Abstract: Apparatus, method and article of manufacture are shown for linear signal modification. An input signal is modified by providing one or more non-linear current sources and regulating at least one of the one or more current sources to output a signal based on one or more of the input signal characteristics. The modification of the output signal includes both amplification and attenuation.

Abstract: Various directional coupler arrangements are disclosed. For instance, an apparatus includes first, second, and third conductive patterns disposed on a substrate. Each of these conductive patterns includes a first end and an opposite second end. Moreover, each of these conductive patterns includes a first protrusion at its first end and a second protrusion at its second end.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for output impedance matching in multi-band power amplification are provided, wherein an output matching configuration comprising one or more output matching sections, a multi-band diplexer and a switch are connected to an active device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for amplifying a radio frequency signal including, generating a plurality of shaped pulses utilizing a piecewise linearizer circuit, applying the plurality of shaped pulses to a first input of a radio frequency amplifier circuit, and injecting a radio frequency carrier into a second input of the radio frequency amplifier circuit. The apparatus comprises a piecewise linearizer (PWL) circuit coupled to the input of a Radio Frequency Digital to Analog Converter (RFDAC) operating as a signal amplifier.

Abstract: A system for efficient power amplification of an electromagnetic signal includes a switchplexer having at least two inputs and an output. The switchplexer may be configured to provide communication between a selected switchplexer input and the switchplexer output. The system also may include two or more amplifier stages, each having an input and an output, and one or more output matching circuits. Each of the output matching circuits may include an input in communication with one of the amplifier stage outputs, as well as an output in communication with one of the switchplexer inputs. A control unit may be configured to control selection of the selected switchplexer input and to selectively activate at least one of the amplifier stages.

Abstract: Various techniques for biasing a radio frequency digital-to-analog converter are described. In one embodiment, a baseband processor may comprise a plurality of output drivers to generate a plurality of base currents for biasing a radio frequency digital-to-analog converter. The baseband processor may comprise a serial control interface to generate a programming signal for controlling a relationship among the plurality of base currents. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Inductor topologies for filters used in broadband applications are described. In one implementation, an apparatus, such as an interface module includes a printed circuit board and a filter. The filter includes a generally circular high Quality factor (Q) value spiral planar inductor etched directly into the printed circuit board. The generally circular high Q value spiral planar inductor is configured to operate in a broadband application. Other implementations involve the use of decoupling structures with respect to the planar inductors as well as a design methodology for the filters.

Abstract: A method of processing an electromagnetic wave comprises regulating at least two independently controllable current sources with a signal determined from at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic wave to generate a processed electromagnetic wave from at least one of the independently controllable current sources.

Abstract: A phase locked loop includes a buffer that synchronizes the transmission of the new count value to the completion of the previous count to avoid errors caused by dithering. The buffer is connected to a count input of the counter and transmits the new count upon receipt of the carryout signal from the counter. Alternatively, the transmission of the new value of N from the buffer is delayed after receipt by the buffer of a carryout signal from the counter. In another embodiment, a delayed version of the carryout signal is used to trigger the buffer to transmit the new count value to the counter. In another feature, a buffer synchronizes phase data to a reference signal before inputting it to a digital modulator of the phase locked loop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing at least one transistor of a Radio Frequency Digital to Analog Converter (RFDAC). The apparatus including a direct base current injection circuit for injecting a DC current waveform directly into a base terminal of the transistor.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for multiband transmitter power amplification are provided wherein one or more amplifying devices, of which at least one may be one or more current sources, have impedances matched for different input and output frequencies by way of various impedance matching circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for amplifying a radiofrequency signal using a main Digital to Analog Converter (RFDAC) and a subordinate Digital to Analog Converter (Sub-DAC). The main RFDAC provides a first portion of a N-bit digital output, which specifies the amplification level of the radiofrequency signal, and the sub-DAC provides a second portion of the N-bit digital word. Together, the main RFDAC and the Sub-DAC convert a complete N-bit digital word, where N specifies the resolution of the output radiofrequency signal.

Abstract: Increasing performance of planar inductors used in broadband applications is described. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a high Quality factor (Q) value spiral planar inductor etched directly into a printed circuit board. A ferrite structure is attached to the printed circuit board and located in proximity to the high Q value spiral planar inductor. The ferrite structure increases the Q of spiral planar inductors, but without the inconvenience and expense of a wire wound terroidal inductors. Various shaped ferrite structures may be used in conjuction with the spiral planar inductors. Additionally, in certain implementations, the ferrite structures are configured to rotate about axis permitting the inductors to be tuned, even after components have been installed on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing at least one transistor of a Radio Frequency Digital to Analog Converter (RFDAC). The apparatus including a direct base current injection circuit for injecting a DC current waveform directly into a base terminal of the transistor.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for output impedance matching in multi-band power amplification are provided, wherein an output matching configuration comprising one or more output matching sections, a multi-band diplexer and a switch are connected to an active device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing a power amplifier circuit operating as a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) are described. The bias circuit comprises a first transistor with a reference voltage coupled to its base terminal, a second transistor coupled to the emitter terminal of the first transistor at its collector terminal, and a third transistor with its base terminal coupled to the first and second transistors, and to an input signal.

Abstract: A transmitter for directly modulating an RF carrier with a complex baseband waveform comprises a programmable device adapted to generate amplitude and phase information collectively corresponding to a complex baseband waveform, a signal generator adapted to generate an RF carrier whose phase is responsive to phase information generated by the programmable device, a plurality of delta modulators, and an amplifier coupled to the signal generator and receiving the RF carrier with phase information. Each delta modulator is operative to sample an error signal at a time period offset from all other delta modulators to thereby generate streams of pulses collectively approximating the amplitude information. The supply voltage of the amplifier is adjusted in accordance with approximated amplitude information represented by the streams of pulses generated by the delta modulators.

Abstract: A method of processing an electromagnetic wave comprises regulating at least two independently controllable current sources with a signal determined from at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic wave to generate a processed electromagnetic wave from at least one of the independently controllable current sources.

Abstract: Increasing performance of planar inductors used in broadband applications is described. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a high Quality factor (Q) value spiral planar inductor etched directly into a printed circuit board. A ferrite structure is attached to the printed circuit board and located in proximity to the high Q value spiral planar inductor. The ferrite structure increases the Q of spiral planar inductors, but without the inconvenience and expense of a wire wound terroidal inductors. Various shaped ferrite structures may be used in conjuction with the spiral planar inductors. Additionally, in certain implementations, the ferrite structures are configured to rotate about axis permitting the inductors to be tuned, even after components have been installed on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for multiband transmitter power amplification are provided wherein one or more amplifying devices, of which at least one may be one or more current sources, have impedances matched for different input and output frequencies by way of various impedance matching circuits.