Multistage differential power amplifier having interstage power limiter

摘要

A differential power amplifier has at least an input stage and an output stage. A first output stage amplifier is configured to receive a first portion of a differential signal from the input stage at a first output stage input and provide a first amplified signal at a first output stage output. The second output stage amplifier is configured to receive a second portion of the differential signal from the input stage at a second output stage input and provide a second amplified signal at a second output stage output. Power limiter circuitry is connected to the first and/or output stage inputs and is configured to limit a power level of the differential signal prior to being received at the output stage, such that the differential power amplifier and associated filters are not damaged, while the nominal performance of the differential power amplifier at rated power is not significantly affected.

主权项

1. A differential power amplifier comprising:
an input stage having at least one input and at least one output, the input stage configured to provide a differential signal having a first portion and a second portion; a first output stage amplifier configured to receive the first portion of the differential signal at a first output stage input and provide a first amplified signal at a first output stage output; a second output stage amplifier configured to receive the second portion of the differential signal at a second output stage input and provide a second amplified signal at a second output stage output; and first power limiter circuitry connected to the first output stage input and configured to limit a power level of the first portion of the differential signal prior to being received at the first output stage input by the first output stage amplifier.