Measuring an average current in an electrical circuit over an averaging period

Abstract

Measuring an average current in an electrical circuit over an averaging period is provided. Herein, the electrical circuit may toggle sporadically between an active period(s) and an inactive period(s) during the averaging period. During the active period(s), the electrical circuit will consume the electrical current and an average current measurement circuit will measure the electrical current. During the inactive period(s), the electrical circuit will not consume the electrical current and the average current measurement circuit will generate a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current. At the end of the averaging period, the average current measurement circuit can determine the average of the electrical current by averaging the electrical current measured in the active period(s) and the zero current value generated for the inactive period(s). As such, it is possible to accurately determine the average of the electrical current with reduced current consumption in the average current measurement circuit.

Description

MEASURING AN AVERAGE CURRENT IN AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT OVER AN AVERAGING PERIODRelated Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 675,338, filed on July 25, 2024, and U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 725,621 , filed on November 27, 2024, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The technology of the disclosure relates generally to measuring an average current in an electrical circuit over an averaging period wherein the electrical circuit can be active to draw the electrical current or inactive without drawing the electrical current.Background

[0003] Mobile communication devices have become increasingly common in current society. The prevalence of these mobile communication devices is driven in part by the many functions that are now enabled on such devices. Increased processing capabilities in such devices means that mobile communication devices have evolved from being pure communication tools into sophisticated mobile multimedia centers that enable enhanced user experiences.

[0004] The redefined user experience requires higher data rates offered by wireless communication technologies, such as long-term evolution (LTE) and fifth-generation new radio (5G-NR). To achieve the higher data rates in mobile communication devices, sophisticated power amplifiers (PAs) may be employed to increase output power of radio frequency (RF) signals (e.g., maintaining sufficient energy per bit) communicated by mobile communication devices.However, the increased output power of RF signals can lead to increased power consumption and thermal dissipation in mobile communication devices, thus compromising overall performance and user experiences.

[0005] Notably, a mobile communication device is typically powered by a battery with a finite capacity. In this regard, power consumption and battery life of the mobile communication device may have a direct impact on an overall user experience. As such, it is desired to obtain an accurate current drain measurement in the mobile communication device to help optimize power consumption and improve battery life of the mobile communication device. Moreover, the circuitry that performs such current measurement should consume as little current as possible.Summary

[0006] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to measuring an average current in an electrical circuit over an averaging period. Herein, the electrical circuit may toggle sporadically between an active period(s) and an inactive period(s) during the averaging period. During the active period(s), the electrical circuit will consume the electrical current and an average current measurement circuit will measure the electrical current. During the inactive period(s), the electrical circuit will not consume the electrical current and the average current measurement circuit will generate a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current. At the end of the averaging period, the average current measurement circuit can determine the average of the electrical current by averaging the electrical current measured in the active period(s) and the zero current value generated for the inactive period(s). As such, it is possible to accurately determine the average of the electrical current with reduced current consumption in the average current measurement circuit.

[0007] In one aspect, an average current measurement circuit is provided. The average current measurement circuit includes an electrical current measurement circuit. The electrical current measurement circuit is coupled to an electrical circuit that toggles sporadically between an active mode in which the electrical circuit consumes an electrical current and an inactive mode in which the electrical circuit does not consume the electrical current over an averaging period that includes multiple averaging intervals. The average currentmeasurement circuit also includes a digital control circuit. The digital control circuit is coupled to the electrical current measurement circuit. The digital control circuit is configured to activate the electrical current measurement circuit to measure the electrical current in the electrical circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode. The digital control circuit is also configured to deactivate the electrical current measurement circuit to reduce current consumption and generate a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode. The digital control circuit is also configured to average the electrical current measured while the electrical circuit is in the active mode and the zero-value generated while the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode to thereby determine an average of the electrical current over the averaging period.

[0008] In another aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an electrical circuit that toggles sporadically between an active mode in which the electrical circuit consumes an electrical current and an inactive mode in which the electrical circuit does not consume the electrical current over an averaging period that includes multiple averaging intervals. The electronic device also includes an average current measurement circuit. The average current measurement circuit includes an electrical current measurement circuit. The electrical current measurement circuit is coupled to the electrical circuit. The average current measurement circuit also includes a digital control circuit. The digital control circuit is coupled to the electrical current measurement circuit. The digital control circuit is configured to activate the electrical current measurement circuit to measure the electrical current in the electrical circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode. The digital control circuit is also configured to deactivate the electrical current measurement circuit to reduce current consumption and generate a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode. The digital control circuit is also configured to average the electrical current measured while the electrical circuit is in the active mode and the zero-value generated while the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode to thereby determine an average of the electrical current over the averaging period.

