Abstract: In a radio transmitter (100) that includes a power amplifier (104) and an antenna (106), a method for enhancing an operating characteristic of the radio transmitter (100) can be accomplished in the following manner. The power amplifier (104) provides a signal (113) to a variable matching network (111), wherein the signal (113) comprises energy to be radiated by the antenna (106). The variable matching network (111) couples the signal (113) to a sampler (112) that is operably coupled to an output of the variable matching network (111 ) and the antenna (106). The sampler (112) samples a forward component (114) and a reflected component (115) of the signal (113). The radio transmitter (100) processes the sampled forward and reflected components (116, 118) to produce a feedback control signal (120). The feedback control signal (120) is used to adjust the variable matching network (111 ), such that an operating characteristic of the radio transmitter (100) is enhanced.

Abstract: A low power digital receiver (10) is provided that contemporaneously selects the lowest possible sampling signal frequency (34) (from a plurality of available sampling signals), and received signal level (28) to properly digitize (32) and recover a desired signal. Digitization is performed after the first IF using broadband stages (28, 30, and 32) that are temporarily enabled (44) to rapidly digitize the first IF signal. This, together with the low sampling rate, minimizes the power consumption of the receiver (10) thereby permitting portable and mobile digital receiver embodiments.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for a sigma delta converter for bandpass signals is disclosed, suitable for use in mobile radio applications, between the front end and digital signal processing stages, that includes at least one bandpass filter, an n-level quantizer, an n-level digital-to-analog (D/A) converter, and a direct current (DC) feedback network. The sigma delta converter for bandpass signals may be configured in a second order or a fourth order embodiment and achieves analog-to-digital conversion of a signal having a non-zero frequency carrier or suppressed carrier with improved signal-to-noise ratio performance and with minimal quantization error. As a result, the sigma delta conversion occures earlier in a receiver chain and a dynamic range of about 95-98 dB is achieved.

Abstract: A low power digital receiver (10) is provided that contemporaneously selects the lowest possible sampling signal frequency (34) (from a plurality of available sampling signals), and received signal level (28) to properly digitize (32) and recover a desired signal. Digitization is performed after the first IF using broadband stages (28, 30, and 32) that are temporarily enabled (44) to rapidly digitize the first IF signal. This, together with the low sampling rate, minimizes the power consumption of the receiver (10) thereby permitting portable and mobile digital receiver embodiments.

Abstract: An RF filter (100) includes a ceramic resonator (116) sandwiched between first and second compensating discs (114 and 120) for temperature compensation, low loss mounting and heat sinking of the ceramic resonator (116). Good thermal contact between the ceramic resonator (116) and discs (114 and 120) is produced by a compressive force applied by copper plates (112 and 128) and copper can (124). The resonant frequency of the RF filter is tuned by means of a copper-plated tuning shaft (104) and ceramic tuning slug (118) which are positioned by brass bushing (134) in copper pipe (130 and 132). Input and output signals are coupled to the RF filter via respective probes (122).

Abstract: A improved microwave dielectric oscillator module which is provided with a removable temperature compensated dielectric resonator channel element is described. The removable temperature compensated dielectric resonator channel element cooperates with an electrically shielded housing. A substrate is mounted within the housing. Microstrip or stripline conductive patterns deposited on the substrate couple energy from the removable dielectric resonator to the remainder of the oscillator circuitry. The oscillator achieves wideband operation utilizing a GaAs FET transistor as the oscillators active element in conjunction with an intergral trombone-line phase adjuster.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a bandpass T filter and power splitter for electromagnetic energy. It is composed of a plurality of resonant elements serially arranged to form a plurality of forward multi-pole bandpass filters. At least one resonant element is common to both signal paths. The common resonant element transfers energy from the common path to the independent signal paths to effect a power split. The two signal output paths are isolated from one another by a multi-pole bandpass filter. The resonant elements may be composed of either resonant waveguide cavities or dielectric resonators.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a corresponding apparatus for establishing the proper bandwidth at one frequency in a microwave, dielectric resonator waveguide filter.Bandwidth is determined by the product of the resonant center frequency and the interresonator coupling coefficient. The interresonator coupling coefficient has been found to vary depending upon the interresonator spacing as well as the position at which the resonators intercept the electromagnetic field distributed across the waveguide.This method establishes the proper combination of field-intercepting position and interresonator spacing such that the proper bandwidth is established at one frequency.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for maintaining constant bandwidth over a frequency spectrum in a microwave, dielectric resonator waveguide filter. Bandwidth is determined by the product of the resonant center frequency and the interresonator coupling coefficient. To maintain constant bandwidth while changing center frequency, the interresonator coupling coefficient must be chosen such that it varies inversely with changes in center frequency. The interresonator coupling coefficient is a function of the physical dimensions of the waveguide and the dielectric resonators, the dielectric constant and the spatial location of the resonators within the waveguide. Once the physical and spatial parameters have been established, the center frequency of the filter may be adjusted by altering the thickness of the resonators without changing the filter bandwidth.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for maintaining constant bandwidth over a frequency spectrum in a microwave, dielectric resonator waveguide filter. Bandwidth is determined by the product of the resonant center frequency and the interresonator coupling coefficient. To maintain constant bandwidth while changing center frequency, the interresonator coupling coefficient must be chosen such that it varies inversely with changes in center frequency. The interresonator coupling coefficient is a function of the physical dimensions of the waveguide and the dielectric resonators, the dielectric constant and the spatial location of the resonators within the waveguide. Once the physical and spatial parameters have been established, the center frequency of the filter may be adjusted by altering the thickness of the resonators without changing the filter bandwidth.

Abstract: A modulated elongate cavity oscillator with minimized modulation nonlinearities includes a first cavity having dimensions which determine the fundamental resonant frequency of the oscillator, a gain element disposed in said first cavity that provides amplification to sustain oscillation, and a varactor diode disposed in said first cavity for modulating the fundamental frequency. A first waveguide is coupled to the first cavity for absorbing modes higher than the mode of the fundamental frequency which have an electric field maxima concurrent with the longitudinal center line of the first cavity. A second waveguide is coupled to the first cavity for absorbing modes higher than the mode of fundamental frequency which have an electric field minima concurrent with the longitudinal center line of the first cavity, whereby the first and second waveguides provide effective attenuation of higher order modes such that modulation nonlinearities due to the existence of higher order modes are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: An RF power transistor device, or package, which includes a transistor, a capacitor, an electrically insulating but thermally conducting substrate, a metallic ground lead member on the substrate having input output and common portions, a heat sink on which the substrate is mounted and, input and output microstrip conductor means mounted on the heat sink has the common lead inductive effect of at least one component of common lead inductance of the transistor reduced by tightly coupling the input ground current and the input current as by a film of dielectric material such as Kapton or Teflon of about one half mil in thickness. Alternatively the output current and the output ground current may be tightly coupled.