IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,816,767
Granted Patent B2
US 8,816,767 · App. 14/152,081 · Granted Aug 26, 2014

Amplifier calibration

Inventors: Abdulrhman M. S. Ahmed (Gilbert, AZ); Paul R. Hart (Phoenix, AZ); Ramanujam Shinidhi Embar (Chandler, AZ)
Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,816,767
App. No.
14/152,081
Granted
Aug 26, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system and method of calibrating an amplifier are presented. The amplifier has a first amplification path and a second amplification path. A first state of the amplifier is identified defining a first phase shift of the first path and a second phase shift of the second path resulting in a maximum efficiency of the amplifier when an attenuation of the first path and an attenuation of the second path are set to first attenuation values. The attenuation of the first path and the attenuation of the second path is set to achieve a maximum efficiency of the amplifier when the phase shift of the first path and the phase shift of the second path are set according to the first state.

Claims (40)

1. A method of calibrating an amplifier having a first path and a second path, the method comprising:

identifying a first state of the amplifier defining a first phase shift of the first path and a second phase shift of the second path resulting in a maximum efficiency of the amplifier when an attenuation of the first path and an attenuation of the second path are set to first attenuation values; and

setting the attenuation of the first path and the attenuation of the second path to achieve a maximum efficiency of the amplifier when the phase shift of the first path and the phase shift of the second path are set according to the first state.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying the first state of the amplifier includes sweeping the phase shift of the first path and the phase shift of the second path through a number of values.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first attenuation values are 0 dB on the first path and 0 dB on the second path.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first attenuation values are equal.

5. The method of claim 1 , including:

determining whether the amplifier is linearizable; and

when the amplifier is not linearizable, adjusting either or both the attenuation or the phase shift of either or both the first path or the second path.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein adjusting the attenuation or the phase shift of the first path or the second path includes:

identifying a second state of the amplifier defining a third phase shift of the first path and a fourth phase shift of the second path resulting in a maximum peak output power of the amplifier when the attenuation of the first path and the attenuation of the second path are set to the first attenuation values; and

adjusting the attenuation and the phase shift of the first path and the attenuation and the phase shift of the second path towards the second state.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein identifying the second state of the amplifier includes sweeping the attenuation of the first path or the attenuation of the second path through a number of values.

8. A system, comprising:

an amplifier having a first path and a second path;

a controller coupled to the first path and the second path, the controller being configured to:

identify a first state of the amplifier defining a first phase shift of the first path and a second phase shift of the second path resulting in a maximum efficiency of the amplifier when an attenuation of the first path and an attenuation of the second path are set to first attenuation values; and

set the attenuation of the first path and the attenuation of the second path to achieve a maximum efficiency of the amplifier when the phase shift of the first path and the phase shift of the second path are set according to the first state.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to identify the first state of the amplifier by sweeping the phase shift of the first path and the phase shift of the second path through a number of values.

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first attenuation values are 0 dB on the first path and 0 dB on the second path.

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first attenuation values are equal.

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to:

determine whether the amplifier is linearizable; and

when the amplifier is not linearizable, adjust either or both the attenuation or the phase shift of either or both the first path or the second path.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the attenuation or the phase shift of the first path or the second path by:

identifying a second state of the amplifier defining a third phase shift of the first path and a fourth phase shift of the second path resulting in a maximum peak output power of the amplifier when the attenuation of the first path and the attenuation of the second path are set to the first attenuation values; and

adjusting the attenuation and the phase shift of the first path and the attenuation and the phase shift of the second path towards the second state.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein identifying the second state of the amplifier includes sweeping the attenuation of the first path or the attenuation of the second path through a number of values.

