection in a large field of view around the vehicle 900, e.g. as described below.

[0193] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the plurality of RH radar devices 910 can, for example, include six RH radar devices 910, e.g., as described below.

[0194] In some demonstrative points of view, the multitude of RH radar devices 910, for example, can be arranged at a multitude of positions around the vehicle 900, which can be configured to support 360-degree radar detection, e.g., a 360-degree field of view around the vehicle 900, e.g., as described below.

[0195] In one example, 360-degree radar sensing can make it possible to provide a radar-based view of essentially the entire surroundings of the vehicle 900, e.g., as described below.

[0196] In other respects, the multitude of RH radar devices 910 can include any other number of RH radar devices 910, e.g., fewer than six radar devices or more than six radar devices.

[0197] In other respects, the multitude of RH radar devices 910 can be positioned in other locations and / or according to a different arrangement, which supports radar detection in a different field of view around the vehicle 900, e.g. 360-degree radar detection or radar detection in any other field of view.

[0198] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 900 can include a first RH radar device 902, e.g. a front RH, on the front of the vehicle 900.

[0199] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 900 can include a second RH radar device 904, e.g. a rear RH, at the rear of the vehicle 900.

[0200] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 900 can include one or more RH radar devices at one or more corresponding corners of the vehicle 900. For example, the vehicle 900 can include a first RH radar device 912 at a first corner of the vehicle 900, a second RH radar device 914 at a second corner of the vehicle 900, a third RH radar device 916 at a third corner of the vehicle 900, and / or a fourth RH radar device 918 at a fourth corner of the vehicle 900.

[0201] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle 900 can represent one, some, or all of the multitude of [unclear] in Fig. The 9 RH radar devices shown may include the 910. For example, the vehicle 900 may include the front RH radar device 902 and / or the rear RH radar device 904.

[0202] From other perspectives, the vehicle 900 may also include other additional or alternative radar devices, for example, at other additional or alternative positions around the vehicle 900. For example, the vehicle 900 may include a side radar, e.g., on one side of the vehicle 900.

[0203] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 900 can include a radar system control 950 configured to control one or more, e.g. some or all, of the RH radar devices 910.

[0204] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar system control 950 can be implemented by a dedicated control, e.g., a dedicated system control or central control, which may be separate from the RH radar devices 910 and may be configured to control some or all of the RH radar devices 910.

[0205] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar system control 950 can be implemented as part of at least one RH radar device 910.

[0206] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar system control 950 can be implemented by a radar processor of an RH radar device 910. For example, the radar processor 834 ( Fig. 8) include one or more elements of the Radar System Control 950 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Radar System Control 950.

[0207] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar system control 950 can be implemented by a system control of the vehicle 900. For example, the vehicle control 108 ( Fig. 1) include one or more elements of the Radar System Control 950 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Radar System Control 950.

[0208] From other perspectives, one or more functionalities of the 950 control unit can be implemented as part of another element of the 900 vehicle.

[0209] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, one RH radar device 910 of the plurality of RH radar devices 910 can include a baseband processor 930 (also referred to as a “baseband processing unit (BPU)”) which can be configured to control the communication of radar signals through the RH radar device 910 and / or process radar signals communicated by the RH radar device 910. For example, the baseband processor 930 can replace one or more elements of the radar processor 834 ( Fig. 8) include and / or one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar processor 834 ( Fig. 8) carry out.

[0210] In other respects, an RH radar device 910 can exclude one or more, e.g., some or all, functionalities of the baseband processor 930 from the multitude of RH radar devices 910. For example, the controller 950 can be configured to perform one or more, e.g., some or all, functionalities of the baseband processor 930 for the RH.

[0211] In one example, the controller 950 can be configured to perform baseband processing for all RH radar devices 910, and all RH radio devices 910 can be implemented without baseband processors 930.

[0212] In another example, the controller 950 can be configured to perform baseband processing for one or more first RH radar devices 910, and the one or more first RH radar devices 910 can be implemented without baseband processors 930; and / or one or more second RH radar devices 910 can be implemented with one or more functionalities, e.g., some or all functionalities, of baseband processors 930.

[0213] In another example, one or more, e.g. some or all, RH radar devices 910 can be implemented with one or more functionalities, e.g. partial functionalities or full functionalities, of baseband processors 930.

[0214] In some demonstrative aspects, the baseband processor 930 may include one or more components and / or elements configured for the digital processing of radar signals communicated by the RH radar device 910, e.g., as described below.

[0215] In some demonstrative aspects, the 930 baseband processor can include one or more FFT engines, matrix multiplication engines, DSP processors and / or other additional or alternative baseband, e.g. digital, processing components.

[0216] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the RH radar device 910 can include a memory 932 which can be configured to store data that is processed and / or intended to be processed by the baseband processor 930. For example, the memory 932 can contain one or more elements of the memory 838 ( Fig. 8) include and / or one or more operations and / or functionalities of memory 838 ( Fig. 8) carry out.

[0217] In some demonstrative points of view, the 932 memory can include internal memory and / or an interface to one or more external memories, e.g., a double data rate (DDR) external memory and / or another type of memory.

[0218] In other respects, one RH radar device 910 of the multitude of RH radar devices 910 may not contain a memory 932. For example, the RH radar device 910 may be configured to provide radar data to the controller 950, e.g., in the form of raw radar data.

[0219] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the RH radar device 910 can include one or more RF units, e.g. in the form of one or more integrated RF chips (RF ICs) 920, which can be configured to communicate radar signals, e.g. as described below.

[0220] For example, an HF-IC 920 can replace one or more elements of the frontend 804 ( Fig. 8) include and / or one or more operations and / or functionalities of the frontend 804 ( Fig. 8) carry out.

[0221] In some demonstrative points of view, the multitude of HF-ICs 920 can be operated in such a way as to form a radar antenna array that includes one or more Tx antenna arrays and one or more Rx antenna arrays.

[0222] For example, the multitude of HF-ICs 920 can be operated in such a way that they form a MIMO radar antenna 881 ( Fig. 8) form the Tx arrays 824 ( Fig. 8) and / or Rx arrays 826 ( Fig. 8) includes.

[0223] In some demonstrative points of view, a radar device, e.g., as above with reference to Fig. 1 to 9 described, be configured to implement a current sensing mechanism for a power amplifier (PA), e.g. as described below.

[0224] In some demonstrative aspects, a radar device, e.g., as provided for with reference to Fig. 1 to 9 described, be configured to implement a current-measuring mechanism of an integrated PA, which may be implemented as part of an integrated circuit that includes an integrated PA, e.g. as described below.

[0225] For example, the power consumption of an integrated PA can provide valuable information, for example for one or more devices and / or systems in which the integrated PA may be implemented.

[0226] In one example, the power consumption of an integrated PA can be valuable information for a vehicle radar system that can implement the integrated PA.

[0227] In another example, the power consumption of an integrated PA can be valuable information for a wireless communication system that can implement the integrated PA.

[0228] For example, the power consumption of an integrated PA can be monitored, for example to monitor for failures in the PA, for example as part of one or more functional safety requirements (FUSA).

[0229] For example, the power consumption of an integrated PA can be monitored to track the deterioration of the PA over time.

[0230] For example, the power consumption of an integrated PA can be monitored to monitor thermal limits and / or current limits in a chip that includes the PA.

[0231] For example, the power consumption of an integrated PA can be monitored to detect one or more antenna failures, for example, based on the detection of significant changes in the power consumption of the integrated PA.

