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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/C002083/1
Title: High Efficiency Switched Amplifier Based Transmitter Architectures
Principal Investigator: Fusco, Professor V
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
TDK
Department: Sch of Electronics, Elec Eng & Comp Sci
Organisation: Queen's University of Belfast
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 17 January 2005 Ends: 16 January 2008 Value (£): 205,699
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Electronic Devices & Subsys. RF & Microwave Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Communications Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This programme represents an alternative approach for the creation of high d.c. to r.f. efficient transmitter architectures that can be constructed as monolithic integrated circuits for d.c. power sensitive mobile wireless applications. A generic study of the potential for switched amplifier use as a means for increasing power efficiency and for simplifying the transmitter architectures required for the transmission of PSK, QAM signals relevant to ISM frequencies at 2.45 GHz (WLAN) and 24 GHZ (vehicular telemetry) will be undertaken. In order to effect complete on chip realisation a paradigm shift is required in the design of non-linear switched amplifier design. The strategies proposed here would for the first time allow the effective use of sub-micron PHEMTS in switching amplifier circuits thereby permitting MMIC realisation. In addition by exploiting the power level control and phase preservation properties of switched amplifiers it should be possible, (i) to construct efficient non-linear amplifiers at frequencies much higher than is currently possible, (ii) to use these amplifiers as means for direct amplification of digitally phase modulated signals, (iii) superimpose modulation on phase encoded signals to achieve amplitude level control, as required for example by CDMA, or, to directly realise QAM type modulation in a fashion which is considerably simpler than current practice permits. Issues related to sensitivity to the manufacturing process, limitations on output power level, power added efficiency, bandwidth, and effect of modulation scheme on efficiency will be investigated. The potential for insertion of the new circuit architectures to be developed within this programme into a variety of handheld wireless applications would be significant.
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Project URL: http://www.ecit.qub.ac.uk
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.qub.ac.uk