Distributed circular geometry power amplifier architecture
First Claim
1. A power amplifier comprising:
- a plurality of push-pull amplifiers, each amplifier including two gain blocks; and
wherein one of the two gain blocks of each push-pull amplifier is connected to one of the gain blocks of an adjacent push-pull amplifier so as to form a single current path through each push-pull amplifier, and wherein one or more connected terminals of the adjacent gain blocks form a virtual ac ground.
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Abstract
The present invention discloses a distributed power amplifier topology and device that efficiently and economically enhances the power output of an RF signal to be amplified. The power amplifier comprises a plurality of push-pull amplifiers interconnected in a novel circular geometry that preferably function as a first winding of an active transformer having signal inputs of adjacent amplification devices driven with an input signal of equal magnitude and opposite phase. The topology also discloses the use of a secondary winding that matches the geometry of primary winding and variations thereof that serve to efficiently combine the power of the individual power amplifiers. The novel architecture enables the design of low-cost, fully-integrated, high-power amplifiers in the RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
56 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A power amplifier comprising:
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a plurality of push-pull amplifiers, each amplifier including two gain blocks; and wherein one of the two gain blocks of each push-pull amplifier is connected to one of the gain blocks of an adjacent push-pull amplifier so as to form a single current path through each push-pull amplifier, and wherein one or more connected terminals of the adjacent gain blocks form a virtual ac ground. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A power amplifier comprising:
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a first push-pull amplifier including a first gain block and a second gain block, each gain block having two ports, the gain blocks being interconnected at one of their two ports by a first primary winding segment; and a second push-pull amplifier including a third gain block connected the second gain block and a fourth gain block, the third and fourth gain blocks each having two ports, the gain blocks of the second push-pull amplifier being interconnected at one of their two ports by a second primary winding segment. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for amplifying power, comprising:
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connecting a plurality of push-pull amplifiers in series with a primary winding; driving adjacent gain blocks of the push-pull amplifiers with input signals; and combining the output power of the push-pull amplifiers in the primary winding using a secondary winding that is magnetically coupled to the primary winding. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A power amplifier comprising:
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a plurality of push-pull amplifiers, each amplifier including two gain blocks; and wherein one of the two gain blocks of each push-pull amplifier is connected to one of the gain blocks of an adjacent push-pull amplifier so as to form a single current path through each push-pull amplifier, wherein each push-pull amplifier has a first control terminal and a second control terminal and the first and second control terminals of each push-pull amplifier are adapted to receive an ac input signal of at least substantially equal magnitude and opposite phase relative to the first and second control terminals of an adjacent gain block. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification