A solid-state RF power amplifier system

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This patent describes a solid-state RF (radio frequency) power amplifier system, particularly for high power applications such as particle accelerators. The system uses multiple amplifier modules, each equipped with sensors and a microcontroller to continuously monitor and optimize power output and efficiency. By adjusting the output and phase of each module, the system maximizes both the combining efficiency (how well outputs from multiple modules add together) and overall efficiency, even at different power levels.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Powering particle accelerators, such as synchrotron light sources or linacs.
• Replacing traditional high-power vacuum tube amplifiers in scientific and industrial RF applications.
• Supplying RF power to broadcast and telecom transmission equipment.
• Use in test stands for high-frequency, high-power equipment development and verification.
• Medical equipment requiring precise, reliable, high-power RF signals (e.g., MRI or radiation therapy).
• Emergency or military communications where reliability and redundancy are crucial.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly improved energy efficiency over conventional tube-based amplification, leading to cost savings.
• Automatic, intelligent adjustment and optimization of each amplifier module for maximum reliability and performance.
• Built-in redundancy; if one module fails, others can compensate, allowing continued operation.
• Simpler operation and maintenance compared to vacuum tube systems—no need for specialized power supplies or refurbishing tubes.
• Longer operational life due to the solid-state design.
• Advanced monitoring and remote control capabilities for easy integration into automated or remotely managed facilities.

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Patent Abstract

The combination efficiency and the overall efficiency of a high power RF amplifier composed of a number of RF amplifier modules (16) are improved by adjusting the output power and the phase delay of each RF amplifier module (16). The input forward power, output forward power and output reflected power of each RF amplifier module are monitored. The output power of each RF amplifier module (16) is adjusted so that the combining efficiency is maximized. An extra optimization is performed so that the overall efficiency is maximized. The high power amplifier can operate at maximum combining and overall efficiency at any required output power.