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US 6,472,935 B2Granted
Combining networks for switchable path power amplifiers
AssigneeMaxim Integrated Products, Inc.
InventorsJoel R. King, Gordon A. Olsen, Prasad Yenigalla
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AssigneeMaxim Integrated Products, Inc.
InventorsJoel R. King, Gordon A. Olsen, Prasad Yenigalla
Estimating the term…
The present invention teaches a power amplifier having two or more output power devices and a combining network for switching the output path between these several power devices. The first output power device is designed for power efficient signal amplification at the power amplifier's highest output power level. The second output power device is designed for power efficient signal amplification at the output power level that the power amplifier is most likely to operate. Either the first or second output power device is enabled depending on the output power level. A combining network is used to transform the output impedance, as required, for the proper operation of the enabled power device. By switching between a range of power devices according to the output power level, a high level of power efficiency can be achieved across a broad range of operating states of the power amplifier.
A combining network device suitable for use in a switchable path power amplifier including a first combining network device input coupled to a first power device, a second combining network device input coupled to a second power device, and a single combining network device output coupled to a power amplifier output wherein,
A combining network device suitable for use in a switchable path power amplifier including a first combining network device input coupled to a first power device, a second combining network device input coupled to a second power device, and a single combining network device output coupled to a power amplifier output wherein,
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.