RF-Input Outphasing for Low-Complexity Linear-Efficient X-Band Power Amplifier
Abstract
RF-Input Outphasing for Low-Complexity Linear-Efficient X-Band Power Amplifier Taylor Barton, The University of Texas at Dallas The objective of this research is to enable the next generation of wireless transceivers in order to meet emerging DoD and DoN communications and RADAR needs. These applications require amplifiers that can operate with a high degree of linearity (i.e., accuracy) over widely varying ranges of output power. At the same time, critical specifications in these applications include compact size and high energy efficiency. The difficulty is that conventional amplifier techniques can generally be designed to meet either accuracy requirements, or for low excess energy consumption, but generally it is not possible to achieve both of these goal simultaneously without significantly increasing the complexity (and therefore cost and size) of the approach. This research approaches the challenge of linear and efficient power amplification from a new angle with a novel low-complexity power amplifier architecture. The approach leverages multiple power amplifier elements that are individually highly efficient but nonlinear, and combines them in an architecture that provides overall linearity. The complexity typically associated with this type of strategy is mitigated by using low-cost, low-component-count passive networks that operate directly on a modulated input signal, rather than computation on the input signal as in previous realizations of related techniques. In this way, size, weight, and power (SWAP) is reduced while still meeting the required capabilities. Reducing SWAP in transmit systems will result in more effective use of existing communications and RADAR applications, and can enable new and innovative uses of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512728
Entities
People
- Taylor W. Barton
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Texas at Dallas