Balanced Amplifier Splitter Layout for Wider Broadband Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional balanced amplifier systems are limited by their cut-off frequencies, restricting the frequency range of signals that can be amplified, especially in high power applications like EMI tests where broader frequency ranges are needed.

Innovation Solution

The amplifier arrangement splits the broadband signal into two split signals, which are then amplified by separate units within a balanced amplifier, bypassing the cut-off frequency limitations of the input stage and allowing for increased frequency range amplification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single input signal is provided to the balanced amplifier, then the amplifier operates within its designed frequency range, but the frequency range is limited by the cut-off frequencies of the amplifier elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency rangeVSAvoidsignal amplification below cut-off frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The broadband signal is divided into two separate frequency bands using a diplexer, with each band being processed by a dedicated amplifier path. This segmentation allows each amplifier to be optimized for its specific frequency range while collectively covering a broader spectrum, thereby extending the overall frequency range without compromising signal integrity in either band

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A diplexer is introduced as an intermediary device that separates the broadband signal into two distinct frequency bands before they enter the balanced amplifier. This mediator enables the system to handle frequencies below the traditional cut-off by routing them through an appropriate path, thus expanding the usable frequency range while maintaining reliable amplification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the balanced amplifier is designed for high power amplification in a predefined frequency band, then amplification power is sufficient for that band, but the frequency band is limited by the cut-off frequencies of the amplifier elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplification powerVSAvoidfrequency band coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The amplification system is segmented into two independent paths, each handling a specific frequency band with appropriate power amplification. The first path handles frequencies above the cut-off with full power, while the second path handles frequencies below the cut-off also with full power, collectively providing broad frequency coverage with sufficient power across the entire range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier system is designed to perform multiple functions by simultaneously amplifying two different frequency bands with equal capability. Each amplifier path is configured to provide full power amplification for its designated band, making the overall system universal across a broader frequency spectrum rather than being limited to a single predefined band

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3399646B1Amplifier arrangement and method
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3399646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3399646B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3399646B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an amplifier arrangement (100, 200) for amplifying a broadband signal (101, 201), the amplifier arrangement (100, 200) comprising a signal splitter (102, 202) configured to receive the broadband signal (101, 201) and output a first split signal (103, 203) and a second split signal (104, 204), and a balanced amplifier (105, 205) that is coupled to the signal splitter (102, 202) and is configured to amplify the first split signal (103, 203) and the second split signal (104, 204) and is configured to output a single amplified broadband signal (107, 207) based on the amplified first split signal (103, 203) and the amplified second split signal (104, 204). The present invention further provides a respective method.