[0009] In another aspect, a method for measuring an average current in an electrical circuit is provided. The method includes coupling an electrical current measurement circuit to the electrical circuit that toggles sporadically between an active mode in which the electrical circuit consumes an electrical current and an inactive mode in which the electrical circuit does not consume the electrical current over an averaging period that includes multiple averaging intervals. The method also includes activating the electrical current measurement circuit to measure the electrical current in the electrical circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode. The method also includes deactivating the electrical current measurement circuit to reduce current consumption and generating a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode. The method also includes averaging the electrical current measured while the electrical circuit is in the active mode and the zero-value generated while the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode to thereby determine an average of the electrical current over the averaging period.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing figures.Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

[0011] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an existing electrical current measurement circuit configured to guantify an electrical current in an electrical circuit;

[0013] Figure 2 is a graphic diagram providing an exemplary illustration of a bursty pattern of a radio freguency (RF) signal that is amplified by the electrical circuit in Figure 1 for transmission in an electronic device;

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary average current measurement circuit configured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to reduce current consumption when the average current measurement circuit determines an average of an electrical current consumed in an electrical circuit;

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram providing an exemplary illustration as to how the average current measurement circuit of Figure 3 can determine the average of the electrical current with reduced current consumption;

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary communication device wherein the average current measurement circuit of Figure 3 can be provided; and

[0017] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for measuring an average current in the electrical circuit in Figure 3.Detailed Description

[0018] The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

[0019] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0020] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" or extending "onto" another element, it can be directly on or extend directly onto the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or extending "directly onto" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Likewise, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "over" or extending "over" another element, it can be directly over or extend directly over the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly over" or extending "directly over" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0021] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

[0022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0024] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to measuring an average current in an electrical circuit over an averaging period. Herein, the electrical circuit may toggle sporadically between an active period(s) and an inactive period(s) during the averaging period. During the active period(s), the electrical circuit will consume the electrical current and an average current measurement circuit will measure the electrical current. During the inactive period(s), the electrical circuit will not consume the electrical current and the average current measurement circuit will generate a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current. At an end of the averaging period, the average current measurement circuit can determine the average of the electrical current by averaging the electrical current measured in the active period(s) and the zero current value generated for the inactive period(s). As such, it is possible to accurately determine the average of the electrical current with reduced current consumption in the average current measurement circuit.

[0025] Before discussing an average current measurement circuit of the present disclosure, starting at Figure 3, a brief overview of an existing electrical current measurement circuit is first provided with reference to Figures 1 and 2 to help identify a technical problem to be solved by the average current measurement circuit of the present disclosure.

[0026] In this regard, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical current measurement circuit 10 configured to quantify an electrical current Icc in an electrical circuit 12. As opposed to directly measuring the electrical current Icc, the electrical current measurement circuit 10 is configured to instead measure asense current Isense that is proportionally related to the electrical current Icc as shown in equation (Eq. 1 ) below.Icc — IsensexCratio (Eq. 1 )

[0027] In the equation (Eq. 1 ) above, Cratio (Cratio > 1 ) represents a ratio between the electrical current Icc and the sense current Isense. By measuring a smaller sense current Isense, it is possible to build the electrical current measurement circuit 10 with fewer and / or smaller components (e.g., transistors), thus helping to reduce a footprint of the electrical current measurement circuit 10.

[0028] The electrical current measurement circuit 10 includes a capacitor 14 having a capacitance CO. The sense current Isense continuously charges the capacitor 1 to generate a sense voltage Vcap. Thus, a determination circuit 16 can be coupled to the capacitor 14 to measure the sense voltage Vcapto quantify the sense current Isense and, thereby, further quantify the electrical current Icc based on equation (Eq. 1 ).

[0029] Specifically, the electrical current measurement circuit 10 receives a measurement clock signal MEA-CLK that includes a number of clock cycles 18. Each of the clock cycles 18 has a respective clock duration Tcik. The electrical current measurement circuit 10 also receives a predefined voltage threshold Vi, whereby the electrical current measurement circuit 10 can limit (a.k.a. cap) the sense voltage Vcap across the capacitor 14 to prevent an overshoot of the sense voltage Vcap. The electrical current measurement circuit 10 also receives a control signal 20 that controls the electrical current measurement circuit 10 to start / stop measuring the sense current Isense.

