Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering developed a method for a power amplifier circuit with improved efficiency.
Background:
The wireless communication industry faces a demand for high data transfer rates with limited frequency resources. Existing methods of improving performance involve the use of power amplifiers that optimize the modulation schemes to increase the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), which suffer from reduced efficiency. Other techniques involve pulse load modulation, which is limited by narrow bandwidth and difficulty in control. There remains an unmet need for a method to enhance the performance and efficiency of conventional power amplifiers.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel power amplifier circuit using a pulsed dynamic load modulation technique. This method involves dynamically switching the load impedance to optimize efficiency and linearity and using a variable load matching circuit to switch between high and low impedance states, which affects the power amplifier’s output. Pulse load modulation offers improved efficiency, wider bandwidth, and suitability for multi-band applications.
Potential Applications:
- Wireless communications
- Mobile devices
- Broadband networks
- Satellite communication
Advantages:
- Improved efficiency
- Enhanced linearity
- Multi-band capability
- Reduced switching noise
Development To Date:
United States patent issued: 8,254,854.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2006-330
Lead Inventor:
Yuanxun Wang