The AD8315 is a complete low cost subsystem for the precise control of RF power amplifiers operating in the frequency range 0.1 GHz to 2.5 GHz and over a typical dynamic range of 50 dB. It is intended for use in cellular handsets and other batteryoperated wireless devices. The log amp technique provides a much wider measurement range and better accuracy than controllers using diode detectors. In particular, the temperature stability is excellent over a specified range of −30°C to +85°C.Its high sensitivity allows control at low signal levels, thus reducing the amount of power that must be coupled to the detector.For convenience, the signal is internally ac-coupled. This high-pass coupling, with a corner at approximately 0.016 GHz, determines the lowest operating frequency. Therefore, the source can be dc grounded.The AD8315 provides a voltage output, VAPC, that has the voltage range and current drive to directly connect to most handset power amplifiers’ gain control pin. VAPC can swing from 250 mV above ground to within 200 mV below the supply voltage. Load currents of up to 6 mA can be supported.The setpoint control input is applied to the VSET pin and has an operating range of 0.25 V to 1.4 V. The associated circuit determines the slope and intercept of the linear-in-dB measurement system; these are nominally 23 mV/dB and −60 dBm for a 50 Ω termination (−73 dBV) at 0.9 GHz. Further simplifying the application of the AD8315, the input resistance of the setpoint interface is over 100 MΩ, and the bias current is typically 0.5 μA.The AD8315 is available in MSOP and LFCSP packages and consumes 8.5 mA from a 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply. When powered down, the sleep current is 4 μA.ApplicationsSingle, dual, and triple band mobile handset (GSM, DCS, EDGE)Transmitter power control