Apparatus and method for reduced sample rate class S RF power amplifier

摘要

A Class S RF power amplifier for use in a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The Class S power amplifier comprises a delta-sigma modulator that receives an analog modulated RF carrier and generates a pulse-width modulated binary signal. The Class S power amplifier also comprises a switch mode power amplifier that receives the pulse-width modulated binary signal generated by the delta-sigma modulator and generates an output carrier signal that switches between a fully on state and a fully off state. The sampling rate of the delta-sigma modulator is less than four times the frequency of the output carrier signal generated by the switch mode power amplifier.