Adaptive amplifier module technique to support cognitive RF architectures

Abstract

A new adaptive amplifier is introduced that is capable of significant performance improvements over conventional approaches for a variety of demanding radio frequency (RF) applications (e.g., cognitive radio, radar, and electronic warfare). To dramatically improve size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-C) of this new device, the module relies on the indigenous compute and scheduling capabilities of the host system. For example, in the case of cognitive radar [1], the scheduler would signal the adaptive amplifier module (AAM) with the nature of the signals to be transmitted and the optimal control voltage and tuning network profiles. In this manner, “intelligent adaption” is for the first time extended into the basic analog front-end subsystems.