JPH11274874A - High frequency power amplifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically correct gain and to specify a defective element even in the case of operating power amplifier element is parallel by controlling by a control signal generated based on an input difference attenuating the level of a high-frequency signal. SOLUTION: The high-frequency signal outputted from the coupling port of a directional coupler 2 is inputted to a wave detector 10 through an attenuator 9 adjusting its level. The detector 10 outputs an input level detecting signal S REF-DET based on the inputted high-frequency signal. The high-frequency signal outputted from the coupling port of a directional coupler 8 is inputted to a wave detector 12 through an attenuator 11 adjusting the level. The detector outputs an output level detecting signal S OUT-DET based on the inputted high frequency signal. The signal S REF-DET and the signal S OUT-DET are inputted to the control circuit 13 to generate a control signal V R-CONT controlling a variable attenuator 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a high-frequency power amplifying apparatus using a plurality of power amplifying elements connected in parallel, such as a microwave-band solid-state linear amplifier, and a control method of the high-frequency power amplifying apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, microwaves (generally 1 [GH]
z] to 100 [GHz].
In the field of power amplification of a band, semiconductor elements and semiconductor integrated circuits have become widespread. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for a high-power solid-state linear power amplifier having requirements such as a long life and a low running cost.

Normally, the output power of a microwave band semiconductor amplifying element alone is on the order of several tens of watts, and the output power of a PA (power amplifier) is 100 when considering the influence of heat radiation on the surroundings. [W] or less is practical. Therefore, electron tubes (so-called vacuum tube elements)
In order to obtain an average output power, power combining by parallel output is necessary.

[0004]

As described above, in a microwave-based high-power linear solid-state amplifier using a semiconductor,
It is necessary to connect medium power linear power amplifier units in parallel and combine the output power.

In the case of combining such parallel outputs, if AGC (Automatic Gain Control: automatic gain control) is performed for each amplification unit, variations in individuals affect the accuracy of gain correction of the transmission system. Would.

When one of the plurality of amplifying units fails, it is possible to detect the failure. However, in this case, the gain of the entire apparatus is reduced and the system may be down. . Further, if a gain correction circuit is provided for each amplifying unit, a plurality of correction circuits are required, which increases the failure rate and increases the manufacturing cost.

In the case of an amplifier using a semiconductor, the gain fluctuates due to the characteristics of the semiconductor and the like. Therefore, conventionally, an AGC circuit or an ALC (Automatic Level) is provided for each amplifier.
Control circuit (automatic amplitude control) circuit and the like.

In this conventional AGC, noise or a signal source of another system is used as a reference signal so that the gain of the amplifier is always constant, and control is performed so that the gain of the amplifier is constant.

A transistor or FET (Field Effect Tr) for microwave power amplification used in a solid-state power amplifier.
In the case of an anistor (field-effect transistor), it is generally 0.02 [dB / ° C. /
[Stage]].

For this reason, in a power amplifier of a linear operation using a semiconductor, a change in gain occurs with a change in temperature. Therefore, an automatic gain correction circuit is required to correct this variation.

On the other hand, the ALC circuit does not require a reference signal. However, even if the input level is changed, the output level becomes constant, so that it is impossible to control the output level by changing the input level.

The output power of a single device has been increasing due to the technological progress of semiconductor device development. However, in order to obtain a large power equivalent to that of a transmitter using a conventionally used electron tube, it is indispensable to combine power by parallel output of a plurality of amplifiers. However, when pursuing a failure rate and cost reduction, it is advantageous to make the power amplifier as simple as possible.

When a plurality of amplifiers are operated in parallel and automatic gain control is performed on them, the transmission output becomes constant by the automatic gain control. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in one amplifier, the output power is measured. Cannot determine the failure of the power amplifier. For this reason, when diagnosing a failure, it is necessary to individually operate the power amplifiers. Further, if the operation is continued in a state of failure, it may cause a chain failure.

