Series-Fed Amplifier Array for Efficient MMW Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power sources for W-band millimeter wave (MMW) applications, such as communications systems and directed energy weapons, are typically bulky, expensive, and non-portable due to the use of magnetrons or gyrotrons, while solid-state semiconductor devices have limited power output, necessitating the combination of power from multiple devices using quasi-optical methods.
Innovation Solution
A modular MMW amplifier module with a dielectric substrate hosting multiple amplifier circuit devices, each with two or more stages of amplification, phase shifters, and amplitude adjusters, connected in parallel or series for efficient power distribution and bias voltage management, utilizing transistors and a bias voltage network for optimized DC and RF performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If tube-based MMW sources (magnetrons or gyrotrons) are used, then high power output is achieved, but the device becomes bulky, expensive, and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the MMW source into multiple independent semiconductor amplifier modules, each capable of operating autonomously. These modules can be distributed across different locations and combined through beam combining techniques to achieve high total power output, while each individual module remains small and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the output beams from multiple semiconductor amplifier modules to achieve high total power output. By merging the capabilities of multiple low-power devices, the system reaches the high power levels traditionally requiring single large tube-based sources, while maintaining the portability advantages of solid-state devices.
2Power
If multiple semiconductor devices are combined using quasi-optical methods, then high power output is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each amplifier module is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated bias voltage distribution networks and power management circuits. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module while simplifying the overall system architecture, as modules can be replicated and combined without requiring complex inter-module coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized configurations that allow them to function both independently and in combined arrays. The bias voltage distribution network and power management circuits are designed to work seamlessly whether powering a single module or multiple modules, reducing overall system complexity.
3Power
If DC power is distributed to multiple amplifier devices, then high power output is achieved, but power distribution efficiency decreases due to current sharing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of distributing high current at low voltage (traditional parallel connection), the invention inverts the approach by distributing low current at high voltage through series-connected bias voltage distribution networks. This inversion reduces I²R losses in the power distribution conductors while still delivering the required total power to multiple amplifier devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage-current parameters of the power distribution system by implementing series connections for bias voltage distribution. This parameter change transforms the power distribution from a high-current, low-voltage regime to a low-current, high-voltage regime, significantly reducing resistive losses while maintaining the same total power delivery capability.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an amplifier module which may include a plurality of N circuit devices, each of which may have at least two stages of amplification. Each circuit device may additionally have a DC input power terminal, a DC power return terminal, and at least one bias voltage terminal. The DC power terminals of the N circuit devices may be connected in series. A bias voltage network may have at least N taps, and each of the N taps may be connected to a bias voltage terminal of a corresponding one of the N circuit devices.