Array-Processed Amplifier Combining for Intermodulation Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite communications, power amplifiers face a challenge in achieving high linearity and efficiency due to the large peak-to-average power ratio of composite multi-carrier signals, as highly linear amplifiers are inefficient while non-linear amplifiers produce unacceptable intermodulation products.
Innovation Solution
The system divides the input signal into multiple channels, amplifies each channel using high efficiency non-linear amplifiers, and combines the outputs with specific coefficients to suppress non-linear products, allowing for linear amplification with high efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If highly linear amplifiers such as Class A amplifiers are used, then linearity is improved, but efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The input signal is divided into multiple channels, each processed by a separate non-linear amplifier. By segmenting the signal path and using multiple amplifiers with different operating characteristics, the system achieves both high efficiency and linearity through coordinated operation of the segmented channels
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful non-linear intermodulation products generated by non-linear amplifiers into a beneficial effect by using coefficient application and signal combining to suppress these intermodulation products. The non-linearity that was previously harmful is now exploited as a means to achieve both efficiency and linearity
2Use of energy by moving object
If non-linear amplifiers such as Class C amplifiers are used, then efficiency is improved, but linearity deteriorates due to intermodulation products
Solution Approach 1:
Coefficient units are introduced as intermediary elements between the non-linear amplifiers and the signal combiner. These coefficient units apply specific coefficients to the amplifier outputs, acting as mediators that enable the suppression of intermodulation products while maintaining the high efficiency operation of non-linear amplifiers
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the outputs of non-linear amplifiers are combined and processed with coefficients that are determined based on the characteristics of the amplifiers. This feedback loop enables automatic suppression of intermodulation products, allowing non-linear amplifiers to operate efficiently while maintaining linearity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for achieving linear amplification with high efficiency are provided. An input signal is amplified using a plurality of amplifiers by dividing the input signal into a plurality of inputs signals, amplifying the plurality of input signals with the plurality of amplifiers and combining the amplified output signals of the plurality of amplifiers into a single amplified output signal. Coefficients are applied to the input signals and the amplified output signals of the amplifiers so that non-linear products due to the amplifiers are suppressed when the amplified output signals of the amplifiers are combined into the single amplified output signal. The suppression of the non-linear products allows an amplification system to achieve linear amplification using high efficiency non-linear amplifiers. The systems and methods can also be applied to other non-linear devices, for example, mixers and modulators, to suppress non-linear products in these devices.