[0232] For example, the power consumption of an integrated PA can be monitored in order to adjust the PA current according to a different silicon offset and / or a different temperature setting.

[0233] From some demonstrative perspectives, for example in some use cases and / or implementations, it may not be advantageous to implement an external PA measuring device, which may be located outside of a chip that includes a PA, for example, to measure the power consumption of the integrated PA.

[0234] In one example, such an implementation of an external PA measuring device can be expensive and increase production costs.

[0235] In another example, such an implementation of an external PA meter might only support limited resolution. For instance, an external PA meter might measure the total current of a chip rather than the current per block. Consequently, the external PA meter might provide a low-resolution estimate of power consumption. For example, in some systems, such as an imaging radar system, there might be dozens of PA blocks, and therefore it might be important to monitor a PA block, such as each PA block, separately, rather than the total current of the chip.

[0236] In some demonstrative points of view, a device, e.g. a radar device, can be described as above with reference to Fig. 1 to 9 described, and / or any other device configured to implement a current-measuring mechanism of an integrated PA, which may be configured to measure the current consumption of an integrated PA, for example within an integrated circuit that includes the PA, e.g. as described below.

[0237] In some demonstrative aspects, the current measurement mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured to measure, for example, the power consumption of an integrated PA even without using an external PA measuring device, e.g., as described below.

[0238] In some demonstrative points of view, the current-measuring mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured to include a PA measurement circuit that can be connected to a PA and configured to measure the current consumption of the PA, e.g., as described below.

[0239] In some demonstrative points of view, the current measurement mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured such that the PA measurement circuit and the PA are implemented as part of the same integrated circuit, e.g., as described below.

[0240] In some demonstrative aspects, the current-measuring mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured such that the PA measurement circuit measures the current consumption of the PA internally within the integrated circuit that includes the PA, e.g., as described below.

[0241] In some demonstrative aspects, the current measurement mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured such that the PA measurement circuit and the PA are implemented as part of the same integrated circuit, for example to provide a technical solution to support fault detection of one or more fault events, for example based on the measured current consumption of the PA, as described below.

[0242] In some demonstrative aspects, the current measurement mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured such that the PA measurement circuit and the PA are implemented as part of the same integrated circuit, for example to provide a technical solution to support one or more FuSa operations and / or functionalities based on the measured current consumption of the PA to meet one or more FuSa requirements, e.g., as described below.

[0243] For example, integrating the PA measurement circuit and the PA as part of the same integrated circuit can provide a technical solution to support FuSa functionality in accordance with the relatively strict FuSa requirements.

[0244] In one example, integrating the PA measurement circuit and the PA as part of the same integrated circuit can provide a technical solution to support FuSa functionality according to one or more FuSa requirements, which is not supported, for example, when relying on external PA measurement with an external PA device.

[0245] For example, integrating the PA measurement circuit and the PA as part of the same integrated circuit can provide a technical solution to support the detection of one or more FuSa events, for example with increased accuracy.

[0246] The integration of the PA measurement circuit and the PA as part of the same integrated circuit can, for example, provide a technical solution to support the detection of one or more FuSa events within a relatively short period of time.

[0247] For example, integrating the PA measurement circuit and the PA as part of the same integrated circuit can provide a technical solution to support the detection of one or more fault events, for example, based on detected changes in the measured power consumption of the PA.

[0248] In one example, integrating the PA measurement circuit and the PA as part of the same integrated circuit can provide a technical solution to support the detection of a faulty PA and / or one or more other faulty components in an RF chain that includes the PA, for example based on the measured current consumption of the PA and / or detected changes in the measured current consumption of the PA.

[0249] From a demonstrative point of view, the current-measuring mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured to measure the current consumption of the integrated PA, for example, in a PA gain mode (also referred to as "large-signal operating mode"), as described below. In gain mode, the PA can, for example, be operated with a signal ("large signal") that has a relatively high current ("large-signal current").

[0250] In some examples, the current-measuring mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured to measure the current consumption of the integrated PA, for example, in a standby mode of the PA (also referred to as a "small-signal operating mode"), as described below. In standby mode, the PA can, for example, be operated with a signal ("small signal") that has a relatively low current ("small signal current").

[0251] In some examples, the current measurement mechanism of an integrated PA can implement a PA measurement circuit that can be configured to measure the large-signal current of, for example, an amplification mode of the PA, e.g., as described below.

[0252] In some demonstrative aspects, the current measurement mechanism of an integrated PA can implement a PA measurement circuit that can be configured to measure the quiescent current of the PA, for example, in the PA's idle mode, as described below.

[0253] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit can be configured to provide a technical solution for measuring the large-signal current, for example based on a voltage drop measurement, for example across a PA inductor of the PA, e.g. as described below.

[0254] In some examples, the PA measurement circuit can be configured to measure the large-signal current of the PA, for example by using a first terminal of an output transformer center tap (CT) of the PA and / or a second terminal of a PA drain of the PA, which may be connected to a read circuit and / or a monitor circuit, for example as described below.

[0255] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit can be configured to provide a technical solution for measuring the quiescent current of the PA, for example, based on a simulation of a PA branch and a measurement of the current of the PA branch simulation, e.g., as described below.

[0256] For example, the measurement of the current of the PA branch simulation can be based on a voltage drop across a calibrated resistor in the PA branch simulation, e.g. as described below.

[0257] In some demonstrative points of view, the current measurement mechanism of an integrated PA can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the monitoring of failures, PA reliability problems, the detection of antenna failures, the current tuning of a PA and / or other additional or alternative technical problems of the PA.

[0258] It will be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 10, which schematically illustrates a block diagram of an integrated chip (IC) 1000 according to some demonstrative points.

[0259] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, IC 1000 can include a PA 1002 which can be configured to amplify an RF signal, e.g. as described below.

[0260] In some demonstrative aspects, the RF signal can be in a frequency band above 40 GHz, e.g., as described below.

[0261] In some demonstrative aspects, the RF signal can lie within a frequency bandwidth of 76 to 81 GHz, e.g., as described below.

[0262] From other perspectives, the RF signal can be present in any other suitable frequency bandwidth.

[0263] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, PA 1002 can include an inductor 1004, a first transistor 1012 and / or a second transistor 1014, e.g. as described below.

[0264] For example, a gate of the first transistor 1012 and a gate of the second transistor 1014 can be coupled to an input of the PA 1002 to receive an input signal that is to be amplified by the PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0265] For example, the inductor 1004 can be coupled to an output of the PA 1002 to generate an amplified output signal based on the amplification of the input signal of the PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0266] In other respects, PA 1002 may also include other additional and / or alternative electronic devices, elements and / or components.

[0267] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, IC 1000 can include a PA measurement circuit 1030 which can be connected to PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0268] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the PA measurement circuit 1030 can be configured to generate an analog measurement signal 1035, for example, based on the magnitude of a PA current consumed by PA 1002, as described below.

[0269] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, IC 1000 can include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1040 which can be configured to generate a digital measurement signal 1045, for example, based on the analog measurement signal 1035, as described below.

[0270] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measuring circuit 1030 can be configured to generate, for example, an analog measurement signal 1035 whose magnitude is proportional to the magnitude of the PA current consumed by PA 1002, e.g., as described below.

[0271] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measuring circuit 1030 can be configured to generate the analog measurement signal 1035, for example, based on a voltage drop across the inductance 1004 of the PA 1002, e.g., as described below.

