Class E RF Amplifier With Transformer-Coupled Transmit Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio frequency signal amplifiers for otological apparatuses, such as hearing aids and tinnitus maskers, suffer from slow phase behavior and significant power losses during switching states, which hinder efficient data transmission and phase change requirements in digital systems.
Innovation Solution
A class E amplifier design featuring a power transistor with an actively connected breaker gap, a choke coil, and a transformer-like coupling with a transmit coil, which reduces power loss by up to 60% and enables rapid phase behavior through energy recycling and non-linear characteristics, particularly with a ferromagnetic core, allowing for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional linear amplifiers are used for radio frequency signal transmission, then the system operates with simple circuit design, but the phase change speed is slow due to inverse proportionality between phase change time and bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the amplifier from a linear system to a non-linear class E amplifier system, changing the operating parameters and circuit topology. This enables the amplifier to achieve fast phase changes (fourfold improvement) by operating in a non-linear regime where phase change time is no longer inversely proportional to bandwidth in the conventional sense,而是 through resonant switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching elements (transistors Q1, Q2) that can rapidly change state in response to control signals. The breaker gap circuitry dynamically adjusts the resonant frequency and impedance matching in real-time, enabling fast phase transitions while maintaining efficient energy transfer to the transmit coil
2Power
If power transistors are used for switching output signals in radio frequency amplifiers, then the amplifier can provide sufficient power output, but significant power loss occurs during switching transitions between on and off states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resonant inductors (L1, L2) and capacitors to maintain continuous energy flow during transistor switching transitions. The resonant circuitry ensures that energy is continuously transferred from the power source through the transmit coil and back, preventing energy dissipation during the switching transition period. This resonant continuity eliminates the traditional power loss that occurs when transistors switch between on and off states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions in the resonant circuit elements to manage power transfer during switching. The breaker gap circuitry creates controlled phase shifts in the resonant oscillations, allowing the transistor to switch at optimal points in the voltage and current cycles. This timing coordination ensures that switching occurs when voltage and current are simultaneously low, minimizing power loss during transitions
3Device complexity
If direct coupling is used between amplifier output and transmit coil, then the circuit is simpler, but power loss is significant and phase behavior is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary resonant coupling circuit consisting of inductors L1 and L2, capacitors, and the breaker gap network between the amplifier output and the transmit coil. This intermediary resonant system acts as an energy buffer and transfer medium, enabling efficient wireless-style power transfer through magnetic coupling. The resonant intermediary minimizes power loss by maintaining high Q-factor energy oscillations during the coupling process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct electrical coupling to magnetic field-based coupling through the transformer-like arrangement of inductors L1 and L2. This adds a magnetic field dimension to the energy transfer process, allowing power to be transmitted through electromagnetic induction rather than direct conductive connection. This dimensional change enables galvanic isolation while maintaining efficient power transfer through the magnetic coupling field
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The amplifier achieves a fourfold faster phase change and significantly reduces power loss, enabling efficient data transmission and improved communication capabilities for otological apparatuses by utilizing a transformer-like coupling and energy recycling, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional amplifiers.
Implementation Method 1
The transmit coil is coupled to the choke coil in a transformer-like manner, in particular in a coreless transformer-like manner or in a cored transformer-like manner, with the choke coil being able to transmit an output power onto the transmit coil by means of a coupling magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A coupling core of a transformer thus formed is preferably a ferromagnetic core, further preferred a ferrite core. This circuit arrangement advantageously achieves a rapid phase behavior, in particular by recycling energy in the energy source and non-linear characteristics in the case of a ferromagnetic core of the choke coil
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an amplifier for a radio frequency signal for transmitting a transmit signal to an otological apparatus. The amplifier comprises at least one power transistor for switching an output signal. A breaker gap of the power transistor is actively connected to a network such that a power loss converted in the power transistor is at least partially reduced during a switchover into a switched-on state and/or at least during a switchover into a switched-off state. The breaker gap of the at least one transistor is at least indirectly connected in series to a power supply source by way of a choke coil. The amplifier comprises a transmit coil as an output load, with the transmit coil comprising an inductor and being actively connected to the power transistor. The transmit coil is coupled to the choke coil in a transformer-like manner, with the choke coil thus being able to transmit an output power to the transmit coil. The transmit coil can generate a transmit signal from the output power.