Apparatus and method for providing a ground reference potential

摘要

A circuit on a printed circuit board transmits radio frequency (RF) signals. A modulator operatively coupled to the printed circuit board modulates a signal to be transmitted by modulating an information signal onto a carrier signal. A ground plane attaches to edges and to first and second surfaces of the printed circuit board. The ground plane electrically connects to components of the modulator. A power transistor physically attaches to the printed circuit board and electrically connects to the ground plane through a slot in the printed circuit board. The ground plane provides a suitable ground reference potential for both the modulator and the power transistor without individually constructed circuit boards for each. A ground isolation barrier formed on the ground plane may prevent "cross talk" between the modulator and the power transistor.