Integrated variable gain power amplifier and method
US5834975A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03G1/0088
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An integrated, variable gain microwave frequency power amplifier comprises a number of individual amplifier stages which contain microwave frequency active devices. Each stage is fed with a common input signal, and the individual stage outputs are connected to respective micro-electromechanical (MEM) switches which, when closed, connect the individual outputs together to form the power amplifier's output. The power amplifier's gain is determined by the number of outputs connected together. The preferred switch provides low insertion loss and excellent electrical isolation, enabling a number of amplifier stages to be efficiently interconnected to provide a wide dynamic range power amplifier. The switches are preferably integrated on a common substrate with the active devices, eliminating the need for wire bonds and reducing parasitic capacitances. A variable impedance network comprising a number of impedance matching networks selected using MEM switches can be connected to and integrated with a variable gain power amplifier to provide impedance matching that is appropriate for each of the power amplifier's possible output power levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.