[0030] The determination circuit 16 is coupled to the capacitor 14 and configured to quantify the sense current Isense by measuring the sense voltage VcaPover a predefined measurement period T measure that includes a defined number Nmax of the clock cycles 18 (Tmeasure = Nmax * Tcik). For example, the respective clock duration Tdk of the measurement clock signal MEA-CLK can be 0.5 ps and the predefined measurement period T measure can include 256 clockcycles (Nmax = 256). Accordingly, the predefined measurement period Tmeasure will be 128 ps (256 * 0.5 ps) in duration. Thus, the determination circuit 16 can accurately determine the predefined measurement period Tmeasure based on the measurement clock signal MEA-CLK and the defined number Nmax of the clock cycles 18.

[0031] The determination circuit 16 includes a voltage comparator 22, a counter 24, a reference current generator 26, and a calculation circuit 28. The voltage comparator 22 is coupled directly to the capacitor 14 and the reference current generator 26 is coupled to the capacitor 14 via a switch SW. The counter 24 is coupled to the voltage comparator 22. The calculation circuit 28 is coupled to the counter 24.

[0032] The voltage comparator 22 is configured to compare the sense voltage Vcap against the predefined voltage threshold Vi within the predefined measurement period T measure. Each time the sense voltage Vcapreaches the predefined voltage threshold Vi (e.g., Vcap > Vi ), the voltage comparator 22 generates an indication signal 30 to cause the counter 24 to increment by one (1 ). The indication signal 30 can also cause the counter 24 to generate a signal 32 to close the switch SW, either concurrent or subsequent to incrementing the counter 24 by 1 , to couple the reference current generator 26 to the capacitor 14. Accordingly, the reference current generator 26 may generate a reference current Iref that flows in an opposite direction relative to the sense current Isense. In this regard, the reference current Iref may be combined with the sense current Isense at an input end 34 of the capacitor 14 to generate a combined current Isum ( Isum=Isense - Iref). In a non-limiting example, the reference current Iref is equal to the sense current Isense. As a result, the combined current Isum may become zero to cause the sense voltage Vcapto be reduced to below the predefined voltage threshold Vi.

[0033] In a non-limiting example, the counter 24 can be configured to open the switch SW after the respective clock duration Tcik, thus removing the reference current Iref. As such, the capacitor 14 is once again charged by the sense current Isense to cause the sense voltage Vcapto increase toward thepredefined voltage threshold Vi. In this regard, during the predefined measurement period Tmeasure, the sense voltage increases and decreases repeatedly in a zig-zag fashion. At the end of the predefined measurement period Tmeasure, the counter 24 may have recorded each occurrence of the sense voltage Vcap reaching the predefined voltage threshold Vi to generate a total count of the sense voltage Vcapreaching the predefined voltage threshold Vi. Accordingly, the determination circuit 16 can quantify the electrical current Icc in a quantified electrical current IACTUAL based on the total count of the sense voltage Vcap reaching the predefined voltage threshold Vi. For a detailed description on how the determination circuit 16 can quantify the electrical current Icc based on the total count of the sense voltage Vcap reaching the predefined voltage threshold Vi, please refer to U.S. Patent Number 11 ,268,990 B2, entitled “CURRENT MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT FOR OPTIMIZATION OF POWER CONSUMPTION IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES.”

[0034] In a non-limiting example, the electrical circuit 12 can be a power management circuit 36 configured to amplify a radio frequency (RF) signal 38 for transmission in an electronic device. Specifically, the power management circuit 36 includes a transceiver circuit 40, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 42, and a power amplifier circuit 44. The transceiver circuit 40 generates the RF signal 38 and a target voltage VTGT that tracks time-variant power of the RF signal 38. The PMIC 42 generates a supply voltage Vcc based on the target voltage VTGT. The power amplifier circuit 44 amplifies the RF signal 38 based on the supply voltage Vcc for transmission in the electronic device. When operational, the transceiver circuit 40, the PMIC 42, and the power amplifier circuit 44 can each draw the electrical current Icc from an internal voltage source (e.g., battery). In this regard, the electrical current measurement circuit 10 can be configured to measure the electrical current Icc consumed in the power management circuit 36.

[0035] Notably, the RF signal 38 may be modulated to carry bursty data that can occur irregularly over time. In this regard, Figure 2 is a graphic diagramproviding an exemplary illustration of a bursty pattern of the RF signal 38 in Figure 1.

