US 7,612,684 B2 · Dual mode RF power amplifier

Abstract

Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a dual mode power amplifier is capable of operating in either linear mode such as class A operation, or a non-linear mode such as class F operation. The power amplifier may be utilized in an RFID interrogator. The power amplifier may be biased to operate in a linear mode if the power amplifier is operating in a higher linearity mode, or may be biased to operate in a non-linear mode if the power amplifier is operating in a higher efficiency, lower power mode. The power amplifier may comprise two or more amplifiers coupled in parallel. A current mirror circuit may turn on more amplifiers if the power amplifier is operating in a higher power mode, and may turn on fewer amplifiers if the power amplifier is operating a lower power mode.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A power amplifier, comprising:

two or more power amplifiers coupled in parallel;
and a current source capable of providing operational current to the two or more power amplifiers;
wherein the current source is capable of biasing the two or more amplifiers in a linear mode if operating the power amplifier in a higher linearity mode, and biases the two or more amplifiers in a non-linear mode if operating the power amplifier in a higher efficiency mode;
further comprising a current mirror circuit capable of turning on a greater number of the two or more power amplifiers if operating the power amplifier in a higher power mode, and capable of turning on a lower number of the two or more power amplifiers if operating the power amplifier in a lower power mode.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dual mode RF power amplifier

Life of this patent

Dual mode RF power amplifier

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13