[0272] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measuring circuit 1030 can be configured to generate the analog measurement signal 1035, for example, on the basis of a voltage difference 1039 between a first voltage and a second voltage, e.g., as described below.

[0273] In some demonstrative points of view, the first voltage can, for example, be based on a center tap voltage at a center tap (CT) 1005 of the inductor 1004, e.g. as described below.

[0274] In some demonstrative points of view, the second voltage can be based, for example, on a PA drain voltage of PA 1002, e.g., as described below.

[0275] In some demonstrative points of view, the inductor 1004 can be connected between a drain 1013 of the first transistor 1012 of PA 1002 and a drain 1015 of the second transistor 1014 of PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0276] In some demonstrative points of view, the PA drain voltage can be between the drain 1013 of the first transistor 1012 and the drain 1015 of the second transistor 1014, e.g. as described below.

[0277] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the PA measuring circuit 1030 can include a first path 1022, for example, between the center tap 1005 of the inductor 1004 and a first measuring node 1032, e.g., as described below.

[0278] In some demonstrative points of view, the first measuring node 1032 can be configured to provide the first voltage, e.g. as described below.

[0279] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the PA measurement circuit 1030 can include a second path 1024 between a PA drain node 1008 and a second measurement node 1034, e.g. as described below.

[0280] In some demonstrative points of view, the second measuring node 1034 can be configured to provide the second voltage, e.g. as described below.

[0281] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the PA drain node 1008 can be connected between the drain 1013 of the first transistor 1012 and the drain 1015 of the second transistor 1014, e.g. as described below.

[0282] In some demonstrative points of view, the first path 1022 and / or the second path 1024 may include an RF filter circuit which may be configured to filter the RF signal amplified by the PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0283] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the first path 1022 can include an RF filter circuit 1031 which can be configured to filter the RF signal, e.g. as described below.

[0284] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the second path 1024 can include an RF filter circuit 1033 which can be configured to filter the RF signal, e.g. as described below.

[0285] In some demonstrative points of view, the PA measuring circuit 1030 can include a PA current measuring circuit 1028, which can be configured to provide the voltage difference 1039 between the first voltage and the second voltage, e.g. as described below.

[0286] In some demonstrative points of view, the PA current measurement circuit 1028 can, for example, include the first path 1022 and / or the second path 1024, e.g. as described below.

[0287] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the PA measurement circuit 1030 can include a direct current amplifier (DC amplifier) ​​1036, which can be configured to generate the analog measurement signal 1035, for example, based on the first voltage, e.g., at the first measurement node 1032, and the second voltage, e.g., at the second measurement node 1034, e.g., as described below.

[0288] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, IC 1000 can include a digital controller 1050 which can be configured to control one or more elements and / or one or more operations and / or functionalities of the PA measurement circuit 1030 and / or IC 1000, e.g. as described below.

[0289] In some demonstrative aspects, the 1050 processor can include circuitry and / or logic, or be partially or completely implemented by circuitry and / or logic, e.g., one or more processors that include circuitry and / or logic, memory circuitry and / or logic, and / or other circuitry and / or logic configured to perform the functionality of the 1050 controller. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of the 1050 controller can be implemented by logic that can be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, e.g., as described below.

[0290] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1050 can be configured to determine, for example, an estimated power consumption 1055 of the PA 1002 based on the digital measurement signal 1045, e.g., as described below.

[0291] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1050 can be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1055 of the PA 1002, for example, based on a pre-configured measurement factor, e.g., as described below.

[0292] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, IC 100 can include an output 1056 which can be configured to provide a digital output 1058, e.g. as described below.

[0293] In some demonstrative aspects, output 1056 can be configured to provide digital output 1058, for example, based on digital measurement signal 1045, as described below.

[0294] In some demonstrative points of view, the digital output 1058 can, for example, be based on the estimated power consumption 1055 of PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0295] In some demonstrative points of view, the digital output 1058 can, for example, include the estimated power consumption 1055 of PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0296] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital output 1058 can, for example, include an error indicator to show whether PA 1002 is faulty or not, for example based on the estimated power consumption 1055 of PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0297] In other respects, the digital output 1058 can include any additional or alternative information and / or displays, for example based on the estimated power consumption 1055 of the PA 1002.

[0298] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the PA measurement circuit 1030 can be configured to generate an analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037, for example, based on the magnitude of a PA quiescent current consumed by PA 1002 in standby mode, for example, as described below.

[0299] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the ADC 1040 can be configured to generate a digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047, for example, based on the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037, as described below.

[0300] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the digital controller 1050 can be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1055 of the PA 1002, for example, based on the digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047, e.g., as described below.

[0301] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1030 can be configured to generate the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037 with a magnitude proportional to the magnitude of the PA quiescent current consumed by PA 1002 in standby mode, e.g., as described below.

[0302] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the PA measuring circuit 1030 can include a quiescent current measuring circuit 1020, which can be electrically coupled to the PA drain node 1008 of the PA 1002, e.g. as described below.

[0303] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1020 can be configured to provide a quiescent voltage difference 1029, for example, based on the magnitude of the PA quiescent current consumed by PA 1002 in standby mode, for example, as described below.

[0304] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the DC amplifier 1039 can be configured to generate the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037, for example, based on the quiescent voltage difference 1029, e.g., as described below.

[0305] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1020 can include a calibrated resistor 1025, e.g. as described below.

[0306] In some demonstrative points of view, the open-circuit voltage difference 1029 can, for example, be based on a voltage drop across the calibrated resistor 1025, e.g. as described below.

[0307] In some demonstrative aspects, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1020 can be configured as a scaled-down version of PA 1002, for example according to a predefined scaling factor, e.g. as described below.

[0308] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1050 can be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1055 of the PA 1002, for example, based on the predefined scaling factor, e.g., as described below.

[0309] In some demonstrative aspects, the scaling factor can be at least 10, e.g., as described below.

[0310] In some demonstrative aspects, the scaling factor can be at least 12, e.g., as described below.

[0311] In some demonstrative aspects, the scaling factor can be at least 15, e.g., as described below.

[0312] In some demonstrative aspects, the scaling factor can be at least 20, e.g., as described below.

[0313] In some demonstrative aspects, the scaling factor can be at least 30, e.g., as described below.

[0314] From other perspectives, any other scaling factor can be used.

[0315] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the PA measuring circuit 1030 can include a switch 1043 which can be controlled to switch between a first switch position and a second switch position, e.g. as described below.

[0316] In some demonstrative aspects, the first switch position can be configured such that the voltage difference 1039 is applied to an input 1026 of the DC amplifier 1036, e.g. as described below.

[0317] In some demonstrative points of view, the second switch position can be configured such that the quiescent voltage difference 1029 is applied to the input 1026 of the DC amplifier 1036, e.g. as described below.

[0318] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1050 can be configured to control the switch 1043 to toggle between the first switch position and the second switch position, e.g. as described below.

[0319] For example, the digital control 1050 can be configured to control the switching of the switch 1043 between the first switch position, e.g. to apply the voltage difference 1039 to the input 1026 of the DC amplifier 1039, and the second switch position, e.g. to apply the quiescent voltage difference 1029 to the input 1026 of the DC amplifier 1036, e.g. as described below.

[0320] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1050 can be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1055 of the PA 1002, for example, based on a magnitude of the digital measurement signal 1045 in the standby mode of the PA 1002, e.g., as described below.