[0036] As illustrated in Figure 2, the RF signal 38 is a bursty signal, which occurs sporadically and irregularly with unknown and unpredictable duty cycles. The bursty data has a time-variant amplitude that defines the time-variant power of the RF signal 38. As such, the power management circuit 36 will be in an active mode and consume the electrical current Icc when the RF signal 38 is present in one or more active periods 46. In contrast, the power management circuit 36 will be in an inactive mode and consume very little, or none of the electrical current Icc when the RF signal 38 is absent in one or more inactive periods 48. In some applications, it may be desirable to determine an average of the electrical current Icc over an averaging period (e.g., 100 milliseconds or even longer) that can span across the active periods 46 and the inactive periods 48. In this regard, the electrical current measurement circuit 10 will consume current during the inactive periods 48, even though the power management circuit 36 is inactive. Given the sporadic nature of the RF signal 38, it will be difficult to accurately determine when and for how long the inactive periods 48 will take place. As such, it is desirable to improve the electrical current measurement circuit 10 to reduce current consumption when determining the average of the electrical current Icc over the averaging period that spans across the active periods 46 and the inactive periods 48.

[0037] In this regard, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary average current measurement circuit 50 configured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to reduce current consumption when the average current measurement circuit 50 determines an average of an electrical current Icc consumed in an electrical circuit 52. In a non-limiting example, the electrical circuit 52 can be identical to the power management circuit 36 in Figure 1 , which will be in the active mode and consume the electrical current Icc during the active periods 46 in Figure 2. Likewise, the electrical circuit 52 will be in the inactive mode and draw very little, or none, of the electrical current Icc during the inactive periods 48 in Figure 2.

[0038] Herein, the average current measurement circuit 50 reuses the electrical current measurement circuit 10 of Figure 1 , which can measure the electrical current Icc in the electrical circuit 52 when the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode to draw the electrical current Icc. The average current measurement circuit 50 also includes a digital control circuit 54 that is coupled to the electrical current measurement circuit 10. The digital control circuit 54 can determine whether the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode or the inactive mode. When the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode, the digital control circuit 54 will activate the electrical current measurement circuit 10 to measure the electrical current Icc in the electrical circuit 52. When the electrical circuit 52 is in the inactive mode, the digital control circuit 54 will deactivate the electrical current measurement circuit 10 and a portion of the digital control circuit 54 to help reduce current consumption of the average current measurement circuit 50. As described in detail below, the digital control circuit 54 is further configured to accurately determine an average IAVG of the electrical current Icc over an averaging period (e.g., 100 milliseconds or longer) concurrent to reducing the current consumption of the average current measurement circuit 50. As such, the average current measurement circuit 50 can solve the technical problem associated with the electrical current measurement circuit 10 of Figure 1.

[0039] The digital control circuit 54 operates based on a system clock SYS- CLK (e.g., 52 MHz clock). The digital control circuit 54 includes a main control circuit 56, an auxiliary control circuit 58, and a mode controller 60. In an embodiment, the digital control circuit 54 can include a clock controller 62, which can activate the main control circuit 56 by providing the system clock SYS-CLK as a gated system clock SYS-CLK-GATED to the main control circuit 56 or deactivate the main control circuit 56 by taking away the gated system clock SYS-CLK-GATED from the main control circuit 56.

[0040] The main control circuit 56 includes a measurement controller 64. When the main control circuit 56 is activated, the measurement controller 64 will receive the system clock SYS-CLK and derive the measurement clock MEA-CLK (e.g., 2 MHz clock) from the system clock SYS-CLK. Accordingly, themeasurement controller 64 can activate the electrical current measurement circuit 10 by providing the measurement clock MEA-CLK to the electrical current measurement circuit 10 or deactivate the electrical current measurement circuit 10 by taking away the measurement clock MEA-CLK from the electrical current measurement circuit 10.

[0041] The main control circuit 56 also includes an averaging circuit 66, such as an infinite impulse response (HR) filter. The averaging circuit 66, which will be further discussed in Figure 4, is configured to determine the average IA G of the electrical current Icc over the averaging period. The main control circuit 56 further includes a main timer 68. As further discussed in Figure 4, the main timer 68 is configured to keep track of a time base of the averaging circuit 66 when the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode.

[0042] The mode controller 60 is configured to determine whether the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode or the inactive mode. In a non-limiting example, the mode controller 60 can receive a radio frequency frontend (RFFE) input that indicates whether the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode or the inactive mode.

[0043] When the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode, the mode controller 60 will instruct the clock controller 62 to provide the system clock SYS-CLK to the main control circuit 56 to thereby activate the main control circuit 56.Accordingly, the measurement controller 64 will provide the measurement clock MEA-CLK to the electrical current measurement circuit 10 to thereby activate the electrical current measurement circuit 10.

