G3L-850-160 MCPA
Functional Description
044-05236 Rev A
1-3
1.4.1 Preamplifier
The carrier (RF In) is applied to the input port of the MCPA and fed to the preamplifier stage where it
is amplified using two stages of class A mode amplifiers. The output of the preamplifier is split into two
paths, one to the main amplifier and one to the error amplifier.
1.4.2 Main and Error Amplifiers
The main amplifier provides the balance of gain and power in the 869 MHz to 894 MHz frequency
band, using class AB amplification for maximum efficiency. The error amplifier and feed forward loops
correct signal non-linearities introduced by the class AB main amplifier.
In the error amplifier, which operates in class A mode, the RF signal is coupled to an attenuator and
phase shifter in the first feed-forward loop, phase shifted by 180 degrees and then amplified in the
premain amplifier. The output from the pre-main amplifier is fed to the class AB main amplifier and
then sampled using a coupler. The signal (RF sample) is combined with the main input signal and
input to the second feed-forward loop.
There, the RF sample is attenuated, phase shifted 180 degrees, and fed to the error amplifier where it
is amplified to a level identical to the sample output from the main amplifier. The output from the error
amplifier (Error Out) is coupled back and added to the output from the main amplifier, with the control
loops continuously making adjustments to cancel out any distortion in the final output signals.
Preamp
Delay
Second Loop
Phase and Gain
Error
Amplifier
First Loop
Phase and Gain
Reflected Power (VSWR)
RF Out
Pilot Tone
Generator
RF Sample
Forward Power / Pilot Tone Detect
RF In
Premain
Amplifier
Error Out
Delay
Filter
Main
Amplifier
System
Faults
Front Panel
LED
Status
ON/OFF/RESET
Switch
Control
VDC
VDC VDC
VDC
+27 VDC
User
Interface
Pilot Tone
Controller
First Loop
Detection
FIRST LOOP
SECOND LOOP
First Loop
Control
Second Loop
Control
-
5
+5
+9
+15
Figure 1-2 MCPA Functional Block Diagram