[0321] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1050 can be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1055 of the PA 1002, for example, based on the digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047 and the digital measurement signal 1045, e.g., as described below.

[0322] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1050 can be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1055 of the PA 1002, for example, based on a ratio between a magnitude of the digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047 and a magnitude of the digital measurement signal 1045, e.g., as described below.

[0323] In some demonstrative aspects, IC 1000 can include an RF chain (in Fig. 10 not shown), which may include PA 1002.

[0324] In some demonstrative aspects, the IC 1000 can be used in a variety of RF chains (in Fig. 10 not shown) including a variety of PAs 1002.

[0325] In some demonstrative points of view, IC 1000 can include a first PA and a first PA measurement circuit, which is connected, for example, to the first PA to generate a first analog measurement signal, based, for example, on the magnitude of a first PA current consumed by the first PA, e.g., as described below.

[0326] In some demonstrative aspects, IC 1000 can include a second PA and a second PA measurement circuit connected to the second PA to generate a second analog measurement signal, for example based on the magnitude of a second PA current consumed by the second PA, e.g., as described below.

[0327] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1050 can be configured to determine, for example, an estimated power consumption of the first PA based on the first analog measurement signal, e.g., from the first PA measurement circuit.

[0328] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1050 can be configured to determine, for example, an estimated power consumption of the second PA based on the second analog measurement signal, e.g., from the second PA measurement circuit.

[0329] In some demonstrative aspects, IC 1000 can be implemented as part of a radar device or radar system, for example as part of the radar device 800 ( Fig. 8), e.g. as described above.

[0330] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device can include a multitude of Tx antennas connected to a multitude of Tx chains, and a multitude of Rx antennas connected to a multitude of Rx chains.

[0331] In some demonstrative points of view, IC 1000 can include at least one Tx chain from the multitude of Tx chains.

[0332] In some demonstrative points of view, the Tx chain can include the PA 1002.

[0333] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device may include a radar processor, e.g., the 834 radar processor ( Fig. 8) to generate radar information, for example, based on radar Rx signals processed by the Rx chains.

[0334] In one example, IC 1000 can control a Tx chain 810 ( Fig. 8) include, for example, from the multitude of Tx chains 810 that can include the PA 1002.

[0335] In some demonstrative aspects, IC 1000 can be implemented as part of any other suitable device and / or system.

[0336] In some demonstrative aspects, IC 1000 can be implemented, for example, as part of a device, such as a mobile device, a computing device and / or a wireless communication device, to communicate wireless RF communication signals.

[0337] For example, in some demonstrative aspects, the IC 1000 can be implemented in such a way that the wireless RF communication signals are communicated via mmWave frequencies and / or other suitable frequencies.

[0338] For example, the device can include a multitude of Tx antennas connected to a multitude of Tx chains, and a multitude of Rx antennas connected to a multitude of Rx chains.

[0339] In some demonstrative points of view, IC 1000 can include at least one Tx chain from the multitude of Tx chains of the device.

[0340] In some demonstrative points of view, the Tx chain can include the PA 1002.

[0341] In other respects, the PA current sensing circuit can be implemented by any other wireless communication device, wired communication device, imaging device, robotic device, drone device and / or any other suitable type of device that uses one or more PA amplifiers.

[0342] It will be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 11, which schematically illustrates a block diagram of an IC 1100 including a PA measurement circuit 1130 according to some demonstrative points. For example, IC 1000 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of IC 1100 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of IC 1100.

[0343] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, IC 1100 can include a PA 1102 which can be configured to amplify an RF signal 1107.

[0344] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the PA measuring circuit 1130 can be connected to PA 1102.

[0345] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measuring circuit 1130 can be configured to measure the PA current consumed by the PA 1102.

[0346] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the PA measurement circuit 1030 can include a PA current measurement circuit 1128, which is referred to as Current Measurement Block A (CM_A)), which can be electrically coupled to PA 1102.

[0347] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the PA current sensing circuit 1128 can be configured to provide a voltage difference 1139 between a first voltage and a second voltage, e.g. as described below.

[0348] In some demonstrative aspects, the first voltage can, for example, be applied to a center tap voltage at a center tap, e.g. center tap 1005 ( Fig. 10), an inductance (in Fig. 11 not shown) of PA 1102, e.g. inductance 1004 ( Fig. 10), based.

[0349] In some demonstrative aspects, the second voltage can, for example, be based on the PA drain voltage of PA 1102.

[0350] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1130 can be configured to receive an analog measurement signal, e.g., the analog measurement signal 1035 ( Fig. 10), which is based on the voltage difference 1139.

[0351] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the PA measurement circuit 1030 can include a DC amplifier 1136 which can be configured to generate the analog measurement signal, for example, on the basis of the voltage difference 1139.

[0352] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the PA measurement circuit 1130 can include a quiescent current measurement circuit 1120, which is referred to as Current Measurement Block B (CM_B), electrically connected to a PA drain node (in Fig. 11 not shown) of PA 1102, e.g. PA drain node 1008 ( Fig. 10), can be coupled.

[0353] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1120 can be configured to provide a quiescent voltage difference 1129, for example, based on the magnitude of a PA quiescent current consumed by PA 1102, for example, in a quiescent current mode of PA 1102.

[0354] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1130 can be configured to provide an analog quiescent current measurement signal, e.g., the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037 ( Fig. 10), for example, based on the rest voltage difference 1129.

[0355] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the DC amplifier 1136 can be configured to generate the analog quiescent current measurement signal, for example, based on the quiescent voltage difference 1129.

[0356] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the PA measuring circuit 1130 can include a switch 1143 which can be controlled to switch between a first switch position and a second switch position, e.g. as described below.

[0357] In some demonstrative aspects, the first switch position can be configured such that the voltage difference 1139 is applied to an input 1126 of the DC amplifier 1136.

[0358] In some demonstrative points of view, the second switch position can be configured so that the quiescent voltage difference 1029 is applied to the input 1126 of the DC amplifier 1136.

[0359] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, IC 1100 can include a digital controller 1150 which can be configured to control one or more elements and / or one or more operations and / or functionalities of the PA measurement circuit 1130 and / or the IC 1100.

[0360] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1150 can be configured to control the switching of the switch 1143 between the first switch position and the second switch position.

[0361] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1150 can be configured to control the switching of the switch 1143 between the first switch position, e.g. to apply the voltage difference 1139 to the input 1126 of the DC amplifier 1139, and the second switch position, e.g. to apply the quiescent voltage difference 1129 to the input 1126 of the DC amplifier 1136.

[0362] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1130 can be configured to measure the analog measurement signal 1035 ( Fig. 10) for example, based on the voltage difference 1139, when the switch 1143 is in the first switch position, for example.

[0363] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1130 can be configured to measure the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037 ( Fig. 10) for example, based on the quiescent voltage difference 1129, when the switch 1143 is, for example, in the second switch position.

[0364] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, IC 1100 can include an ADC 1140, which can be configured to receive a digital measurement signal, e.g., the digital measurement signal 1045 ( Fig. 10), for example, based on the analog measurement signal, e.g., the analog measurement signal 1035 ( Fig. 10), generated when, for example, switch 1143 is in the first switch position.

[0365] In some demonstrative aspects, the ADC 1140 can be configured to provide a digital quiescent current measurement signal, e.g., the digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047 ( Fig. 10), for example, based on the analog quiescent current measurement signal, e.g., the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037 ( Fig. 10), generated when, for example, switch 1143 is in the second switch position.

