Systems and methods of RF power transmission, modulation, and amplification

• US 9,608,677 B2
• Filed: 07/13/2015
• Issued: 03/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
• Original Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
• Inventors: Rawlins, Gregory S., Sorrells, David F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran, Pablo
• Application Number:
  US14/797,232
• Publication Number:
  US 20160173144A1
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 455/127.1, 455/91, 455/107, 455/108, 455/127.3, 455/125, 455120-121
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H03F 1/0266 by using a signal derived from the input signal
• CPC Class Codes: H03F 1/56 Modifications of input or output impedances, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: H03F 3/19 with semiconductor devices only
• CPC Class Codes: H03F 3/24 of transmitter output stages
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/04 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/0475 with means for limiting noise, interference or distortion H04B1/0483 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/0408 with power amplifiers

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are provided for energy conversion. For example, the apparatus can include a trans-impedance node, a reactive element, and a trans-impedance circuit. The reactive element can be configured to transfer energy to the trans-impedance node. The trans-impedance circuit can be configured to receive one or more control signals and to dynamically adjust an impedance of the trans-impedance node. The trans-impedance node, as a result, can operate as an RF power switching supply based on the one or more control signals.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a power source that provides electrical power;

an energy converter, coupled to the power source, the energy converter including;

a trans-impedance node;

a reactive circuit element configured to transfer energy from the power source to the trans-impedance node; and

a trans-impedance circuit configured to receive one or more control signals and to dynamically adjust an impedance of the trans-impedance node,

wherein the trans-impedance node generates an RF signal based on the one or more control signals;

a matching network, coupled to the energy converter, the matching network providing an impedance path between the energy converter and an output node; and

an antenna, coupled to the matching network, that transmits a modulated RF carrier signal.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reactive circuit element is an inductor.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reactive circuit element stores and transfers energy from an AC or a DC power source to the trans-impedance node.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein trans-impedance circuit includes multiple input single output circuit.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy converter continuously generates variable classes of RF amplification.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the classes of RF amplification include linear amplification, switch mode amplification and hybrid modes of amplification.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dynamic adjustment includes reducing power flow into the trans-impedance node.