Smart biasing keeps RF power amplifier on track

Xicor Inc. developed a monolithic smart bias controller that regulates and controls the output power of the LDMOS Radio Frequency (RF) power amplifier and improves its performance. The controller integrates all necessary analog and mixed-signal functions on a single CMOS chip to automatically control the gate bias voltage of an LDMOS power amplifier. It also offers an integrated closed-loop solution that permits dynamic calibration of the LDMOS' gate bias voltage during manufacturing and real-time modes in the basestation The X9470 calibrates and dynamically sets the optimum bias voltage operating point of the external RF amplifiers.