Thermally coupled current limiter
US9035701B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2200/462
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This disclosure relates generally to radio frequency (RF) amplification devices and methods of limiting an RF signal current. Embodiments of the RF amplification device include an RF amplification circuit and a feedback circuit. The RF amplification circuit is configured to amplify an RF input signal so as to generate an amplified RF signal that provides an RF signal current with a current magnitude. The feedback circuit is used to limit the RF signal current. In particular, a thermal sense element in the feedback circuit is configured to generate a sense current, and thermal conduction from the RF amplification circuit sets a sense current level of the sense current as being indicative of the current magnitude of the RF signal current. To limit the RF signal current, the feedback circuit decreases the current magnitude of the RF signal current in response to the sense current level reaching a trigger current level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.