An envelope tracking (ET) circuit is provided. In examples discussed herein, the ET circuit can be configured to operate in a fifth-generation (5G) standalone (SA) mode and a 5G non-standalone (NSA) mode. In the SA mode, the ET circuit can enable a first pair of ET power amplifier circuits to amplify a 5G signal based on ET for concurrent transmission in a 5G band(s). In the NSA mode, the ET circuit can enable a second pair of ET power amplifier circuits to amplify an anchor signal and a 5G signal based on ET for concurrent transmission in an anchor band(s) and a 5G band(s), respectively. As such, the ET circuit may be provided in a 5G-enabled wireless communication device (e.g., a 5G-enabled smartphone) to help improve power amplifier linearity and efficiency in both 5G SA and NSA networks.

Apparatus and methods for power amplifier bias modulation for multi-level supply envelope tracking are provided herein. In certain embodiments, an envelope tracking system includes a power amplifier that amplifies a radio frequency signal, a multi-level supply envelope tracker that generates a power amplifier supply voltage of the power amplifier based on an envelope signal indicating an envelope of the radio frequency signal, and a bias modulation circuit that modulates a bias of the power amplifier based on a voltage level of the power amplifier supply voltage.

Apparatus and methods for power amplifier bias modulation for low bandwidth envelope tracking are provided herein. In certain embodiments, an envelope tracking system includes a power amplifier that amplifies an RF signal and a low bandwidth envelope tracker that generates a power amplifier supply voltage for the power amplifier based on an envelope of the RF signal. The envelope tracking system further includes a bias modulation circuit that modulates a bias signal of the power amplifier based on a voltage level of the power amplifier supply voltage.

Multi-level envelope tracking systems with adjusted voltage steps are provided. In certain embodiments, an envelope tracking system for generating a power amplifier supply voltage for a power amplifier is provided. The envelope tracking system includes a multi-level supply (MLS) DC-to-DC converter that outputs multiple regulated voltages, an MLS modulator that controls selection of the regulated voltages over time based on an envelope signal corresponding to an envelope of a radio frequency (RF) signal amplified by the power amplifier, and a modulator output filter coupled between an output of the MLS modulator and the power amplifier supply voltage. The envelope tracking system further includes a switching point adaptation circuit configured to control the voltage level of the regulated voltages outputted by the MLS DC-to-DC converter based on a power level of the RF signal.

Multi-level envelope trackers with an analog interface are provided herein. In certain embodiments, an envelope tracking system for generating a power amplifier supply voltage for a power amplifier is provided. The envelope tracking system includes a multi-level supply (MLS) DC-to-DC converter that outputs multiple regulated voltages, an MLS modulator that controls selection of the regulated voltages over time based on an analog envelope signal corresponding to an envelope of the RF signal amplified by the power amplifier, and a modulator output filter coupled between an output of the MLS modulator and the power amplifier supply voltage.

Multi-level envelope tracking systems with separate DC and AC paths are provided. In certain embodiments, an envelope tracking system for generating a power amplifier supply voltage for a power amplifier is provided. The envelope tracking system includes a multi-level supply (MLS) DC-to-DC converter that outputs multiple regulated voltages, an MLS modulator that controls selection of the regulated voltages over time based on an envelope signal corresponding to an envelope of a radio frequency (RF) signal amplified by the power amplifier, an AC path filter coupled between an output of the MLS modulator and the power amplifier supply voltage, and a DC path filter coupled between a DC voltage and the power amplifier supply voltage.

A power amplifier circuit includes a first power supply terminal electrically connected to a first power amplifier; a second power supply terminal electrically connected to a second power amplifier subsequent to the first power amplifier; a first external power supply line configured to electrically connect a power supply circuit configured to output a power supply potential corresponding to an amplitude level of a high-frequency input signal and the first power supply terminal; and a second external power supply line configured to electrically connect the power supply circuit and the second power supply terminal. An inductance value of the first external power supply line is higher than an inductance value of the second external power supply line.

Envelope tracking systems for power amplifiers are provided herein. In certain embodiments, an envelope tracker is provided for a power amplifier that amplifies a radio frequency (RF) signal. The envelope tracker controls a power amplifier supply voltage of the power amplifier based on an envelope signal indicating an envelope of the RF signal. The envelope tracker includes a first controllable resistance between a first regulated voltage and the power amplifier supply voltage and a second controllable resistance between a second regulated voltage and the power amplifier supply voltage. The first regulated voltage and the second regulated voltage are of different voltage levels.

Methods and apparatus for providing amplifier protection for a radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit. An example RF front-end circuit generally includes an amplifier with a gain, a first sensor configured to sense a first power (or voltage) of a first node coupled to an input of the amplifier, a second sensor configured to sense a second power (or voltage) of a second node coupled to an output of the amplifier, and logic coupled to the first and second sensors. The logic is generally configured to determine that the second power (or voltage) is outside a range based on the gain and the first power (or voltage) and to take an action to protect the amplifier based on the determination. By utilizing the techniques and apparatus described herein, protection can be provided to the amplifier(s) in an RF front-end circuit without significantly impacting the performance of the RF front-end circuit.

An apparatus for detecting difference in operating characteristics of a main circuit by using a replica circuit is presented. In one exemplary case, a sensed difference in operating characteristics of the two circuits is used to drive a tuning control loop to minimize the sensed difference. In another exemplary case, several replica circuits of the main circuit are used, where each is isolated from one or more operating variables that affect the operating characteristic of the main circuit. Each replica circuit can be used for sensing a different operating characteristic, or, two replica circuits can be combined to sense a same operating characteristic.