[0366] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the digital controller 1150 can be configured to determine an estimated power consumption 1155 of the PA 1102, for example, based on the digital measurement signal from ADC 1140, e.g., as described below.

[0367] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the digital controller 1150 can be configured to determine an estimated power consumption 1155 of the PA 1102, for example, based on the digital quiescent current measurement signal from ADC 1140, e.g., as described below.

[0368] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1150 can be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1155 of the PA 1102, for example, based on a pre-configured measurement factor, e.g., as described below.

[0369] In some demonstrative aspects, for example, an external current measurement, e.g., even just an external current measurement, can be used to determine the pre-configured measurement factor, e.g., as described below.

[0370] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, an external current meter 1162 can be used to perform the external current measurement, for example to determine the pre-configured measurement factor.

[0371] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1150 can be configured to determine the pre-configured measurement factor even without using the external current meter 1162, e.g., as described below.

[0372] It will be on Fig. 12 Reference is made to a schematic block diagram of an IC 1200 including a PA measurement circuit 1230, illustrating some demonstrative points. For example, IC 1000 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of IC 1200 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of IC 1200.

[0373] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, IC 1200 can include a PA 1202, which can be configured to amplify an RF signal.

[0374] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can be connected to PA 1202.

[0375] In some demonstrative points of view, the PA measurement circuit 1230 can be configured to measure the PA current consumed by PA 1202.

[0376] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, PA 1202 can include an inductor designated L1, an inductor 1204 designated L2, a first transistor 1212 designated Q1, and / or a second transistor 1214 designated Q2.

[0377] For example, a gate of the first transistor 1212 and a gate of the second transistor 1214 can be coupled to an input of the PA 1202, e.g. via the inductor L1, in order to receive an input signal that is to be amplified by the PA 1202.

[0378] For example, the inductor 1204 can be coupled to an output of the PA 1202 to provide, for example, an amplified output signal based on the amplification of the input signal of the PA 1202.

[0379] In other respects, PA 1202 may also include other additional and / or alternative electronic devices, elements and / or components.

[0380] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1230 can be configured to generate an analog measurement signal, e.g., the analog measurement signal 1035 ( Fig. 10), which is based, for example, on the size of the PA current consumed by PA 1202.

[0381] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA measurement circuit 1230 can include a DC amplifier 1236 which can be configured to generate the analog measurement signal.

[0382] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, IC 1200 can include an ADC 1240, which can be configured to generate a digital measurement signal, for example, based on the analog measurement signal.

[0383] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can be configured to generate the analog measurement signal, for example, based on a voltage drop across the inductor 1204 of the PA 1202.

[0384] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1230 can be configured to generate the analog measurement signal, for example, on the basis of a voltage difference 1239, denoted by V_LS, between a first voltage and a second voltage, e.g., as described below.

[0385] In some demonstrative points of view, the first voltage can, for example, be based on a center tap voltage at a center tap 1205 of the inductor 1204.

[0386] In some demonstrative aspects, the second voltage can, for example, be based on the PA drain voltage of PA 1202.

[0387] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the inductor 1204 can be connected between a drain of the first transistor 1212 and a drain of the second transistor 1214 of the PA 1202.

[0388] In some demonstrative points of view, the PA drain voltage can lie between the drain of the first transistor 1212 and the drain 1215 of the second transistor 1214.

[0389] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can include a first path 1222 between the center tap 1205 of the inductor 1204 and a first measuring node 1232, which can be configured to provide the first voltage.

[0390] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can include a second path 1224 between a PA drain node 1208 and a second measuring node 1234, which can be configured to provide the second voltage.

[0391] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA drain node 1208 can be connected between the drain of the first transistor 1212 and the drain of the second transistor 1214.

[0392] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the first path 1222 can include a first RF filter circuit 1231 which can be configured to filter the RF signal amplified by PA 1202.

[0393] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the first RF filter circuit 1231 can include a capacitor, labelled C4, a first resistor, labelled R4, and a second resistor, labelled R3.

[0394] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the second path 1224 can include a second RF filter circuit 1233, which can be configured to filter the RF signal amplified by PA 1202.

[0395] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the second RF filter circuit 1233 can include a capacitor, labelled C1, a first resistor, labelled R1, a second resistor, labelled R2, and a third resistor, labelled R3.

[0396] In some demonstrative points of view, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can include a PA current measuring circuit 1228, designated CM_A, which can be configured to provide the voltage difference 1239 between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0397] In some demonstrative points of view, the PA current measurement circuit 1228 can, for example, include the first path 1222 and / or the second path 1224.

[0398] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA measurement circuit 1230 can be configured to generate an analog quiescent current measurement signal, e.g., the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037 ( Fig. 10), which is based, for example, on the size of a PA current consumed by PA 1202, for example, in a standby state of PA 1202.

[0399] In some demonstrative aspects, the DC amplifier 1236 can be configured to generate the analog quiescent current measurement signal, for example, based on a quiescent voltage difference 1229, denoted by V_SS.

[0400] In some demonstrative aspects, the quiescent voltage difference V_SS can, for example, be based on the magnitude of a PA quiescent current consumed by PA 1202, for example, in the quiescent state of PA 1202.

[0401] In some demonstrative points of view, the open-circuit voltage difference 1229 can, for example, be based on a voltage drop across a calibrated resistor, denoted by R_ss.

[0402] In some demonstrative aspects, the ADC 1240 can be configured to generate a digital quiescent current measurement signal, e.g., the digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047 ( Fig. 10), which is based, for example, on the analog quiescent current measurement signal provided by the DC amplifier 1236 based on the quiescent voltage difference V_SS.

[0403] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can include a quiescent current measuring circuit 1220, designated CM_B, which is electrically coupled to the PA drain node 1208.

[0404] In some demonstrative aspects, the quiescent current measuring circuit 1220 can be configured to provide the quiescent voltage difference V_SS 1229.

[0405] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220 can include the calibrated resistor R_ss.

[0406] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can include a switch 1243 which can be controlled to switch between a first switch position and a second switch position.

[0407] In some demonstrative aspects, the first switch position can be configured so that the voltage difference 1239 is applied, for example, via the first measuring node 1232 and the second measuring node 1234 to an input of the DC amplifier 1236.

[0408] In some demonstrative aspects, the second switch position can be configured so that the quiescent voltage difference 1229 is applied to the input of the DC amplifier 1236, for example, via a first measuring node 1242 and a second measuring node 1244.

[0409] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, IC 1200 can include a digital controller 1250 which can be configured to control one or more elements and / or one or more operations and / or functionalities of the PA measurement circuit 1230 and / or the IC 1200.

[0410] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can be configured to control the switching of the switch 1243 between the first switch position and the second switch position, e.g. as described below.

[0411] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can be configured to control the switching of the switch 1243 between the first switch position, e.g. to apply the voltage difference 1239 to an input of the DC amplifier 1239, and the second switch position, e.g. to apply the quiescent voltage difference 1229 to the input of the DC amplifier 1236.

[0412] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1230 can be configured to measure the analog measurement signal 1035 ( Fig. 10) for example, based on the voltage difference 1239 between the first voltage and the second voltage when the switch 1243 is in the first switch position.