The present invention has been made under such a background. Even when the power amplifying elements are operated in parallel, the automatic gain correction is possible and the high-frequency power capable of specifying the faulty element is provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide an amplifying device and a control method for a high-frequency power amplifying device.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input signal level detecting means for detecting a signal level of an input high-frequency signal; Variable attenuating means for attenuating the high-frequency signal passing through the signal level detecting means to a predetermined level; amplifying means for amplifying the high-frequency signal attenuated to the predetermined level; and a signal level of the amplified and output high-frequency signal Signal level detecting means for detecting the level of the input high-frequency signal and control means for controlling the amount of attenuation by the variable attenuating means based on the signal level of the input high-frequency signal and the signal level of the output high-frequency signal. It is characterized by. Also, in the invention according to claim 2, in the high-frequency power amplifier according to claim 1, the control means has attenuation control means for controlling an amount of attenuation of the variable attenuation means, and the attenuation control means The means has first differential amplifying means for obtaining an input / output difference that is a difference between the signal level of the input high-frequency signal and the signal level of the output high-frequency signal, and based on the input / output difference. The amount of attenuation of the variable attenuation means is controlled. Further, in the invention according to claim 3, in the high-frequency power amplifying device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the amplifying unit makes the high-frequency signals attenuated to the predetermined level equal to each other. Distribution means for equally dividing the level, a plurality of power amplifying means for power-amplifying each of the equally divided high-frequency signals, and a synthesizing means for synthesizing high-frequency signals output from each of the plurality of power amplifying means at an equal ratio to each other And characterized in that: Also,
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the high-frequency power amplifier according to any one of the first to third aspects, the input level detecting means extracts a part of the input high-frequency signal. 1 directional coupler, and a first detector that detects the extracted high-frequency signal and outputs a DC voltage having a value corresponding to the amplitude of the input high-frequency signal. . According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the high frequency power amplifying device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the output level detecting means converts a part of the output high frequency signal. A second directional coupler for extracting, and a second detector for detecting the extracted high-frequency signal and outputting a DC voltage having a value corresponding to the amplitude of the output high-frequency signal. And According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the high-frequency power amplifying device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, each of the plurality of power amplifying units includes the power-amplified high-frequency signal. Amplifying signal level detecting means for detecting a signal level of the power amplification means, and the control means includes a plurality of abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality occurring in the corresponding power amplifying means based on the amplified signal level. Features.
Further, according to the invention described in claim 7, in the high-frequency power amplifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Each of the plurality of abnormality detection units includes a second differential amplification unit that calculates an individual amplification degree that is a difference between a signal level of the input high-frequency signal and a signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal; A comparison means for comparing a reference value for detection with the individual amplification degree is provided. Also,
In the invention according to claim 8, in the high-frequency power amplifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, each of the plurality of abnormality detection means includes a signal level of the output high-frequency signal. And a second differential amplifying means for calculating an individual amplification degree which is a difference between the signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal and a comparison means for comparing a reference value for abnormality detection with the individual amplification degree. It is characterized by the following. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the high-frequency power amplifying device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, each of the plurality of power amplifying units transmits the distributed high-frequency signal to Branching means for equally branching each other at the same level, a plurality of power amplifying elements for power-amplifying the equally branched high-frequency signals,
Multiplexing means for multiplexing high-frequency signals output from each of the plurality of power amplifying elements at an equal ratio to each other. In the invention according to claim 10,
10. The high-frequency power amplifying device according to claim 6, wherein the amplified signal level detection means includes a third directional coupler for extracting a part of the power-amplified high-frequency signal; A third detector for detecting the obtained high-frequency signal and outputting a DC voltage having a value corresponding to the amplitude of the power-amplified high-frequency signal.
According to the eleventh aspect, the input to the amplifying unit is performed based on an input / output difference which is a difference between the signal level of the input high-frequency signal and the signal level of the amplified high-frequency signal. The amount of attenuation by the variable attenuating means for attenuating the high-frequency signal to a predetermined level is controlled to maintain the overall gain constant. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the high-frequency power amplifying device according to the eleventh aspect, the power-amplified high-frequency signal is applied to each of the plurality of power amplifying units constituting the amplifying unit. And calculating an individual amplification factor which is a difference between the signal level of the input high-frequency signal and the signal level of the input high-frequency signal, and outputting an abnormality detection signal based on a comparison result between a reference value for abnormality detection and the individual amplification factor. And Claim 13
In the control method of the high-frequency power amplifying device according to the eleventh aspect, in each of the plurality of power amplifying units constituting the amplifying unit, the signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal and the Determining an individual amplification degree which is a difference between the signal level of the amplified and output high-frequency signal and outputting an abnormality detection signal based on a comparison result between the abnormality detection reference value and the individual amplification degree. .

