High-efficiency outphasing RF transmitter for base stations
This technology describes a transmitter architecture that splits a digital signal into four parallel branches, each processed through its own digital-to-analog converter, filter, and modulator before being amplified and recombined in stages. The core idea—called outphasing—allows each amplifier to operate at constant power, which is more efficient than traditional approaches where a single amplifier must handle wildly varying signal levels. By using four branches instead of the more common two, the design achieves better linearity and efficiency across a wider range of output power levels. The hierarchical combining structure (two pairs merged, then merged again) manages how the signals are recombined without significant power loss.
What you could build
A power-efficient RF transmitter module for base stations or high-throughput wireless infrastructure equipment, targeting telecom equipment manufacturers and defense electronics suppliers who need to reduce operating costs and heat dissipation in high-power radio systems.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense electronics primes and RF systems integrators with Virginia presence (e.g., contractors near Northern Virginia or the Hampton Roads defense corridor) would have direct interest in efficient transmitter architectures for communications and EW platforms.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Tamal Bose, Xuetao Chen, Jeffery H. Reed
- Granted
- October 16, 2012
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8290086
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.