Overlapping-Band Amplifier Circuit With Diplexer Signal Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband amplifier arrangements are complex and expensive due to the need for amplifiers to cover entire frequency bands and operate with equal phase and amplitude frequency response, making it difficult to achieve high power amplification with large instantaneous bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple signal paths with different overlapping frequency bands, where amplifiers are optimized for specific frequency ranges and combined using a diplexer that performs frequency multiplexing, allowing for high power amplification without requiring amplifiers to cover the entire frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If broadband amplifiers are used to cover the entire frequency band, then the frequency range is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency band is divided into multiple overlapping sub-bands, each handled by a separate amplifier optimized for that specific range. The signal splitter divides the input signal into frequency-specific paths, and the diplexer combines the amplified signals. This segmentation allows each amplifier to be simpler and more cost-effective while collectively covering the entire frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional approach (one broadband amplifier covering all frequencies) to a multi-dimensional approach by introducing frequency as a separating dimension. Multiple amplifiers operate in parallel on different frequency segments, with the diplexer acting as a frequency-domain router to combine them, effectively adding a dimensional layer to the system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadband amplifiers with large instantaneous bandwidth are used, then the bandwidth is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing difficult high-power broadband amplifiers, the system segments the bandwidth requirement across multiple amplifiers with narrower, easier-to-manufacture frequency ranges. Each amplifier can be produced using standard, well-established processes for its specific frequency band, while the overall system achieves the required instantaneous bandwidth through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each amplifier is designed with local quality optimized for its specific frequency range, using manufacturing processes and component selections tailored to that band. This allows each unit to be manufactured with high ease and reliability for its intended purpose, while the system as a whole achieves broadband performance through the collection of these locally-optimized units.
3Reliability
If amplifiers are required to operate with equal phase and amplitude frequency response, then the signal consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The requirement for equal phase and amplitude response is segmented across frequency bands rather than imposed uniformly across the entire bandwidth. Each amplifier maintains consistent response characteristics within its own frequency range, and the diplexer ensures proper signal combination. This segmented approach achieves overall signal consistency without requiring complex coordination between amplifiers across the full bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an amplifier circuit for amplifying an incoming signal, the amplifier circuit comprising at least two signal paths configured to amplify signals of different overlapping frequency bands, a signal splitter comprising an input port configured to receive the incoming signal, the signal splitter being coupled to an input side of the signal paths and configured to split the incoming signal into split signals for the signal paths, and a diplexer coupled to an output side of the signal paths and configured to combine the amplified signals and provide a combined amplified signal. Further, the present invention provides a respective method.