Patent ID: 9654062
Date: 2017-05-16
CPC Classifications: H03F

Claim:
1. An amplifier system for communicating an RF signal, the system comprising: an amplified path including an amplified forward circuit for communicating the RF signal downstream; a return path for communicating the RF signal upstream; a bypass path configured to communicate the RF signal upstream and downstream through the system; switching means coupled to the amplified, return, and bypass paths, wherein the switching means includes a first switch, a second switch, and a DC voltage sensing circuit coupled in electrical communication to the amplified path to detect voltage in the amplified path and not coupled in electrical communication to the return path; wherein the switching means communicates the RF signal downstream through the amplified path in response to a normal condition in the amplified path, and communicates the RF signal through the bypass path in response to an abnormal condition in the amplified path; and the switching means provides power to the return path in response to a normal condition in the return path, and removes power from the return path in response to an abnormal condition in the return path.