[0413] In some demonstrative aspects, the ADC 1240 can be configured to output the digital measurement signal 1045 ( Fig. 10) for example, based on the analog measurement signal 1035 ( Fig. 10) is generated when switch 1243 is in the first switch position.

[0414] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measurement circuit 1230 can be configured to measure the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037 ( Fig. 10) for example, based on the quiescent voltage difference 1229 when the switch 1243 is in the second switch position.

[0415] In some demonstrative aspects, the ADC 1240 can be configured to output the digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047 ( Fig. 10) for example, based on the analog quiescent current measurement signal 1037 ( Fig. 10) is generated when switch 1243 is in the second switch position.

[0416] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1250 can be configured to determine an estimated power consumption 1255 of the PA 1202, for example, based on the digital current measurement signal of the ADC 1240, e.g., as described below.

[0417] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can be configured to calculate the estimated power consumption 1255 of the PA 1202, for example, based on the digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047 ( Fig. 10) determined, e.g. as described below.

[0418] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1250 can be configured to estimate the power consumption 1255 of the PA 1202, for example, based on the magnitude of the digital measurement signal 1045 ( Fig. 10), e.g. in the resting state of the PA 1202, determined, e.g. as described below.

[0419] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the PA current measurement circuit 1228 can be configured to provide a block measurement value, designated CM_A_Read, e.g., the digital measurement signal, which can be proportional to a current actually consumed by the PA 1202. For example, the ADC 1240 can receive the block measurement value CM_A_Read via the digital measurement signal, e.g., the digital measurement signal 1045 ( Fig. 10), provide.

[0420] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA current measurement circuit 1228 can be configured to measure the PA current of PA 1202, for example, in the idle mode of PA 1202, e.g., in the small-signal operating mode, and / or in an amplification mode of PA 1202, e.g., in the large-signal operating mode.

[0421] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the first RF filter circuit 1231 can include a first low-pass filter, e.g. including resistor R3, resistor R4 and capacitor C4.

[0422] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the first low-pass filter can be connected to the center tap 1205 of the inductor 1204, e.g. to the PA drain voltage (VDD).

[0423] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the second RF filter circuit 1233 can include a second low-pass filter, which is essentially the same as the first low-pass filter, including resistor R1, resistor R2, resistor R3 and capacitor C1.

[0424] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the second low-pass filter can be connected to the drains of transistors 1212 and 1214.

[0425] In some demonstrative points of view, a voltage difference, e.g. a differential DC voltage, between the outputs of the first and second low-pass filter, e.g. between the first measuring node 1232 and the second measuring node 1234, can be based on the voltage drop across the inductor 1204.

[0426] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the voltage difference between the outputs of the first and second low-pass filters can be amplified by the DC amplifier 1236 and measured by the ADC 1240.

[0427] In some demonstrative points of view, the digital measurement signal generated by the ADC 1240 on the basis of the voltage difference 1239 can, for example, be proportional to a PA current consumed by the PA 1202 by means of a measurement factor.

[0428] In some demonstrative aspects, a pre-configured measurement factor, denoted by K, can be determined, for example, by a measurement, e.g., even just one measurement, with an external current meter, e.g., the external current meter 1162 ( Fig. 11). will be determined.

[0429] In some demonstrative aspects, the measurement factor K can be used, for example, by a digital controller 1250 to determine one or more subsequent measurements of the PA current consumed by the PA 1202, e.g., in a product.

[0430] In some demonstrative points of view, a PA current, denoted by PA Strom , which can be consumed by the PA 1202, for example on the basis of the block measurement value CM_A_Read of the PA current measurement circuit 1228, e.g. the digital measurement signal, and the measurement factor K, e.g. as follows: PAStrom=K∗CM_A_read

[0431] For example, the digital controller 1250 can be configured to determine the PA current consumed by the PA 1202, for example, based on the block measurement value CM_A_Read of the PA current measuring circuit 1228 and the measurement factor K, e.g. according to equation 1.

[0432] In some demonstrative aspects, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220 can be configured to provide a block measurement value designated CM_B_read, e.g., the digital quiescent current measurement signal, which may be proportional to a quantity of the quiescent current consumed by the PA 1202, e.g., in the standby mode of the PA 1202.

[0433] For example, the ADC 1240 can measure the block value CM_B_read via the digital quiescent current measurement signal, e.g. the digital quiescent current measurement signal 1047 ( Fig. 10), provide.

[0434] In some demonstrative aspects, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220 can be configured to measure the PA current of the PA 1202, for example, in quiescent mode, and only when the PA 1202 is operating in quiescent mode.

[0435] In some demonstrative points of view, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220 can include a simulation of a PA branch of PA 1202.

[0436] For example, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220 can be scaled with respect to the PA branch of PA 1202, for example by a predefined scaling factor denoted by X.

[0437] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220 can include the calibrated resistor R_ss, a first transistor designated Q2, and a second transistor designated Q3.

[0438] In some demonstrative aspects, the predefined scaling factor X can be determined, for example, on the basis of a width of transistor 1212 (Q1_width), a width of transistor Q2 (Q2_width) and a width of transistor Q3 (Q3_width), e.g. as follows: X=(Q1_width+Q2_width) / Q3_width

[0439] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220 can include an operational amplifier 1226, referred to as an op-amp, which, for example, has a differential input.

[0440] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220 can include a feedback transistor, designated F, to provide feedback to the differential input of the operational amplifier 1226.

[0441] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, transistor Q3 can be forced, e.g. by the operational amplifier 1226 and the feedback transistor F, to have essentially identical bias voltages as transistor Q1 and transistor Q2 of the PA 1202, e.g. as described below.

[0442] For example, the gate bias of transistor Q3 can be essentially identical to the gate bias of transistor Q1 and the gate bias of transistor Q2 of PA 1202. For example, a gate of transistor Q3 can be connected to a gate of transistor Q1 and to a gate of transistor Q2. Accordingly, the gate voltage of transistor Q3 can be essentially identical to the gate voltage of transistor Q2 and the gate voltage of transistor Q1.

[0443] In some examples, the drain bias of transistor Q3 can be essentially identical to the drain bias of transistor Q1 and the drain bias of transistor Q2 of PA 1202.

[0444] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, a first differential input of the operational amplifier 1226 can be connected to a drain voltage of transistor Q3.

[0445] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, a second differential input of the operational amplifier 1226 can be connected to the PA drain node 1208, which can include a drain voltage of transistor Q2 and a drain voltage of transistor Q1.

[0446] In some demonstrative points of view, the drain voltage of transistor Q3 can be "copied" from the second differential input of operational amplifier 1226, which can include the PA drain voltage of PA 1202. For example, operational amplifier 1226 and the feedback transistor F can force the first differential input of operational amplifier 1226 to be essentially equal to the second differential input of operational amplifier 1226.

[0447] For example, a differential output of the operational amplifier 1226 can be based on a difference between the second differential input and the first differential input.

[0448] For example, the feedback transistor F can feed the differential output back to the first differential input, so that there is no significant difference between the second differential input and the first differential input of the operational amplifier 1226.

[0449] For example, the drain voltage of transistor Q3 can be permanently equal to the PA drain voltage of PA 1202, and the gate voltage of transistor Q3 can be essentially equal to the gate voltage of transistors Q1 and Q2.

[0450] In some demonstrative points of view, the quiescent current consumed by PA 1202 can be determined, for example, on the basis of the voltage drop across the calibrated resistor R_ss, since the calibrated resistor R_ss is connected to the drain of transistor Q3 and the bias voltages of transistor Q3 may be essentially identical to the bias voltages of transistors Q1 and Q2 of PA 1202.

