DC—DC converter for power level tracking power amplifiers
US7190150B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2200/504
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A DC-to-DC converter as described herein is suitable for use as a variable voltage supply for an RF power amplifier. The DC-to-DC converter includes a buck converter for providing relatively low voltage and current output, and a linear voltage regulator for providing relatively high voltage and current output. When operating in a buck converter mode, the DC-to-DC converter disables the linear voltage regulator, thus providing efficient low-level operation. When operating in a linear regulator mode, the DC-to-DC converter enables the linear voltage regulator while maintaining at least some current flow through the buck converter; this is accomplished by keeping an output transistor of the buck converter continuously on during the linear regulator mode. The DC-to-DC converter can transition between operating modes in a smooth manner that does not result in discontinuous voltage drops.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.