摘要 |
Apparatus (70, 80, 90) and method are provided for selectively proportioning, or hot-switching, rf power to a plurality of rf outputs. The method includes: splitting a single rf signal into a plurality of split rf signals using power splitters (12, 36, 38A, 38B); separately power amplifying the split rf signals into the plurality of rf power outputs in solid-state current devices (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4); selectively proportioning gains of the power amplifying steps; and maintaining a total rf power substantially constant during the selectively proportioning step. Preferably, the method includes series connecting the solid-state current devices (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) in series between a dc source-voltage (VDC) and a lower dc voltage; and performing the separate amplifying steps in the series-connected solid-state current devices (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). The selective proportioning step includes adjusting gate voltages of the solid-state current devices (Q1, Q2, Q3).
|