US6025754A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Envelope modulated amplifier bias control and method
Assignee: Harris Corp
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Filing: 1998-07-02
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Granted: 2000-02-15
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Expires: 2018-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A RF amplifier and method wherein the bias current is varied dynamically as a function of the envelope of the RF modulation to increase the efficiency and improve the linearity of the amplifier. Alternatively, the supply voltage may be dynamically varied as a function of modulation envelope.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. Czora
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:26
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03G; H03G3/00; H03G3/20; H03G3/30; H03G3/3036; H03G3/3042; H03F; H03F1/00; H03F1/02; H03F1/0205; H03F1/0211; H03F1/0216; H03F1/0222; H03G3/004; H03F2200/00; H03F2200/102; H03F2200/462; H03F2200/504
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
50 words
A method of reducing the power requirements for Class A operation of a RF amplifier comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the envelope of the RF signal being amplified; and (b) modifying the power consumed by the amplifier by modifying the amplifier bias current in response to the sensed envelope.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
50 words
A method of reducing the power requirements for Class A operation of a RF amplifier comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the envelope of the RF signal being amplified; and (b) modifying the power consumed by the amplifier by modifying the amplifier bias current in response to the sensed envelope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the current through the amplifier is sensed by a resistor between the voltage supply and the active element in the amplifier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the current through the amplifier is sensed by a resistor between the active element in the amplifier and ground.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the power consumed by the amplifier is also modified by the steps of: sensing the energy in the RF envelope; and modifying the voltage of the power supply in response to the sensed energy.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
49 words
A method of improving the linearity for Class C operation of a RF amplifier comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the envelope of the RF signal being amplified; and (b) modifying the power consumed by the amplifier by modifying the amplifier bias current in response to the sensed envelope.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
49 words
A method of improving the linearity for Class C operation of a RF amplifier comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the envelope of the RF signal being amplified; and (b) modifying the power consumed by the amplifier by modifying the amplifier bias current in response to the sensed envelope.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
43 words
A method of dynamically biasing a RF amplifier comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the envelope of the RF signal being amplified; and (b) modifying the power consumed by the amplifier by modifying the amplifier bias current in response to the sensed envelope.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
43 words
A method of dynamically biasing a RF amplifier comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the envelope of the RF signal being amplified; and (b) modifying the power consumed by the amplifier by modifying the amplifier bias current in response to the sensed envelope.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of reducing power consumption in an RF amplifier comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the envelope of the RF signal being amplified; and (b) modifying the power applied to the amplifier by modifying the amplifier a bias current in response to the sensed envelope.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of reducing power consumption in an RF amplifier comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the envelope of the RF signal being amplified; and (b) modifying the power applied to the amplifier by modifying the amplifier a bias current in response to the sensed envelope.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
60 words
In an RF amplifier having an input terminal, an output terminal, bias and a source of power: means for sensing the envelope of the RF signal applied to the input terminal; means for modifying the power applied to the amplifier responsive to said sensing means, said means for modifying including a means for varying the bias current of the amplifier.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
60 words
In an RF amplifier having an input terminal, an output terminal, bias and a source of power: means for sensing the envelope of the RF signal applied to the input terminal; means for modifying the power applied to the amplifier responsive to said sensing means, said means for modifying including a means for varying the bias current of the amplifier.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
53 words
The amplifier of claim 8 wherein said energy sensing means includes: an envelope detector; a power supply current sensor; an error amplifier for comparing the sensed current with the detected envelope; a pulse width modulator responsive to said error amplifier for applying a signal to control the voltage of said source of power.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
55 words
The amplifier of claim 9 wherein said power consumption varying means includes: means for varying the bias of the amplifier in response to said envelope detector; and means for sensing the energy in the envelope of the RF signal and for varying the potential of said source of power in response to said envelope detector.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-02-14 | 2003-08-16 | 2004-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-02-14 | 2007-08-16 | 2008-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-02-14 | 2011-08-16 | 2012-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |