Systems and methods for converting a stream of complex numbers into an amplitude and phase-modulated radio power signal

摘要

A stream of complex numbers is converted into polar form, including an amplitude-representative part and a phase-representative part. The amplitude-representative part of each of the converted complex numbers is represented as a plurality of digits of decreasing numerical significance. The phase-representative part of each of the converted complex numbers is phase-modulated at the radio carrier frequency to produce a phase-modulated drive signal. The phase-modulated drive signal is amplified in a plurality of power amplifiers. A respective one of the power amplifiers provides a maximum output power level at a respective amplifier output that is related to a respective one of the decreasing numerical significance. The output amplitude of a respective one of the plurality of power amplifiers is controlled by applying a respective one of the plurality of digits of decreasing numerical significance to a respective one of the plurality of power amplifiers. The amplifier outputs of the plurality of power amplifiers are combined to form the modulated radio power signal.