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a high-frequency power amplifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, for example, 20 70 [W] linear power amplification units are connected in parallel to synthesize output power.
This is an example applied to a 1 GHz output satellite communication transmitter in the [GHz] band.

In FIG. 1, 1 is the input 0.05 [m].
W] is amplified to about 300 [mW]. A directional coupler 2 extracts a part of the signal amplified by the preamplifier 1.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a voltage-controlled variable attenuator that varies the amount of attenuation based on the control voltage VR-CONT and controls the gain of the entire device. Reference numeral 4 denotes a distributor for equally distributing electric power to 20 output terminals. 5-1、5-2 ... 5-19、5-20
Is a PA (PA5-n) for amplifying each of the high-frequency signals distributed by the distributor 4.

6 is PA5-1, PA5-2... PA5
-19, a synthesizer for synthesizing the outputs of PA5-20. 7 is
A BPF (Band Pass Fil) that removes, from the output of the combiner 6, signal components that become unnecessary radiation components during transmission, such as harmonic components.
ter: band-pass filter). Reference numeral 8 denotes a directional coupler for extracting a part of the output power.

The high-frequency signal output from the coupling port of the directional coupler 2 is input to the detector 10 via the attenuator 9 for adjusting the level. The detector 10 receives the input level detection signal SREF-DET based on the input high-frequency signal.
Is output.

The high-frequency signal output from the coupling port of the directional coupler 8 is input to the detector 12 via the attenuator 11 for adjusting the level. The detector 12 outputs an output level detection signal SOUT-DE based on the input high-frequency signal.
Output T.

The control circuit 13 receives the input level detection signal SREF-DET and the output level detection signal SOUT-DET described above, and the control circuit 13 generates a control signal VR-CONT for controlling the variable attenuator 3. I do.

FIG. 2 is a connection diagram showing a detailed configuration of each PA 5-n. In FIG. 2, reference numerals 21 to 23 denote high frequency amplifying elements which are connected in series with each other and amplify an input high frequency signal. 3 input to the high-frequency amplifier 21
The high-frequency signal of [mW] is amplified to 12 [W] and output from the high-frequency amplification element 23. Reference numeral 24 denotes a distributor for equally distributing electric power to four output terminals. 25-28
These are power amplifying elements that amplify the high-frequency signals distributed by the distributor 24, respectively.

Reference numeral 29 denotes a combiner for combining the outputs of the power amplification elements 25 to 28. Reference numeral 30 denotes a directional coupler for extracting a part of the output power combined by the combiner 29. The high-frequency signal output from the coupling port of the directional coupler 30 is input to the detector 32 via the attenuator 31 for adjusting the level.

The detector 32 outputs a voltage signal SDET0 based on the input high-frequency signal. An operational amplifier 33 forms a DC amplifier and amplifies the voltage signal SDET0 ten times. The output of the DC amplifier formed by the operational amplifier 33 is supplied to the control circuit 13 as a voltage signal SDET-n. In addition, PA5-1, P shown in FIG.
A5-2 ... PA5-19 and PA5-20 are all PA5
This has the same configuration as -n.

FIG. 3 is a connection diagram showing a detailed configuration of the control circuit 13. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 41 denotes an operational amplifier that forms a DC amplifier that amplifies the input level detection signal SREF-DET by about 10 times.

Reference numeral 42 denotes an output level detection signal SOUT-DET.
Operational amplifier 4 to form a DC amplifier that amplifies the signal 10 times
2. An operational amplifier 43 amplifies the difference between the output of the DC amplifier formed by the operational amplifier 41 and the output of the DC amplifier formed by the operational amplifier 42.

The operational amplifier 44 includes an operational amplifier 43
, And the offset voltage that determines the reference attenuation of the variable attenuator 3 is added to the control voltage VR−
Output CONT.

PA5-1, PA5-2 ... PA5-19, P
A5-20 (PA5-n, see FIGS. 1 and 2) output voltage signals SDET-1, SDET-2 ... SDET-19, SDE, respectively.
T-20 (SDET-n) is input to one of the input terminals of the operational amplifier 51 included in the corresponding abnormality detection unit 50-n.

The operational amplifier 5 included in each abnormality detection unit 50-n
The input level detection signal SREF-DET is input to the other of the input terminals 1 through the operational amplifier 41. Thereby, each operational amplifier 51 outputs the differential voltage ΔV-n.

The output terminal of the operational amplifier 51 is connected to one of the input terminals of the comparator 52 of each of the abnormality detectors 50-n, and the reference voltage is connected to the other of the input terminals of the comparator 52.

