EP0714164A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Modular linear feed-forward amplifier
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1995-11-14
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2015-11-14
Abstract
Abstract The invention concerns feed-forward, linear, radio-frequency amplifiers, which contain components which can be grouped into two categories: active and passive. Under the invention, all active components (MPLCP1, MPLCP2, LINLAM1, DPLCP1) are constructed as two-port devices, which are easily tested, using standard equipment, in order to locate malfunctions. The active components plug into a network of the passive components, (LCU-A,B,C,D; PDDL, PEDL) comprising striplines, waveguides, coaxial cables, and the like.
Inventors
- 👤 Matthew James Hunton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:20
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03F; H03F1/00; H03F1/32; H03F1/3223; H03F1/3229; H03F1/3235; H03F2201/00; H03F2201/32; H03F2201/3212; H03F2201/3218
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
26 words
An amplifier, comprising: a) gain stages, all of which comprise two-port devices; and b) passive components which connect the gain stages into a feed-forward linear amplifier.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
19 words
An amplifier according to claim 1, in which the gain stages comprise at least two substantially identical active two-ports.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An amplifier according to claim 1, in which the gain stages comprise three types of two-ports, and no more.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An amplifier according to claim 1, in which the gain stages comprise three pairs of active two-ports, each pair containing two substantially identical two-ports.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
In a feed-forward amplifier which includes pre-distortion or post-distortion correction, or both, the improvement comprising: a) gain stages, all of which are two-ported; and b) passive components, including splitters and combiners, for connecting the gain stages into said amplifier.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus from which an amplifier may be constructed, comprising: a) passive rf connection means, having pairs of ports, each pair for coupling to an active two-port gain stage, to produce a feed-forward linear amplifier; and b) power supply means for powering the gain stages.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
37 words
A method of testing an amplifier, comprising the following steps: a) removing only active two-port networks from the amplifier; and b) testing the active two-ports, based on an s-parameter test set, in order to identify faulty two-ports.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
357 words
An rf amplifier, comprising: a) a first signal splitter (LCU A) for receiving a signal at an input (N1) and splitting it between nodes N2 and N3; b) a second signal splitter (LCU B) for receiving a signal at node N5 and splitting it between nodes N6 and N10; c) a first signal combiner (LCU C) for combining a signal at node N13 with a signal at node N7, and producing a combined signal at node N8, while passing a replica of the signal at node 13 to node 14; d) a second signal combiner (LCU D) for combining a signal at node N9 with a signal at node N15, and producing a combined signal at node N16; e) first amplifier means (MPLCP1) connecting between nodes N3 and N4, for amplifying a signal at N3; f) a cable connecting nodes N4 and N5; g) second amplifier means (MPLCP2) connecting between nodes N10 and N11, for amplifying a signal at N10; h) third amplifier means (LIN LAM1) connecting between nodes N11 and N13, for amplifying a signal at N11; i) a first delay line (PEDL), connecting between nodes N14 and N15; j) a second delay line (PDDL), connecting between nodes N6 and N7; k) fourth amplifier means, (DPLCP1) connecting between nodes N8 and N9, for amplifying a signal at N8; l) fifth amplifier means (LAU), for connecting between nodes N16 and N17, for amplifying a signal at node N16; m) a third signal combiner (LAUC) for combining a signal at node N17 with a signal at node N18, and producing a combined signal at node N21, and producing a replica of the signal at node N17 at node N19; n) sixth amplifier means (DPLCP2), connecting between nodes N21 and N22, for amplifying a signal at N21; o) seventh amplifier means (LIN LAM 2), connecting between nodes N22 and N24, for amplifying a signal at node N23; p) a third delay line (FCDL) connecting between nodes N19 and N20; and q) a fourth signal combiner (ICU), for combining a signal at node N20 with a signal at node N24, and producing a combined signal at an output node N25.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4879519A
Cited
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