Abstract: A modularly-partitioned feedforward multicarrier linear RF power amplifier is described. The circuitry and components of the power amplifier are segregated into physically-separate modules in accordance with several criteria. In one embodiment, the power amplifier is segregated into a RF power module, a linearizer module and a DC power supply module. The RF power module includes power- and frequency-dependent components and generally varies with the carrier frequency and output power requirements for a specific application. The linearizer module includes circuitry and components that are substantially power- and frequency-independent. As such, the linearizer module is substantially invariant and a single design may be used for virtually any application. The DC power supply module includes circuit and components that are substantially frequency independent but somewhat power dependent.

Abstract: Efficient high frequency operation of magnetic devices is achieved by utilizing ferrites that have a low power dissipation hysteresis characteristic and by designing these magnetic devices to operate within an operational range where all applied magnetic forces to the magnetic core have a substantially linear constant permeability response. Within this operational range the hysteresis loop of the selected ferrite material approximates an ellipse with very little area encompassed between the increasing and decreasing B-H locus of the hysteresis loop. The cyclic energy dissipation is significantly reduced as compared to conventional magnetic operations and high frequency operation can be achieved with very high efficiencies.

Abstract: A power inverter efficiency is optimized at high frequency in a fully resonant inverter operating with a range of load impedance that takes into consideration switching loss and conducting loss as a combined overall effect. Within this range of load impedance the inverter is constrained to operate with switching loss which is generally considered unacceptable in a conventional high frequency high efficiency power inverter, but the overall combined high efficiency of the disclosed power inverter has a wider range of load impedances than has been previously achieved in such a resonant power inverter. Non-linear capacitance across switching the device is positively utilized in achieving this goal.

Abstract: A DC to DC converter combines a half-bridge inverter with a resonant rectifier through a series LC circuit which conducts power at substantially a single frequency. Energy stored in the parasitic capacitors of the two power switches are transferred from one parasitic capacitor to the other in order to enhance efficiency of operation. The transfer is controlled by controlling the relative phase between the voltage and current in the inverter section.

Abstract: A self-oscillating power converter utilizes a MOSFET power transistor switch with its output electrode coupled to a tuned network that operatively limits the voltage waveform across the power switch to periodic unipolar pulses. The transistor switch may be operated at a high radio frequency so that its drain to gate interelectrode capacitance is sufficient to comprise the sole oscillatory sustaining feedback path of the converter. A reactive network which is inductive at the operating frequency couples the gate to source electrodes of the transistor switch and includes a variable capacitance as a means of adjusting the overall reactance, and hence the converter's switching frequency in order to provide voltage regulation. A resonant rectifier includes a tuned circuit to shape the voltage waveform across the rectifying diodes as a time inverse of the power switch waveform.

Abstract: A self-oscillating power converter utilizes a MOSFET power transistor switch with its output electrode coupled to a tuned network that operatively limits the voltage waveform across the power switch to periodic unipolar pulses. The transistor switch may be operated at a high radio frequency so that its drain to gate interelectrode capacitance is sufficient to comprise the sole oscillatory sustaining feedback path of the converter. A reactive network which is inductive at the operating frequency couples the gate to source electrodes of the transistor switch and includes a variable capacitance as a means of adjusting the overall reactance, and hence the converter's switching frequency in order to provide voltage regulation. A resonant rectifier includes a tuned circuit to shape the voltage waveform across the rectifying diodes as a time inverse of the power switch waveform.

Abstract: A power conversion circuit is operated at high frequency in the radio frequency spectrum to utilize adjunct reactive impedances of the active semiconductor devices as part of an impedance transformation circuit. Power is transferred through the converter at substantially a single frequency. Energy storage of the adjunct reactances is positively utilized to limit power dissipation within the converter.