Abstract An amplifying apparatus for linearly amplifying a desired signal using a pair of coupled non-linear amplifiers is disclosed. The amplifying apparatus comprises a limiter for separating amplitude variations from the desired signal and producing a constant amplitude signal bearing the phase of the desired signal and an amplitude related signal. In addition, a drive signal generator produces two drive signals each dependent on the constant amplitude signal and the amplitude related signal such that each drive signal depends on the phase of the desired signal and such that the sum of the squares of the amplitudes of the drive signals is constant. Finally, a coupler couples the two drive signals to produce two constant amplitude signals for driving the pair of non-linear power amplifiers and for coupling the outputs of the power amplifiers to produce two amplified output signals, one of which is the linearly amplified desired signal and the other of which is a waste energy signal wherein the desired signal and the waste energy signal are transmitted by an antenna in different directions.
A system for communicating using a first station with a first plurality of second stations using a phased array antenna comprising: signal generation means for generating a first plurality of signals for transmission to respective second stations using radio-wave modulation; signal processing means for processing said first plurality of signals to produce a second plurality of constant amplitude drive signals; amplifying apparatus for amplifying said second plurality of drive signals using transmit power amplifiers adapted efficiently to transmit constant amplitude signals; and antenna means connected to said amplifying apparatus for radiating said power amplified signals such that wanted signals are radiated in desired directions and unwanted signals are dissipated in other directions.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for communicating using a first station with a first plurality of second stations using a phased array antenna comprising: signal generation means for generating a first plurality of signals for transmission to respective second stations using radio-wave modulation; signal processing means for processing said first plurality of signals to produce a second plurality of constant amplitude drive signals; amplifying apparatus for amplifying said second plurality of drive signals using transmit power amplifiers adapted efficiently to transmit constant amplitude signals; and antenna means connected to said amplifying apparatus for radiating said power amplified signals such that wanted signals are radiated in desired directions and unwanted signals are dissipated in other directions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said first station is an orbiting satellite.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said second stations are mobile or portable wireless telephones.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said radio-wave modulation is selected from the group comprising speech coding, error-correction coding, error-detection coding, and digital modulation.