Patent ID: 7444124
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: H03F,H03G,H04B

Abstract:
1. An adjustable, segmented amplifier, comprising: a) a first fixed stage configured to amplify an analog signal and provide a first amplified output at a first common node; and b) an adjustable stage comprising a plurality of independently selectable parallel amplifier segments, each of said parallel amplifier segments having an input at said first common node and an output at a second common node, wherein each of said parallel amplifier segments comprises (i) a transistor having a control terminal, and (ii) a first inductor configured to resonate with a capacitance at a base of said transistor and in electrical communication with said control terminal of said transistor, and said adjustable stage is configured to provide an output signal in one of a plurality of power ranges corresponding to a number of selected parallel amplifier segments, said output signal having a minimum power efficiency when two or more of said parallel amplifier segments are selected.