That is, the comparator 52 outputs the difference signal ΔV-n
And the reference voltage, and compares the comparison results with the abnormality detection signals SALM-1, SALM-2,..., SALM-19, SALM-20 (SALM-
Output as n). Note that the abnormality detection unit 50-n uses the PA5-
Although the number is the same as n, a plurality of components having the same configuration are provided, so that illustration and description are omitted here.

In the present embodiment, gain correction is performed between the directional coupler 2 and the directional coupler 8 shown in FIG. The high-frequency signal extracted by the directional coupler 2 is input to the detector 10 via the attenuator 9,
0 outputs the corresponding input level detection signal SREF-DET.

The high-frequency signal extracted by the directional coupler 8 is input to a detector 12 via an attenuator 11, and the detector 12 outputs a corresponding output level detection signal SOU.
Outputs T-DET.

The amount of attenuation of the attenuator 9 and the amount of attenuation of the attenuator 11,
The amount of attenuation of the attenuator 31 included in each PA 5-n means the detector 10 and the detector 12,
Then, it is set in advance so that the same high-frequency signal is input to the detector 32.

When a high-frequency signal is input to the present embodiment, the high-frequency signal extracted by the directional coupler 2 is input to the detector 10 via the attenuator 9. Detector 10
Outputs a corresponding input level detection signal SREF-DET, and this input level detection signal SREF-DET
Is input to

The high-frequency signal that has passed through the directional coupler 2 is distributed by the distributor 4 and then PA5-1, PA5-2,.
-It is amplified by PA5-19 and PA5-20 (PA5-n). These amplified high-frequency signals are combined again by the combiner 6, and unnecessary components are removed by the BPF 7, and then output via the directional coupler 8.

The high-frequency signal extracted by the directional coupler 8 is input to the detector 12 via the attenuator 11. The detector 12 outputs an output level detection signal So corresponding to this.
UT-DET is output, and the output level detection signal SOUT-DET is input to the control circuit 13.

The input level detection signal SREF-DET and the output level detection signal SOUT-DET input to the control circuit 13 are amplified by the operational amplifier 41 or 42, respectively, and then input to each of the input terminals of the operational amplifier 43. Is done.

As a result, the operational amplifier 43 outputs a differential level ΔV which is a difference from a predetermined gain. This differential level ΔV is added to the offset voltage by the operational amplifier 44 and output as the control voltage VR-CONT. The attenuation of the variable attenuator 3 is controlled by the control voltage VR-CONT.

Assuming that the same condition is satisfied when the prescribed gain is set, the differential level ΔV becomes 0, and the control voltage VR-CONT becomes the same as the value when the reference level is set. Therefore, the attenuation of the variable attenuator 3 does not change. (At the specified gain, the differential level ΔV is 0.)

On the other hand, when the gain of the entire device decreases due to a temperature change or the like, the differential level ΔV becomes a positive potential. Therefore, the value of the control voltage VR-CONT is increased to decrease the amount of attenuation of the variable attenuator 3. This operation continues until the differential level ΔV becomes zero.

When the gain of the entire device increases, the differential level ΔV becomes a negative potential. Therefore, the control voltage VR-CO
The value of NT is lowered to change the amount of attenuation of the variable attenuator 3 to increase. This operation is continued until the differential level ΔV becomes zero.

While the high-frequency signal is being input, such an operation is performed as needed, whereby the control voltage VR-CONT is continuously controlled so that the differential level ΔV is always zero. For this reason, the gain of the entire apparatus is always kept at a specified value.

PA5-1, PA5-2 ... PA5-19, P
Even in the case where one of the A5-20 (PA5-n) fails, it is possible to secure the gain of the entire apparatus by the same operation as when the gain is reduced as described above.

PA5-1, PA5-2 ... PA5-19, P
On the output side of each A5-20 (PA5-n), a circuit equivalent to a circuit including the directional coupler 8, the attenuator 11, and the detector 12 is provided.

Therefore, each of PA5-1, PA5-2... PA
5-19, each voltage signal SDET- output from PA5-20
1, SDET-2... SDET-19 and SDET-20 are input to the control circuit 13 and are differentially amplified by an operational amplifier 51 with an input level detection signal SREF-DET signal to obtain a differential voltage ΔV−
n is obtained. This difference voltage ΔV-n is 0 in a normal state.
However, in an abnormal state, the potential becomes positive.

