Rockwell Collins, Inc.

Andrew J Wiebold

Michael R Vagher

Clayton Harmon

Jeremy J Seiler

A transmitter apparatus and method are disclosed. An RF terminal provides an RF signal. A first antenna transmits a first portion of the RF signal and a second antenna transmits a second portion of the RF signal. Directional couplers generate a first monitoring signal and a second monitoring signal. A power comparison operational amplifier receives the first monitoring signal and the second monitoring signal and generates a power difference signal. A phase control operational amplifier receives the power difference signal and a reference input signal and generates a phase control signal. A phase shifter receives the phase control signal, and based on the phase control signal, phase-shifts the RF signal to direct the RF signal to the first antenna, or phase-shifts the RF signal to direct the RF signal to the second antenna.

Automatic phase shifting control loop

A digital power amplifier with variable output power control is disclosed. An amplifying stage includes a first attenuator that applies one of n attenuation steps to an RF signal in response to a desired output power level of the digital power amplifier. A feedback loop provides a gain control signal to the amplifying stage based upon an output of the amplifying stage. The feedback loop includes a second attenuator that applies another of the n attenuation steps to a sample of the output of the amplifying stage. The second attenuator applies the khighest of the n attenuation steps when the first attenuator applies the klowest of the n attenuation steps, where 1&#x2266;k&#x2266;n.

Growing community of inventors

Marion, IA, United States of America

Andrew J Wiebold