[0044] When the electrical circuit 52 is in the inactive mode, the mode controller 60 will instruct the clock controller 62 to take away the system clock SYS-CLK from the main control circuit 56 to thereby deactivate the main control circuit 56. As a result, the measurement controller 64 will take away the measurement clock MEA-CLK from the electrical current measurement circuit 10 and the electrical current measurement circuit 10 will be deactivated accordingly. In this regard, when the electrical circuit 52 is in the inactive mode, both the electrical current measurement circuit 10 and the main control circuit 56 will bedeactivated to help reduce current consumption in the average current measurement circuit 50.

[0045] In addition, when the electrical circuit 52 is in the inactive mode, the mode controller 60 will activate the auxiliary control circuit 58. The auxiliary control circuit 58 includes an auxiliary timer 70. As further discussed in Figure 4, the auxiliary timer 70 is configured to keep track of the time base of the averaging circuit 66 when the electrical circuit 52 is in the inactive mode. Herein, the main control circuit 56 is a more complex and larger circuit compared to the auxiliary control circuit 58. As a result, the auxiliary control circuit 58 will consume a lower amount of current than the main control circuit 56.

[0046] Figure 4 is a diagram providing an exemplary illustration as to how the average current measurement circuit 50 of Figure 3 can determine the average IAVG of the electrical current Ice over the averaging period with reduced current consumption. Common elements between Figures 3 and 4 are shown therein with common element numbers and will not be re-described herein. Notably, Figure 4 is merely a non-limiting example to help explain operating principles of the average current measurement circuit 50, which shall not be interpreted as being exclusive and limiting.

[0047] The average current measurement circuit 50 is configured to determine the average IAVG of the electrical current Icc over the averaging period that includes multiple averaging intervals 72(1 )-72(N). In an embodiment, each of the averaging intervals 72(1 )-72(N) has an identical duration as the predefined measurement period T measure. As mentioned earlier, the predefined measurement period Tmeasure may be 128 ps (256 * 0.5 ps) in duration. As such, each of the averaging intervals 72(1 )-72(N) will also be 128 ps in duration.

[0048] For the averaging circuit 66 to accurately determine the average IAVG of the electrical current Icc over the averaging period, the time base of the averaging circuit 66 must be preserved regardless of whether the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode, transitioning from the active mode to the inactive mode, in the inactive mode, or transitioning from the inactive mode to the active mode. Herein, a time base is a fundamental concept in electronics and signalprocessing that refers to a reference timing signal used to control or synchronize the timing of events and / or measurements. In context of the present disclosure, preserving the time base of the averaging circuit 66 means that the averaging intervals 72(1 )-72(N) are continuous without interruption and each of the averaging intervals 72(1 )-72(N) has an identical duration. In addition, preserving the time base of the averaging circuit 66 also means that the averaging circuit 66 will receive an update of the electrical current Icc during each of the averaging intervals 72(1)-72(N).

[0049] At time Ti , the electrical circuit 52 starts to amplify and transmit the RF signal 38. As such, the main control circuit 56 is activated to further activate the electrical current measurement circuit 10 to measure the electrical current Icc in the electrical circuit 52. In the meantime, the main timer 68 is active to keep track of the time base of the averaging circuit 66, while the auxiliary timer 70 is inactive. At the end of the averaging interval 72(1 ), the electrical current measurement circuit 10 provides the quantified electrical current IACTUAL to the averaging circuit 66.

[0050] During the averaging interval 72(2), the electrical current measurement circuit 10 continues to measure the electrical current Icc in the electrical circuit 52 until time T2, which is before the end of the averaging interval 72(2). Thus, at time T2, the electrical current measurement circuit 10 and the main control circuit 56, including the averaging circuit 66 and the main timer 68, are deactivated. Concurrently, the auxiliary control circuit 58, together with the auxiliary timer 70, are activated. To preserve the time base of the averaging circuit 66, a present value of the main timer 68 at the time T2 is copied to the auxiliary timer 70. As such, there will be no interruption to the averaging interval 72(2).

[0051] Given that the electrical circuit 52 becomes inactive prior to the end of the averaging interval 72(2), the electrical current measurement circuit 10 would have already determined the quantified electrical current IACTUAL up to the time T2. As such, in order to preserve the time base of the averaging circuit 66, it is necessary to re-activate the averaging circuit 66 shortly (e.g., 10 clock cycles) before the end of the averaging interval 72(2) such that the averaging circuit 66can receive the quantified electrical current IACTUAL from the electrical current measurement circuit 10. At the end of the averaging interval 72(2), the averaging circuit 66 will be re-deactivated again.