The difference voltage ΔV-n is input to a comparator 52 which compares the difference voltage ΔV-n with a preset reference voltage.
If the difference voltage ΔV-n exceeds the reference voltage, the comparator 52 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the corresponding PA 5-n, and sets the abnormality detection signal SALM-n to “H (high level)”.

On the other hand, when the difference voltage ΔV-n is equal to or lower than the reference voltage, the comparator 52 determines that the corresponding PA 5-n is normal, and sets the abnormality detection signal SALM-n to “L (low level)”.
Leave as is. As described above, by constantly monitoring the abnormality detection signals SALM-n output as many as the number of PA5-n, the abnormal PA5-n can be instantaneously detected.

In the above embodiment, the configuration using 20 PAs has been described as an example. However, even when the output power is increased by further increasing the number of PAs, the configuration is not changed. Available.

Further, although the failure of each PA is monitored on the basis of the input signal level of the high-frequency power amplifier as in the above embodiment, each PA is monitored on the basis of the output signal level of the high-frequency power amplifier. A similar effect can be obtained even if the same is performed. Further, the present invention is not limited to the high power linear amplifier, but is also applicable to the case of low-power or medium-power amplifiers in parallel operation or single operation.

In the above embodiment, a voltage-controlled variable attenuator is used. However, even if a current-controlled variable attenuator or a digitally-controlled variable attenuator is used, the present invention is not limited to this. It goes without saying that it is within the scope of the invention.
The present invention is also applicable to an amplifier that synthesizes power by operating electron tubes in parallel and an amplifier having a frequency other than the microwave band.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, the amplification based on the input / output difference which is the difference between the signal level of the input high frequency signal and the signal level of the amplified high frequency signal is output. The amount of attenuation by the variable attenuating means for attenuating the high-frequency signal input to the means to a predetermined level is controlled so as to keep the overall gain constant. Further, for each of the plurality of power amplifying units constituting the amplifying unit, an individual amplification degree which is a difference between a signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal and a signal level of the input high-frequency signal is obtained, and a reference value for abnormality detection is obtained. And outputs an abnormality detection signal based on the result of comparison between the signal and the individual amplification degree. Alternatively, for each of the plurality of power amplifying units constituting the amplifying unit, an individual amplification degree, which is a difference between the signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal and the signal level of the amplified and output high-frequency signal, is determined, and abnormality detection is performed. Since the abnormality detection signal is output based on the comparison result between the reference value and the individual amplification degree, the automatic gain correction is possible even when the power amplification elements are operated in parallel, and the faulty element can be identified. An effect is obtained that a high-frequency power amplifier and a control method of the high-frequency power amplifier that can be realized can be realized.

That is, according to the present invention, the calibration signal source becomes unnecessary, and the gain variation of each PA can be neglected, thereby improving the accuracy of gain correction. In addition, since the AGC follows even if one PA fails, the gain of the entire apparatus is guaranteed, and it is possible to avoid the system down (FAIL SAFE: failsafe).

According to the present invention, since a gain correction function is not required for each PA, a system can be constructed with a small number of components as in the case of a general parallel combination of PAs, thereby reducing the cost and the failure rate. be able to.

Further, since the abnormal PA can be instantaneously detected from the plurality of PAs to be linearly amplified by the abnormality detecting circuit, the diagnosis time for identifying the faulty PA can be reduced, and the abnormal PA can be linked to the others. Failure can be prevented. In other words, even when a PA fails, an amplification operation can be performed in another PA except for the failed PA, and the gain of the entire apparatus can be secured.

Further, even during the linear operation in which the output power is changed by changing the input level, the faulty PA can be specified. Further, the detection characteristics due to the temperature fluctuation are canceled out, and the guaranteed range of the gain is expanded, so that the gain correction accuracy is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a high-frequency power amplifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a connection diagram showing a detailed configuration of each PA 5-n in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a connection diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a control circuit 13 according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 preamplifier 2 directional coupler (first directional coupler) 3 variable attenuator (variable attenuation unit) 4 distributor (distribution unit) 5-1 to 5-20, 5-n PA (power amplification unit) 6 Synthesizer (synthesis means) 7 BPF 8 Directional coupler (second directional coupler) 9 Attenuator 10 Detector (first detector) 11 Attenuator 12 Detector (second detector) 13 Control Circuit (control means) 21 to 23 power amplifying element 24 distributor (branching means) 25 to 28 power amplifying element (power amplifying element) 29 combiner (combining means) 30 directional coupler (third directional coupler) 31 attenuator 32 detector (third detector) 33 operational amplifier 40 AGC section (attenuation control means) 41, 42 operational amplifier 43 operational amplifier (first differential amplifying means) 44 operational amplifier 50-n abnormality detector (abnormality detection) Means) 51 Operational amplifier (second Differential amplification means) 52 Comparator (comparing means) SALM-1 to SALM-20, SALM-n abnormality detection signal SDET0 voltage signal SDET-1 to SDET-20, SDET-n voltage signal SREF-DET input level detection signal SOUT- DET output level detection signal

