N-way RF power amplifier circuit with increased back-off capability and power added efficiency using unequal input power division
US6737922B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2201/3203
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An RF power amplifier circuit for amplifying an RF signal over a broad range of power with improved efficiency includes a carrier amplifier for amplifying an RF signal over a first range of power and with a power saturation level below the maximum of the broad range of power is disclosed. One or more peak amplifiers are connected in parallel with the carrier amplifier with each of the peak amplifiers being biased to sequentially provide an amplified output signal after the carrier amplifier approaches saturation. The input signal is applied through a signal splitter to the carrier amplifier and the plurality of peak amplifiers, and an output for receiving amplified output signals from the carrier amplifier and the plurality of peak amplifiers includes a resistive load R/2. The split input signal is applied through a 90° transformer to the carrier amplifier, and the outputs of the peak amplifiers are applied through 90° transformers to a output load. When operating below saturation, the carrier amplifier delivers power to a load of 2R when the carrier amplifier delivers current to the load, which is one-half the current at maximum power and the amplifier is saturated. The si…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.