[0052] The electrical circuit 52 remains in the inactive mode consuming very little, or none, of the electrical current Icc between time T2 and time T3. To continue persevering the time base of the averaging circuit 66, the auxiliary control circuit 58 is configured to generate a zero-value (denoted as “ IZERO” in Figure 3) in lieu of the electrical current Icc during the averaging interval 72(3). This is necessary to ensure that the average IAVG of the electrical current Icc is continuously updated over the averaging period. Because the auxiliary control circuit 58 only needs to provide the zero-value IZERO once during each averaging interval, such as the averaging interval 72(3), during the inactive period 48, the auxiliary control circuit 58 can thus be built with a very small size to help reduce current consumption during the inactive period 48. Moreover, by continuously updating the average IAVG of the electrical current Icc over the averaging period based on the zero-value IZERO, the inactive period 48 can be indefinitely long. Notably, since the averaging circuit 66 is already deactivated during the averaging interval 72(3), it is also necessary to re-activate the averaging circuit 66 shortly (e.g., 10 clock cycles) before the end of the averaging interval 72(3) such that the averaging circuit 66 can receive the zero-value IZERO of the electrical current Icc from the auxiliary control circuit 58. The averaging circuit 66 is re-deactivated at the end of the averaging interval 72(3).

[0053] The electrical circuit 52 returns to the active mode at time T3 and starts consuming the electrical current Icc again. Accordingly, the electrical current measurement circuit 10 and the main control circuit 56, including the averaging circuit 66 and the main timer 68, are activated at time T3. To preserve the time base of the averaging circuit 66, a present value of the auxiliary timer 70 at the time T3 is copied to the main timer 68. Subsequently, the auxiliary control circuit 58 is deactivated.

[0054] Since the time T3 is ahead of the end of the averaging interval 72(N-1 ), the electrical current measurement circuit 10 will generate the quantifiedelectrical current IACTUAL between time T3 and the end of the averaging interval 72(N-1 ). Accordingly, the averaging circuit 66 can receive the quantified electrical current IACTUAL at the end of the averaging interval 72(N-1 ).

[0055] The electrical circuit 52 remains in the active mode until time T4. Accordingly, the electrical current measurement circuit 10 will generate and provide the quantified electrical current IACTUAL to the averaging circuit 66 at the end of the averaging interval 72(N).

[0056] At the end of the averaging period, the averaging circuit 66 will have received either the quantified electrical current IACTUAL (as provided by the electrical current measurement circuit 10 when the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode) or the zero-value IZERO in lieu of the electrical current Icc (as provided by the auxiliary control circuit 58 when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode) in each of the averaging intervals 72(1 )-72(N). Accordingly, the averaging circuit 66 can determine the average IAVG of the electrical current Icc over the averaging period based on the quantified electrical current IACTUAL and / or the zero-value IZERO of the electrical current Icc.

[0057] The average current measurement circuit 50 of Figure 3 can be provided in a communication device to support the embodiments described above. In this regard, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary communication device 100 wherein the average current measurement circuit 50 of Figure 3 can be provided.

[0058] Herein, the communication device 100 can be any type of communication devices, such as mobile terminals, smart watches, tablets, computers, navigation devices, access points, base stations (e.g., eNB, gNB, etc.), and like wireless communication devices that support wireless communications, such as cellular, wireless local area network (WLAN), Ultra- wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and near-field communications. The communication device 100 will generally include a control system 102, a baseband processor 104, transmit circuitry 106, receive circuitry 108, antenna switching circuitry 110, multiple antennas 112, and user interface circuitry 11 . In a non-limiting example, the control system 102 can be a field-programmable gate array(FPGA), as an example. In this regard, the control system 102 can include at least a microprocessor, an embedded memory circuit, and a communication bus interface. The receive circuitry 108 receives radio frequency signals via the antennas 112 and through the antenna switching circuitry 110 from one or more base stations. A low-noise amplifier and a filter cooperate to amplify and remove broadband interference from the received signal for processing.Downconversion and digitization circuitry (not shown) will then downconvert the filtered, received signal to an intermediate or baseband frequency signal, which is then digitized into one or more digital streams using analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).

