Patent · US Expired

Adjustable segmented power amplifier

US7444124B1 · kind B1 · utility

21Cited by
22References
89Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 10, 2004
Grant dateOct 28, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 3, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH03F2203/45731
  • WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An architecture, circuits, systems and a method for amplifying an analog signal. The architecture and/or circuit generally includes a first fixed stage (e.g., a predriver) and an adjustable stage. The first fixed stage may be configured to amplify an analog signal and provide a first amplified analog output at a first common node. The adjustable stage may comprise a plurality of independently selectable parallel amplifier segments. Each of the parallel segments may have an input at the first common node and an output at a second common node, a transistor having a control terminal, and a first inductor in electrical communication with the control terminal of the transistor. The adjustable stage may be configured to apply a bias to the control terminal of the transistor in a selected segment and to provide an output signal in one of a plurality of a power ranges corresponding to a number of selected parallel amplifier segments. The output signal generally has a minimum power efficiency when two or more of the parallel segments are selected. The present invention advantageously provides a relatively compact power amplifier with an extended output power range at which the amplifier is …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.