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System and method for selecting amplifiers in a communications device

  • US 6,615,028 B1
  • Filed: 12/29/1998
  • Issued: 09/02/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A wireless communication device comprising:

  • a modulator module configured to convert a baseband signal to a radio frequency signal;

    an amplifier module which receives the radio signal and generates an amplified output signal, the amplifier module comprising;

    a first amplifier in communication with the radio frequency signal, the first amplifier configured to generate a first amplified signal at increased power efficiency in a first operational power range, the first amplifier comprising a fourth amplifier and a fifth amplifier, the fifth amplifier arranged in series with the fourth amplifier;

    a second amplifier in communication with the radio frequency signal, the second amplifier arranged in parallel with the first amplifier, the second amplifier configured to generate a second amplified signal at increased power efficiency in a second operational power range, wherein the second operational power range is different than the first operational power range, and wherein the first operational power range and the second operational power range overlap to provide a hysteresis;

    a third amplifier in communication with the radio frequency signal, the third amplifier arranged in parallel with the first and second amplifiers, the third amplifier configured to generate a third amplified signal at increased power efficiency in a third operational power range, wherein the third operational power range is different than the first and second operational power ranges, and wherein the second operational power range and the third operational power range overlap to provide the hysteresis;

    a switch in communication with the first, second, and third amplifiers, the switch configured to select the first, second or third amplified signal as the amplified output signal; and

    a selector in communication with the first, second, and third amplifiers, the selector configured to selectively activate the first, second or third amplifier; and

    a control module in communication with the switch and the selector, wherein the control module processes a signal to change an output power level, the control module comprising;

    a threshold detector configured to detect a voltage applied to the amplifier module; and

    a preset threshold voltage comprising an upper threshold and a lower threshold to provide the hysteresis, wherein the control module is configured to control the switch and the selector based on a comparison of the voltage and the preset threshold voltage, the hysteresis, and as a function of the signal to change the output power level so that a power efficiency of the amplifier module is improved over a predetermined range of output power.

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