[0059] The baseband processor 104 processes the digitized received signal to extract the information or data bits conveyed in the received signal. This processing typically comprises demodulation, decoding, and error correction operations, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The baseband processor 104 is generally implemented in one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0060] For transmission, the baseband processor 104 receives digitized data, which may represent voice, data, or control information, from the control system 102, which it encodes for transmission. The encoded data is output to the transmit circuitry 106, where a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the digitally encoded data into an analog signal and a modulator modulates the analog signal onto a carrier signal that is at a desired transmit frequency or frequencies. A power amplifier will amplify the modulated carrier signal to a level appropriate for transmission and deliver the modulated carrier signal to the antennas 112 through the antenna switching circuitry 110. The multiple antennas 112 and the replicated transmit 106 and receive circuitry 108 may provide spatial diversity. Modulation and processing details will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0061] In an embodiment, the transmit circuitry 106, the receive circuitry 108, and the antenna switching circuitry 110 can be collectively equated with the electrical circuit 52 in Figure 3. Accordingly, the average current measurementcircuit 50 can be provided therein to measure current consumption in the electrical circuit 52.

[0062] In an embodiment, it is possible to measure the average IAVG of the electrical current Icc in the electrical circuit 52 based on a process. In this regard, Figure 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 200 for measuring the average IAVG of the electrical current Icc in an electrical circuit 52.

[0063] Herein, the process 200 includes coupling the electrical current measurement circuit 10 to the electrical circuit 52 that toggles sporadically between the active mode wherein the electrical circuit 52 consumes the electrical current Icc and the inactive mode wherein the electrical circuit 52 does not consume the electrical current Icc during the averaging period including the averaging intervals 72(1 )-72(N) (step 202). The process 200 also includes activating the electrical current measurement circuit 10 to measure the electrical current Icc in the electrical circuit 52 when the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode (step 204). The process 200 also includes deactivating the electrical current measurement circuit 10 to reduce current consumption and generating the zero-value IZERO in lieu of the electrical current Icc when the electrical circuit 52 is in the inactive mode (step 206). The process 200 also includes averaging the quantified electrical current IACTUAL measured while the electrical circuit 52 is in the active mode and the zero-value IZERO generated while the electrical circuit 52 is in the inactive mode to thereby determine the average IAVG of the electrical current Icc over the averaging period (step 208).

[0064] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:1 . An average current measurement circuit comprising: an electrical current measurement circuit coupled to an electrical circuit that toggles sporadically between an active mode wherein the electrical circuit consumes an electrical current and an inactive mode wherein the electrical circuit does not consume the electrical current during an averaging period comprising a plurality of averaging intervals; and a digital control circuit coupled to the electrical current measurement circuit and configured to: activate the electrical current measurement circuit to measure the electrical current in the electrical circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode; deactivate the electrical current measurement circuit to reduce current consumption and generate a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode; and average the electrical current measured while the electrical circuit is in the active mode and the zero-value generated while the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode to thereby determine an average of the electrical current over the averaging period.

2. The average current measurement circuit of claim 1 , wherein the digital control circuit comprises: a main control circuit activated when the electrical circuit is in the active mode and deactivated when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode to further reduce the current consumption; andan auxiliary control circuit activated when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode and deactivated when the electrical circuit is in the active mode.

3. The average current measurement circuit of claim 2, wherein the digital control circuit further comprises a mode controller configured to: cause the main control circuit to be activated when the electrical circuit is in the active mode and deactivated when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode; and cause the auxiliary control circuit to be activated when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode and deactivated when the electrical circuit is in the active mode.

4. The average current measurement circuit of claim 3, wherein the mode controller is further configured to determine whether the electrical circuit is in the active mode, or the inactive mode, based on a radio frequency frontend (RFFE) input.

5. The average current measurement circuit of claim 3, wherein: the main control circuit comprises: a measurement controller activated in response to receiving a system clock from the mode controller and configured to determine a measurement clock based on the system clock to thereby activate the electrical current measurement circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode; an averaging circuit configured to determine the average of the electrical current in the averaging period based on the electrical current measured or the zero-value generated in each of the plurality of averaging intervals in the averaging period; anda main timer configured to maintain a time base of the averaging circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode; and the auxiliary control circuit comprises an auxiliary timer configured to preserve the time base of the averaging circuit when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode.

6. The average current measurement circuit of claim 5, wherein the mode controller is further configured to: determine that the electrical circuit is transitioning from the active mode to the inactive mode during a respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals; activate the auxiliary control circuit and copy a present value of the main timer to the auxiliary timer to thereby preserve the time base of the averaging circuit; deactivate the electrical current measurement circuit and the main control circuit; re-activate the averaging circuit shortly before an end of the respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals to receive the electrical current measured while the electrical circuit is in the active mode; and re-deactivate the averaging circuit at the end of the respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals.

