Linear Amplification with Nonlinear Components

Abstract

A technique for producing bandpass linear amplification with nonlinear components (LINC) is described. The bandpass signal first is separated into two constant envelope component signals. All of the amplitude and phase information of the original bandpass signal is contained in phase modulation on the component signals. These constant envelope signals can be amplified or translated in frequency by amplifiers or mixers which have nonlinear input-output amplitude transfer characteristics. Passive linear combining of the amplified and/or translated component signals produces an amplified and/or translated replica of the original signal.