Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

Karl J Couglar

David Kennedy Homol

Ryan M Pratt

Hua Wang

Apparatus and methods for providing variable regulated voltages are disclosed. Variable voltage control elements can adjust a regulated voltage provided by a single voltage regulator, thereby providing a variable regulated voltage. The regulated voltage can be used in a variety of applications, for example, as a bias voltage for a power amplifier.

Apparatus and method for variable voltage distribution

Apparatus and methods for generating a variable regulated voltage

Apparatuses and methods for well buffering are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) switch having a gate, a drain, a source, and a well. The source and drain are formed in the well, and the gate is formed adjacent the well between the source and drain. The source is configured to receive a bias voltage from a power amplifier. The apparatus further includes a gate bias control block for biasing the gate voltage of the switch, a well bias control block for biasing the well voltage of the switch, and a buffer circuit for increasing the impedance between the well bias control block and the well of the switch.

Apparatus and method for well buffering

Apparatuses and methods for diffusion sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) switch and a switch sense block. The switch includes a gate, a drain, a source, and a well. The source and drain are formed in the well. The gate is formed adjacent the well between the source and drain, and the source is configured to receive a bias voltage from a power amplifier. The switch sense block is configured to measure a signal indicative of the voltage of at least one of the source or drain voltage of the switch and to generate an output signal based on the measurement.

Apparatus and method for diffusion sensing

Apparatuses and methods for disabling well bias are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) switch having a gate, a drain, a source, and a well. The source and drain are formed in the well. The gate is formed adjacent the well between the source and drain, and the source is configured to receive a bias voltage from a power amplifier. The apparatus further includes a well bias control block for biasing the well voltage of the first switch and a disable circuit for disabling the well bias control block so as to prevent the well bias control block from biasing the well. The well bias control block can bias the well voltage of the first switch to at least two voltage levels.

Apparatus and method for disabling well bias

Apparatuses and methods for enabled switch detection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) switch having a gate, a drain, a source, and a well. The source and drain are formed in the well, and the gate is formed adjacent the well between the source and drain. The source is configured to receive a radio frequency signal from a first power amplifier. The apparatus further includes a switch enable detect block configured to compare a signal indicative of the gate voltage of the first switch to a first reference signal and to generate an output comparison signal based at least partly on the comparison. The apparatus further includes a power amplifier bias control block configured to enable the first power amplifier based at least partly on the output comparison signal from the switch sense block.

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Oak Ridge, NC, United States of America

Karl J Couglar