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 15, 1999

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Name of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Title of the Invention] High frequency power amplifier

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a solid-state linear amplifier such as a microwave band, about the high-frequency power amplifier device used by connecting a plurality of power amplifier elements in parallel.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The present invention has been made under such a background. Even when the power amplifying elements are operated in parallel, the automatic gain correction is possible and the high-frequency power capable of specifying the faulty element is provided. It is intended to provide an amplification device .

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0015]

[Means for Solving the Problems ] To solve the above-mentioned problems.
Therefore, in the invention described in claim 1, (a) inputting
At the end to detect the signal level of the input high-frequency signal.
Output signal level detecting means for outputting, and (b) the input signal
The high-frequency signal passed through the level detecting means is converted to a predetermined level.
A variable attenuating means for attenuating to a maximum
High frequency attenuated to the predetermined level by the variable attenuation means
Distribution means for equally dividing wave signals into equal levels,
Power-amplifying the equally divided high-frequency signal and
Amplification that detects the signal level of a power-amplified high-frequency signal
A plurality of power amplifying means having signal level detecting means;
The high-frequency signals output from each of the plurality of power amplifying means are exchanged.
And synthesizing means for synthesizing at an equal ratio.
Amplifying means for amplifying high-frequency signals attenuated to the level of
(D) provided at an output terminal, wherein the amplified and output
Output signal level detection to detect the signal level of the high-frequency signal
Output means; and (e) a signal level of the input high-frequency signal.
And the signal level of the output high-frequency signal.
Composed of first differential amplifying means for determining an input / output difference
Attenuation control means and a place provided for each abnormality detection
By comparing a fixed reference value with the amplified signal level,
Detects an abnormality that has occurred in the corresponding power amplification means and
A plurality of abnormality detection means that individually output abnormality detection signals
Having said power distribution means distributed to each of said plurality of power amplifying means
The variable attenuating means for attenuating the level of the high-frequency signal is applied.
Control is performed by a control signal generated based on the input difference.
Control means, and the attenuation control means includes
The amount of attenuation by the variable attenuation means is continuously adjusted based on the force difference.
To keep the overall gain constant,
The other power operating in parallel with the power amplifying means in which the
Suppress abnormalities to the amplification means and continue amplification operation
It is characterized by the following.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0046

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

PA5-1, PA5-2 ... PA5-19, P
A circuit equivalent to a circuit including the directional coupler 8, the attenuator 11, and the detector 12 is provided on each output side of the A5-20 (PA5-n).

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0053

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, the amplification based on the input / output difference which is the difference between the signal level of the input high frequency signal and the signal level of the amplified high frequency signal is output. The amount of attenuation by the variable attenuating means for attenuating the high-frequency signal input to the means to a predetermined level is controlled so as to keep the overall gain constant. Further, for each of the plurality of power amplifying units constituting the amplifying unit, an individual amplification degree which is a difference between a signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal and a signal level of the input high-frequency signal is obtained, and a reference value for abnormality detection is obtained. And outputs an abnormality detection signal based on the result of comparison between the signal and the individual amplification degree. Alternatively, for each of the plurality of power amplifying units constituting the amplifying unit, an individual amplification degree, which is a difference between the signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal and the signal level of the amplified and output high-frequency signal, is determined, and abnormality detection is performed. Since the abnormality detection signal is output based on the comparison result between the reference value and the individual amplification degree, the automatic gain correction is possible even when the power amplification elements are operated in parallel, and the faulty element can be identified. An effect is obtained that a high-frequency power amplifier that can be realized can be realized.