7. The average current measurement circuit of claim 5, wherein the mode controller is further configured to: determine that the electrical circuit is transitioning from the inactive mode to the active mode during a respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals; activate the electrical current measurement circuit and the main control circuit;copy a present value of the auxiliary timer to the main timer to thereby preserve the time base of the averaging circuit; and deactivate the auxiliary control circuit.

8. The average current measurement circuit of claim 5, wherein the mode controller is further configured to: determine that the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode for an entire duration of a respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals; cause the auxiliary control circuit to generate the zero-value in lieu of the electrical current; activate the averaging circuit shortly before an end of the respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals to receive the zero-value; and deactivate the averaging circuit at the end of the respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals.

9. An electronic device comprising: an electrical circuit that toggles sporadically between an active mode wherein the electronic circuit consumes an electrical current and an inactive mode wherein the electrical circuit does not consume the electrical current during an averaging period comprising a plurality of averaging intervals; and an average current measurement circuit comprising: an electrical current measurement circuit coupled to the electrical circuit; and a digital control circuit coupled to the electrical current measurement circuit and configured to: activate the electrical current measurement circuit to measure the electrical current in the electrical circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode; deactivate the electrical current measurement circuit to reduce current consumption and generate a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode; and average the electrical current measured while the electrical circuit is in the active mode and the zero-value generated while the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode to thereby determine an average of the electrical current over the averaging period.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the electrical circuit is a power management circuit comprising a transceiver circuit, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), and a power amplifier circuit.11 . The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the digital control circuit comprises: a main control circuit activated when the electrical circuit is in the active mode and deactivated when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode to further reduce the current consumption; and an auxiliary control circuit activated when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode and deactivated when the electrical circuit is in the active mode.

12. The electronic device of claim 11 , wherein the digital control circuit further comprises a mode controller configured to: cause the main control circuit to be activated when the electrical circuit is in the active mode and deactivated when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode; and cause the auxiliary control circuit to be activated when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode and deactivated when the electrical circuit is in the active mode.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the mode controller is further configured to determine whether the electrical circuit is in the active mode, or the inactive mode, based on a radio frequency frontend (RFFE) input.

14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein: the main control circuit comprises: a measurement controller activated in response to receiving a system clock from the mode controller and configured to determine a measurement clock based on the system clock to thereby activate the electrical current measurement circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode; an averaging circuit configured to determine the average of the electrical current in the averaging period based on a respective one of the electrical current measured or the zero-value generated in each of the plurality of averaging intervals in the averaging period; and a main timer configured to maintain a time base of the averaging circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode; and the auxiliary control circuit comprises an auxiliary timer configured to preserve the time base of the averaging circuit when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the mode controller is further configured to: determine that the electrical circuit is transitioning from the active mode to the inactive mode during a respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals; activate the auxiliary control circuit and copy a present value of the main timer to the auxiliary timer to thereby preserve the time base of the averaging circuit;deactivate the electrical current measurement circuit and the main control circuit; re-activate the averaging circuit shortly before an end of the respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals to receive the electrical current measured while the electrical circuit is in the active mode; and re-deactivate the averaging circuit at the end of the respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals.

16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the mode controller is further configured to: determine that the electrical circuit is transitioning from the inactive mode to the active mode during a respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals; activate the electrical current measurement circuit and the main control circuit; copy a present value of the auxiliary timer to the main timer to thereby preserve the time base of the averaging circuit; and deactivate the auxiliary control circuit.

17. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the mode controller is further configured to: determine that the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode for an entire duration of a respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals; cause the auxiliary control circuit to generate the zero-value in lieu of the electrical current; activate the averaging circuit shortly before an end of the respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals to receive the zero-value; and deactivate the averaging circuit at the end of the respective one of the plurality of averaging intervals.

18. The electronic device of claim 9, comprising a wireless device.

19. A method for measuring an average current in an electrical circuit comprising: coupling an electrical current measurement circuit to the electrical circuit that toggles sporadically between an active mode wherein the electrical circuit consumes an electrical current and an inactive mode wherein the electrical circuit does not consume the electrical current during an averaging period comprising a plurality of averaging intervals; activating the electrical current measurement circuit to measure the electrical current in the electrical circuit when the electrical circuit is in the active mode; deactivating the electrical current measurement circuit to reduce current consumption and generating a zero-value in lieu of the electrical current when the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode; and averaging the electrical current measured while the electrical circuit is in the active mode and the zero-value generated while the electrical circuit is in the inactive mode to thereby determine an average of the electrical current over the averaging period.

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