[0451] In some demonstrative points of view, the current across the calibrated resistor R_ss can be scaled by the scaling factor X, for example in relation to the quiescent current consumed by the PA 1202 in standby mode, since the quiescent current measuring circuit 1220 can be scaled by the scaling factor X, e.g. in relation to the PA branch.

[0452] From some demonstrative perspectives, the calibrated resistance R_SS can be the same resistance that can be used in a bandgap resistor of IC 1200. Accordingly, a calibration value of the bandgap resistor can be used to improve accuracy, for example.

[0453] In some demonstrative points of view, a quiescent current, denoted PA, can be Ruhestrom, which can be consumed by the PA 1202 in standby mode, for example on the basis of the scaling factor X, a value of the resistance R_SS, a DC-amp gain, denoted DC_amp gain, a DC supply 1249 and / or the block measurement CM_B_read of the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220, for example the digital quiescent current measurement signal, e.g. as follows: PARquiescent current=X∗CM_B_read / DC_AMP_gainRss

[0454] For example, the digital controller 1250 can be configured to determine the quiescent current consumed by the PA 1202 in standby mode based on the block measurement CM_B_read of the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220, e.g. according to equation 3.

[0455] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can be configured to provide a technical solution for providing the estimated power consumption of the PA 1202, e.g., a large-signal measurement, even without an external current measurement, for example by an external current meter 1162 ( Fig. 11), to support, e.g. as described below.

[0456] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can be configured to measure the measurement factor K, for example even without an external current measurement, for example by an external current meter 1162 ( Fig. 11), determined, e.g. as described below.

[0457] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can be configured to determine the measurement factor K, for example, on the basis of the voltage difference V_LS 1239 and the quiescent voltage difference V_SS 1229, for example, in the standby mode of the PA 1202.

[0458] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can activate the PA 1202, for example with a small signal, e.g. in the standby mode of the PA 1202.

[0459] For example, the PA 1202 can be designed so that in standby mode the measured value in both the current measurement block CM_A 1228 and the current measurement block CM_B 1220 is proportional to the same value.

[0460] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can be configured to determine the measurement factor K, for example, on the basis of a ratio between the magnitude of the digital quiescent current measurement signal provided, for example, by the current measurement block CM_B 1220, and the magnitude of the digital measurement signal provided, for example, by the current measurement block CM_A 1228, for example, in the standby mode of the PA 1202.

[0461] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1250 can, for example, be configured to calibrate the large-signal measurement, provided, for example, by the current measurement block CM_A 1228, using the block readings from both the PA current measurement circuit 1228 and the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220, with a small-signal measurement, e.g., as a standby mode. For example, this measurement can be performed instead of the external current measurement using the external current meter 1162 ( Fig. 11) can be used.

[0462] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital controller 1250 can, for example, be configured to determine the measurement factor K based on, for example, the block measurement CM_A_read read from the PA current measurement circuit 1228, the block measurement CM_B_read read from the quiescent current measurement circuit 1220, the value of the calibrated resistance R_ss, and the DC-amplified gain, as follows: K=X∗CM_B_read / DC_AMP_gainRss∗CM_A_read

[0463] In some demonstrative aspects, the PA measuring circuit 1230 can be configured to provide a technical solution to support improved accuracy, for example for the estimated power consumption 1255 of PA 1202.

[0464] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can, for example, be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1255 of the PA 1202, e.g. with increased accuracy, for example on the basis of the voltage difference V_LS 1239 in the standby mode of the PA 1202.

[0465] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can, for example, be configured to determine the estimated power consumption 1255 of the PA 1202, e.g. with increased accuracy, for example based on the magnitude of the digital measurement signal in the standby mode of the PA 1202.

[0466] In some demonstrative aspects, the digital control 1250 can, for example, be configured to calculate the estimated power consumption 1255 of the PA 1202, e.g., with increased accuracy, for example by subtracting the CM. Aread@powerdownThe size of the digital measurement signal in the standby mode of PA 1202 is determined by the size of the digital measurement signal in the amplification mode of PA 1202, e.g. as follows: CMAaccurate_read=CMAread−CMAread@powerdown

[0467] For example, the current consumed by the PA 1202 might be zero in its standby mode. For instance, the digital controller 1250 could be configured to display a linear curve from zero current to the measured current CM. Aread used to improve the accuracy of the measured current of the PA 1202. For example, the digital controller 1250 can be configured to use the linear curve to correct some mismatches in IC 1200, such as one or more operational amplifier mismatches and / or a DC offset of the DC power supply 1249.

[0468] It will be on Fig. 13 Referenced, which schematically illustrates a manufactured product 1300 according to some demonstrative aspects. The product 1300 may be one or more physical, computer-readable (“machine-readable”), non-transitory storage media 1302, which may include computer-executable instructions, e.g., implemented by logic 1304, which, when executed by at least one computer processor, enables the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations and / or functionalities that, with reference to a Fig.1 to 12 are described, and / or include one or more operations described herein. The terms "non-transient machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable non-transient storage medium" can be understood to include all machine- and / or computer-readable media, with the sole exception of a transitory propagating signal.

[0469] In some demonstrative aspects, the Product 1300 and / or the machine-readable storage medium 1302 may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing data, including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writable or rewritable memory, and the like. For example, machine-readable storage media 1302 may include RAM, DRAM, Double Data Rate DRAM (DDR-DRAM), SDRAM, Static RAM (SRAM), ROM, Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), Flash memory (e.g.,The term "computer-readable storage medium" may include NOR or NAND flash memory, content-addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory, phase-change memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon-nitride-silicon memory (SONOS), disk, hard disk, and the like. It may also include any suitable medium involved in downloading or transferring a computer program from a remote computer to a requesting computer, transmitted by data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium over a communication link, such as a modem, radio, or network connection.

[0470] In some demonstrative points of view, Logic 1304 can include instructions, data, and / or code which, when executed by a machine, can cause the machine to perform a procedure, process, and / or operations as described herein. The machine can, for example, include any suitable processing platform, computer platform, computing unit, processing unit, any suitable computer system, processing system, any suitable computer, processor, or the like, and can be implemented using a suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, and the like.

[0471] In some demonstrative points of view, logic 1304 can include or be implemented as software, a software module, an application, a program, a subroutine, instructions, a set of instructions, arithmetic code, words, values, symbols, and the like. The instructions can include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. The instructions can be implemented according to a predefined computer language, type, or syntax to instruct a processor to perform a specific function. The implementation of the instructions can be done using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled, and / or interpreted programming language, any suitable machine code, and the like. EXAMPLES

[0472] The following examples relate to further aspects.

[0473] Example 1 includes a device comprising an integrated chip with a power amplifier (PA) for amplifying a radio frequency (RF) signal; a PA measurement circuit connected to the PA, wherein the PA measurement circuit is configured to generate an analog measurement signal based on the magnitude of a PA current consumed by the PA; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for generating a digital measurement signal based on the analog measurement signal.

[0474] Example 2 includes the subject of Example 1, and optionally the PA measurement circuit is configured to generate the analog measurement signal based on a voltage drop across an inductor of the PA.

[0475] Example 3 includes the subject of Example 1 or 2, and wherein optionally the PA measurement circuit is configured to generate the analog measurement signal based on a voltage difference between a first voltage and a second voltage, wherein the first voltage is based on a center tap voltage at a center tap of an inductor of the PA and the second voltage is based on a PA drain voltage of the PA.