Claims (13)

[Claims] An input signal level detector for detecting a signal level of an input high-frequency signal; a variable attenuator for attenuating the high-frequency signal passing through the input signal level detector to a predetermined level; Amplification means for amplifying the high-frequency signal attenuated to the predetermined level; output signal level detection means for detecting the signal level of the amplified and output high-frequency signal; signal level of the input high-frequency signal and the output Control means (13) for controlling the amount of attenuation by the variable attenuation means based on the signal level of the high-frequency signal to be applied. 2. The control means includes an attenuation control means (40) for controlling an amount of attenuation of the variable attenuation means, wherein the attenuation control means comprises: a signal level of the input high-frequency signal; A first differential amplifying unit for obtaining an input / output difference which is a difference from a signal level of the signal; and controlling an attenuation amount of the variable attenuating unit based on the input / output difference. The high-frequency power amplifier according to claim 1. 3. The distribution means (4) for equally dividing the high-frequency signal attenuated to the predetermined level into equal levels, and a plurality of power amplifiers each for power-amplifying the equally divided high-frequency signal. Means (5-1 to 5-20, 5-n); and synthesizing means (6) for synthesizing high-frequency signals output from each of the plurality of power amplifying means at an equal ratio to each other. The high-frequency power amplifier according to claim 1. 4. The input level detecting means includes: a first directional coupler (2) for extracting a part of the input high-frequency signal; and detecting the extracted high-frequency signal to detect the input high-frequency signal. A first method of outputting a DC voltage having a value corresponding to the amplitude of a signal
The high frequency power amplifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a detector (10). 5. The output level detecting means includes: a second directional coupler (8) for extracting a part of the output high-frequency signal; and detecting the extracted high-frequency signal to output the high-frequency signal. A second output of a DC voltage having a value corresponding to the signal amplitude
The high frequency power amplifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a detector (12). 6. Each of the plurality of power amplifying means includes an amplified signal level detecting means for detecting a signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal, and the control means responds based on the amplified signal level. A plurality of abnormality detecting means (50) for detecting abnormality occurring in the power amplifying means.
The high-frequency power amplifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising -n). 7. Each of the plurality of abnormality detection means includes a second differential for obtaining an individual amplification degree which is a difference between a signal level of the input high-frequency signal and a signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal. The high-frequency power according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an amplifying means (51), and a comparing means (52) for comparing a reference value for abnormality detection with the individual amplification degree. Amplifying device. 8. Each of the plurality of abnormality detection means includes a second differential for obtaining an individual amplification degree which is a difference between a signal level of the output high-frequency signal and a signal level of the power-amplified high-frequency signal. The high-frequency power amplifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an amplifier, and a comparator configured to compare a reference value for abnormality detection with the individual amplification degree. 9. Each of the plurality of power amplifying means includes: a branching means (24) for equally dividing the distributed high-frequency signal to the same level; and a plurality of power amplifying means for respectively power-amplifying the equally branched high-frequency signal. The power amplification device (25-28), and multiplexing means (29) for multiplexing high frequency signals output from each of the plurality of power amplification devices at an equal ratio to each other. The high-frequency power amplifier according to claim 8. 10. The amplified signal level detecting means includes: a third directional coupler (30) for extracting a part of the power-amplified high-frequency signal; and detecting the extracted high-frequency signal to perform the power amplification. The high-frequency power amplifier according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a third detector (32) that outputs a DC voltage having a value corresponding to the amplitude of the obtained high-frequency signal. . 11. The high-frequency signal input to the amplifying means is set to a predetermined level based on an input / output difference which is a difference between the signal level of the input high-frequency signal and the signal level of the amplified high-frequency signal. A method for controlling a high-frequency power amplifying device, characterized in that the amount of attenuation by a variable attenuating means for attenuating the total gain is controlled to keep the overall gain constant. 12. For each of a plurality of power amplifying means constituting the amplifying means, an individual amplification degree, which is a difference between a signal level of a power-amplified high-frequency signal and a signal level of the input high-frequency signal, is obtained. The control method for a high-frequency power amplifier according to claim 11, wherein an abnormality detection signal is output based on a comparison result between a reference value for abnormality detection and the individual amplification degree. 13. An individual amplification degree which is a difference between a signal level of a power-amplified high-frequency signal and a signal level of the amplified and output high-frequency signal for each of a plurality of power amplifying means constituting the amplifying means. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein an abnormality detection signal is output based on a comparison result between a reference value for abnormality detection and the individual amplification degree.