Power amplifier control technique for enhanced efficiency
US7193459B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2200/78
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power amplifier configuration including power amplifier circuitry and power control circuitry and having improved Power Added Efficiency (PAE) is provided. The power amplifier circuitry includes one or more input amplifier stages in series with a final amplifier stage. The power control circuitry provides a variable supply voltage to the input amplifier stages based on an adjustable power control signal. The final amplifier stage is powered by a fixed supply voltage. In operation, as output power of the power amplifier is reduced from its highest power level, the variable supply voltage is reduced. Accordingly, RF power of an amplified signal provided to the final amplifier stage from the input amplifier stages decreases, and the final amplifier stage transitions from saturation to linear operation, thereby increasing the gain of the final amplifier stage. Thus, a desired output level can be maintained while operating at lower current levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.