[0476] Example 4 includes the subject of Example 3, and wherein optionally the PA measurement circuit comprises a first path between the center tap of the inductance of the PA and a first measurement node to provide the first voltage; and a second path between a PA drain node and a second measurement node to provide the second voltage, wherein the PA drain node is connected between a drain of a first transistor of the PA and a drain of a second transistor of the PA.

[0477] Example 5 includes the subject of Example 3 or 4, and wherein optionally at least one path of the first path or the second path includes an RF filter circuit configured to filter the RF signal.

[0478] Example 6 includes the subject of one of Examples 3 to 5, and optionally the PA measurement circuit includes a DC amplifier to generate the analog measurement signal based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0479] Example 7 includes the subject of any one of Examples 3 to 6, and wherein optionally the inductance of the PA is connected between a drain of a first transistor of the PA and a drain of a second transistor of the PA, wherein the PA drain voltage is between the drain of the first transistor of the PA and the drain of a second transistor of the PA.

[0480] Example 8 includes the subject of any of Examples 3 to 7, and wherein optionally the integrated chip includes a digital controller configured to determine an estimated power consumption of the PA based on the digital measurement signal.

[0481] Example 9 includes the subject of Example 8, and wherein optionally the PA measurement circuit is configured to generate an analog quiescent current measurement signal based on a magnitude of PA quiescent current consumed by the PA in a standby mode, wherein the ADC is configured to generate a digital quiescent current measurement signal based on the analog quiescent current measurement signal, and wherein the digital control is configured to determine the estimated power consumption of the PA based on the digital quiescent current measurement signal.

[0482] Example 10 includes the subject of Example 9, and wherein optionally the PA measurement circuit comprises a quiescent current measurement circuit electrically coupled to a PA drain node of the PA, wherein the quiescent current measurement circuit is configured to provide a quiescent voltage difference based on the magnitude of the PA quiescent current consumed by the PA in a quiescent mode; and a DC amplifier to generate the analog quiescent current measurement signal based on the quiescent voltage difference.

[0483] Example 11 includes the subject of Example 10, and optionally the quiescent current measurement circuit includes a calibrated resistor, wherein the quiescent voltage difference is based on a voltage drop across the calibrated resistor.

[0484] Example 12 includes the subject of Example 10 or 11, and wherein optionally the quiescent current measurement circuit is configured as a scaled-down version of the PA according to a predefined scaling factor, wherein the digital control is configured to determine the estimated current consumption of the PA based on the predefined scaling factor.

[0485] Example 13 includes the subject of Example 12, optionally with a scaling factor of at least 10.

[0486] Example 14 includes the subject matter of one of Examples 10 to 13, and wherein the digital control is optionally configured to switch a switch controllably between a first switch position to apply the voltage difference to an input of the DC amplifier and a second switch position to apply the quiescent voltage difference to the input of the DC amplifier.

[0487] Example 15 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 9 to 14, and wherein, optionally, the digital control is configured to determine the estimated power consumption of the PA based on a ratio between a magnitude of the digital quiescent current measurement signal and a magnitude of the digital measurement signal.

[0488] Example 16 includes the subject of one of Examples 9 to 15, and optionally the digital control is configured to determine the estimated power consumption of the PA based on a magnitude of the digital measurement signal in the PA's idle mode.

[0489] Example 17 includes the subject of any of Examples 9 to 16, and optionally the PA measurement circuit is configured to produce the analog quiescent current measurement signal of a magnitude proportional to the magnitude of the PA quiescent current consumed by the PA in standby mode.

[0490] Example 18 includes the subject of Example 8, and optionally the digital control is configured to determine the estimated power consumption of the PA based on a pre-configured measurement factor.

[0491] Example 19 includes the subject of one of Examples 8 to 18, and wherein, optionally, the integrated chip includes an output to provide a digital output based on the estimated power consumption of the PA.

[0492] Example 20 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 19, and optionally the PA measurement circuit is configured to produce the analog measurement signal with a magnitude proportional to the magnitude of the PA current consumed by the PA.

[0493] Example 21 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 20, and wherein optionally the integrated circuit comprises a first PA, a first PA measurement circuit connected to the first PA to generate a first analog measurement signal based on a magnitude of a first PA current consumed by the first PA, a second PA and a second PA measurement circuit connected to the second PA to generate a second analog measurement signal based on a magnitude of a second PA current consumed by the second PA.

[0494] Example 22 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 21, and wherein, optionally, the integrated chip includes an output to provide a digital output based on the digital measurement signal.

[0495] Example 23 includes the subject of Example 22, and optionally the digital output includes an estimated power consumption of the PA.

[0496] Example 24 includes the subject of Example 22, and optionally the digital output includes an error indicator to show whether the PA is faulty or not.

[0497] Example 25 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 24, and optionally the RF signal is in a frequency band above 40 gigahertz (GHz).

[0498] Example 26 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 25, and optionally the RF signal is in a frequency band above 76 to 81 gigahertz (GHz).

[0499] Example 27 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 26, and optionally the integrated chip includes an RF chain that includes the PA.

[0500] Example 28 includes the subject matter of one of Examples 1 to 27, and optionally includes a processor for processing the information corresponding to the RF signal.

[0501] Example 29 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 28 and optionally comprises a radar device, wherein the radar device comprises a plurality of transmitting antennas (Tx antennas) connected to a plurality of Tx chains, a plurality of receiving antennas (Rx antennas) connected to a plurality of Rx chains, and a radar processor for generating radar information based on radar Rx signals processed by the Rx chains, wherein the integrated chip comprises at least one Tx chain of the plurality of Tx chains, the Tx chain comprising the PA.

[0502] Example 30 includes the subject matter of Example 29 and optionally includes a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises the radar device and a control system to control one or more systems of the vehicle based on the radar information.

[0503] Example 31 includes a device comprising a power amplifier (PA) measurement circuit according to any one of Examples 1 to 30.

[0504] Example 32 includes a radar device comprising a power amplifier measurement circuit (PA measurement circuit) according to any one of Examples 1 to 30.

[0505] Example 33 includes a vehicle that incorporates a power amplifier (PA) measurement circuit according to one of Examples 1 to 30.

[0506] Example 34 includes a method for measuring power amplifiers (PA) according to one of Examples 1 to 30.

[0507] Example 35 includes a device comprising means for performing one of the operations described in any one of Examples 1 to 30.

[0508] Example 36 includes a machine-readable medium that stores instructions for execution by a processor to perform one of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 30.

[0509] Example 37 comprises a product comprising one or more physical, computer-readable, non-transitory storage media comprising computer-executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, enable the at least one processor to cause a device to perform one of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 30.

[0510] Example 38 includes a device comprising a memory and processing circuit configured to perform one of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 30.

[0511] Example 39 includes a procedure that incorporates one of the operations described in Examples 1 to 30.

[0512] Functions, operations, components and / or features described herein with reference to one or more aspects may be combined with or used in combination with one or more other functions, operations, components and / or features described herein with reference to one or more other aspects, or vice versa.

[0513] While certain features have been illustrated and described herein, a person skilled in the art may conceive of many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents. It is therefore self-evident that the attached claims are intended to cover all modifications and alterations that correspond to the true spirit of the disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 494,239

[0001] US 63 / 556,734

[0001]

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