15. An amplifier including a first path and a second path and a power splitter coupled to the amplifier, the power splitter including a first adjustable attenuator connected to the first path, a second adjustable attenuator connected to the second path, a first adjustable phase shifter connected to the first path, and a second adjustable phase shifter connected to the second path, the amplifier having been configured into an optimized state by a process of:

identifying a first state of the amplifier defining a first phase shift of the first path and a second phase shift of the second path resulting in a maximum efficiency of the amplifier when an attenuation of the first path and an attenuation of the second path are set to first attenuation values; and

setting the attenuation of the first path and the attenuation of the second path to achieve a maximum efficiency of the amplifier when the phase shift of the first path and the phase shift of the second path are set according to the first state.

16. The amplifier of claim 15 , wherein identifying the first state of the amplifier includes sweeping the phase shift of the first path and the phase shift of the second path through a number of values.

17. The amplifier of claim 15 , wherein the first attenuation values are 0 dB on the first path and 0 dB on the second path.

18. The amplifier of claim 15 , wherein the first attenuation values are equal.

19. The amplifier of claim 15 , wherein the process includes:

determining whether the amplifier is linearizable; and

when the amplifier is not linearizable, adjusting either or both the attenuation or the phase shift of either or both the first path or the second path.

20. The amplifier of claim 19 , wherein adjusting the attenuation or the phase shift of the first path or the second path includes:

identifying a second state of the amplifier defining a third phase shift of the first path and a fourth phase shift of the second path resulting in a maximum peak output power of the amplifier when the attenuation of the first path and the attenuation of the second path are set to the first attenuation values; and

adjusting the attenuation and the phase shift of the first path and the attenuation and the phase shift of the second path towards the second state.

Assignments (26)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 11759915 AND REPLACE IT WITH APPLICATION 11759935 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 040925 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST. Recorded Feb 17, 2020
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP, B.V. F/K/A FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 052917/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 11759915 AND REPLACE IT WITH APPLICATION 11759935 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 040928 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST. Recorded Jan 17, 2020
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 052915/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12298143 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 038017 FRAME 0058. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Oct 22, 2019
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051030/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12298143 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 042985 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Oct 22, 2019
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051029/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12298143 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 039361 FRAME 0212. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Oct 22, 2019
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051029/0387 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12298143 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 042762 FRAME 0145. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Oct 22, 2019
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051145/0184 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 10, 2019
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 050745/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 10, 2019
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 050744/0097 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12681366 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 039361 FRAME 0212. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded May 9, 2017
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 042762/0145 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12681366 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 038017 FRAME 0058. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded May 9, 2017
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 042985/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE NATURE OF CONVEYANCE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 040652 FRAME: 0241. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME. Recorded Jan 5, 2017
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: NXP USA, INC.
Reel/Frame 041260/0850 →
MERGER Recorded Nov 8, 2016
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: NXP USA, INC.
Reel/Frame 040652/0241 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 7, 2016
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 040928/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 21, 2016
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP, B.V., F/K/A FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 040925/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 12092129 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 038017 FRAME 0058. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT. Recorded Jul 14, 2016
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 039361/0212 →
SUPPLEMENT TO THE SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 16, 2016
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 039138/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE INCORRECT APPLICATION NUMBERS 12222918, 14185362, 14147598, 14185868 & 14196276 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037458 FRAME: 0479. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded May 12, 2016
From: CITIBANK, NA
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 038665/0498 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE APPLICATION NUMBERS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037458 FRAME: 0438. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded May 12, 2016
From: CITIBANK, NA
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 038665/0136 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT Recorded Mar 7, 2016
From: NXP B.V.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 038017/0058 →
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Jan 7, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037458/0438 →
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Jan 7, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037458/0479 →
PATENT RELEASE Recorded Dec 21, 2015
From: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 037357/0763 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 25, 2014
From: AHMED, ABDULRHMAN M.S.; HART, PAUL R.; EMBAR, RAMANUJAM SRINIHI
To: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 033599/0872 →
SUPPLEMENT TO SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 7, 2014
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 032845/0497 →
SUPPLEMENT TO SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 7, 2014
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 032845/0522 →
SUPPLEMENT TO SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 7, 2014
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 032845/0442 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 13656551 · Oct 19, 2012
Related Publication 20140125409A1 · May 8, 2014