Orthogonal Load Modulation Amplifier With Self-Generated Attenuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load modulation amplifiers require external phase or amplitude control signals and dual RF input signals, limiting their application in achieving high continuous power backed off efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A load modulation amplifier with a first and second amplifier, utilizing an input and output quadrature coupler, splitter, and variable attenuator, autonomously generates control signals through an attenuation controller in response to RF signal power, eliminating the need for external control signals and achieving high continuous power backed off efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If load modulated balanced amplifiers use a second input signal source, then power backed off efficiency is improved, but device complexity and direct current power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier uses its own output signal to generate the control signal for the variable attenuator through the detection circuit and controller, eliminating the need for external control signal sources. The system serves itself by extracting control information from its own operation, thereby reducing external dependencies and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high power backed off efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal generation function is merged into the amplifier system itself through the detection circuit and controller that process the output signal to generate attenuation control signals. This integration combines multiple functions (amplification, detection, control signal generation) into a unified system, reducing the need for separate external control systems and reducing overall device complexity
2Productivity
If load modulated balanced amplifiers use a second input signal source, then power backed off efficiency is improved, but direct current power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier uses its own output signal to generate the control signal for the variable attenuator through the detection circuit and controller, eliminating the need for external control signal sources. The system serves itself by extracting control information from its own operation, thereby reducing external dependencies and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high power backed off efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit samples the output signal and feeds it back through the controller to generate the appropriate attenuation control signal. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the attenuator based on its own output conditions, eliminating the need for external control power and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining optimal efficiency across different power backoff levels
3Use of energy by moving object
If orthogonal LMPAs reduce the power requirement of the second input signal source, then direct current power consumption is reduced, but external phase and amplitude control signals are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier uses its own output signal to generate the control signal for the variable attenuator through the detection circuit and controller, eliminating the need for external control signal sources. The system serves itself by extracting control information from its own operation, thereby reducing external dependencies and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high power backed off efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the control signal generation function from external sources and relocates it within the amplifier system itself. By taking out the dependency on external phase and amplitude control signals and implementing internal generation through the detection circuit and controller, the system eliminates external control requirements while maintaining all necessary functionality
4Device complexity
If a simplified LMBA requires no external control signal, then device complexity is reduced, but additional active amplifier and feedforward RF path are required
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier uses its own output signal to generate the control signal for the variable attenuator through the detection circuit and controller, eliminating the need for external control signal sources. The system serves itself by extracting control information from its own operation, thereby reducing external dependencies and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high power backed off efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a variable attenuator that dynamically adjusts its attenuation based on the control signal generated from the output signal. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize power backed off efficiency across different operating conditions without requiring additional fixed amplifiers or complex feedforward paths, achieving adaptability through controlled variable parameters
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 high power added efficiency with autonomous operation, optimizing power backed off efficiency without external phase or amplitude control signals, similar to dual-driven load-modulated balanced amplifiers.
Implementation Method 1
An input quadrature coupler has a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port, wherein the third port is coupled to an input of the second amplifier and the fourth port is coupled to an input of the first amplifier
Implementation Method 2
A variable attenuator is coupled between the first splitter output and the first port of the input quadrature coupler
Implementation Method 3
a first amplifier and a second amplifier... wherein the first amplifier has an input coupled to the fourth port of the input quadrature coupler and an output, and the second amplifier has an input coupled to the third port of the input quadrature coupler and an output
Data Source
AI summary
A load modulation amplifier is disclosed having a first amplifier and a second amplifier. An input quadrature coupler and an output quadrature coupler are coupled between the first amplifier and the second amplifier. A splitter has a first splitter output, a splitter input coupled to a signal input, and a second splitter output coupled to a second port of the input quadrature coupler, and a variable attenuator is coupled between the first splitter output and a first port of the input quadrature coupler. An attenuation controller has a controller output that is coupled to an attenuation control input of the variable attenuator, wherein the attenuation controller autonomously generates a control signal in response to a power sample signal in proportion to a radio frequency signal received at the radio frequency signal input.