N-way RF power amplifier circuit with increased back-off capability and power added efficiency using selected phase lengths and output impedances
US6791417B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 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. A plurality of 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 and the carrier amplifier delivers current to the load, which is one-half the current at maximum power when the amplifier is saturated. In …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.