Quasi-Optic Power Amplifier Array for RF Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF systems face challenges in increasing power amplification without impedance matching issues, requiring complex post-fabrication trimming and component selection, and introducing distortions in amplitude and phase information due to gain compression and phase changes, especially at high frequencies like 40 GHz to 220 GHz, necessitating high efficiency power amplifiers with minimal overhead and efficient digital modulation support.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a quasi-optic power amplifier with an antenna assembly, including a harmonic trap, and a two-dimensional antenna and power amplifier array configuration on a substrate, allowing for scalable operation, efficient DC to RF conversion, and adaptive digital modulation schemes, with circuitry for selective operation and calibration of each element to minimize distortion and maximize efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the device size and current are increased to achieve higher power amplification, then the power output is improved, but impedance matching problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power amplification function into multiple smaller power amplifier devices (e.g., multiple GaN HEMTs) that operate in parallel. Each device operates at lower power levels with better impedance matching characteristics, while their combined output achieves the desired high power level. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining good impedance matching at the device level while achieving high overall power output through constructive combination of multiple devices.
2Power
If multiple power amplifiers are used to achieve power combining, then the power output is improved, but device complexity and post-fabrication trimming requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple power amplifier devices and their combining network into a single monolithic integrated circuit structure fabricated using standard CMOS or GaN HEMT processes. The power combining is achieved through on-chip transmission lines and impedance transformation networks that are co-fabricated with the amplifier devices themselves. This merging eliminates the need for separate packaging, interconnections, and post-fabrication trimming operations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high power output capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the amplifier operates near peak power to improve efficiency, then DC to RF efficiency is improved, but amplitude and phase distortion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent operates each individual power amplifier device at a moderate power level that provides good linearity and minimal amplitude/phase distortion, rather than pushing each device to peak power. The desired high overall power output is achieved by combining the outputs of multiple such devices. This partial action approach allows each device to operate in its linear region while the system as a whole achieves high efficiency through the combined output power, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and distortion.
4Loss of information
If the amplifier is backed off from peak power to reduce distortion, then amplitude and phase linearity is improved, but DC to RF efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power amplification task across multiple devices operating in parallel. Each device is backed off from peak power to maintain linearity, but the combined output of all devices achieves the required power level. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high DC to RF efficiency (since each device operates efficiently at its reduced power level) while preserving amplitude and phase linearity, thereby resolving the contradiction between efficiency and linearity.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna and power amplifier element assembly may include an antenna assembly and a quasi-optic power amplifier. The quasi-optic power amplifier may include an output transistor coupled to the antenna assembly. A harmonic trap may be coupled to the quasi-optic power amplifier.