Switchable path power amplifier with schotky diode combining network

摘要

The present invention teaches a power amplifier having two output power devices and a mechanism for switching the output path between these two power devices. The first output power device is designed for power efficient signal amplification at the power amplifier's highest output power level. The second output power device is designed for power efficient signal amplification at the output power level that the power amplifier is most likely to operate. By switching between the two power devices according to the output power level, a high level of power efficiency can be achieved across a broad range of operating states of the power amplifier.