Integrated Traveling-Wave Tube Transmitter for Flexible Signal Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LINC amplifiers/transmitters using traveling-wave tube amplifiers face performance degradation due to performance differences between independent TWTAs, leading to reduced signal quality and efficiency, increased system complexity, and limitations in signal splitting and frequency band usage.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmitter with an integrated array traveling-wave tube amplifier that splits signals into multiple sub-signals, allowing for flexible signal splitting and power amplification across multiple frequency bands, while a controller manages channel opening and power supply to enhance efficiency and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If two independent TWTAs are used for power amplification in LINC transmitter, then power amplification capability is improved, but system complexity and device size are doubled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple TWTAs into a single integrated array traveling-wave tube amplifier with M radio frequency channels. This integration maintains the power amplification capability of multiple TWTAs while reducing system complexity by sharing common components such as the cathode, focusing system, and output structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between power capability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated array traveling-wave tube amplifier provides multi-functionality by supporting M radio frequency channels that can process multiple signals or sub-signals simultaneously. This universal design allows the single device to perform the functions of multiple independent TWTAs while reducing overall system complexity
2Power
If two independent TWTAs are used for power amplification, then power amplification capability is improved, but transmitter size and weight are doubled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple TWTAs into a single integrated array structure, significantly reducing transmitter weight by eliminating duplicate components such as separate cathodes, focusing systems, and support structures. The merged design maintains power amplification capability while reducing overall weight
3Reliability
If conventional TWTAs are used, then each tube supports one signal, but signal splitting flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated array traveling-wave tube amplifier provides universal support for multiple signals and frequency bands through its M radio frequency channels. Each channel can independently process sub-signals from different frequency bands or split signals, enabling flexible signal processing and multi-band operation within a single device
4Ease of operation
If independent TWTAs are used with performance differences, then individual amplifier operation is simple, but combined signal quality and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by providing independent control mechanisms for each radio frequency channel within the integrated array. This allows precise adjustment and calibration of each channel's performance characteristics, ensuring that all channels maintain consistent and high-quality output despite manufacturing variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and signal quality
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transmitter is provided. The signal transmitter includes a signal splitting module, including M output interfaces, where the signal splitting module is configured to split a signal into N sub-signals, and output the N sub-signals through N of the M output interfaces, where M and N are integers, M≥2, N≥1, and M≥N, an integrated array traveling-wave tube amplifier, including M radio frequency channels, where the M channels one-to-one correspond to the M output interfaces, each channel is configured to perform power amplification on a sub-signal that is output from a corresponding output interface, and each channel is openable and closeable, a power supply module, configured to supply power to the integrated array traveling-wave tube amplifier, and at least one transmit antenna, configured to send a signal obtained through power amplification.