The embodiments described herein provide wideband highly asymmetrical power efficient amplifier device that include a compact input power distribution network with input termination circuit. The input termination circuit is configured to provide control of the power distribution at the amplifier input. In one embodiment, the input termination circuit is configured to generate and reflect a frequency dependent portion of an input signal back toward the amplifier device inputs. This input reflection controls the input power distribution and shape of time domain input signal in a way that can affect amplifier device efficiency and linearity.

The embodiments described herein provide wideband highly asymmetrical power efficient amplifier device that include a compact input power distribution network with input termination circuit. The input termination circuit is configured to provide control of the power distribution at the amplifier input. In one embodiment, the input termination circuit is configured to generate and reflect a frequency dependent portion of an input signal back toward the amplifier device inputs. This input reflection controls the input power distribution and shape of time domain input signal in a way that can affect amplifier device efficiency and linearity.

A bi-directional RF signal amplifier includes a RF input port and surge suppression circuitry downstream of the RF input port. First and second communications paths lead from the surge suppression circuitry to first and second RF output ports. The second communications path is considered non-interruptible and can support both downstream and upstream RF communications even in the absence of power being supplied to the RF signal amplifier. The surge suppression circuitry includes a data line connected to the RF input port. A first circuit path is electrically connected between the data line and ground. A gas discharge tube (GDT), within the first circuit path, acts as an open circuit when a voltage across the GDT is less than a predetermined value and acts as a short circuit when the voltage across the GDT exceeds the predetermined voltage. An electronic device is placed in series with the GDT within the first circuit path. The electronic device enables the second communications path of the RF signal amplifier to remain operable even if the GDT fails to a short circuit state due to a breakdown of the gases within the GDT.

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for an antenna, comprising, a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier and a common ground between the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier, wherein a Radio Frequency, RF, output of the first power amplifier is coupled to the common ground and a RF output of the second power amplifier is coupled to the common ground.

A bidirectional RF circuit, preferably including a plurality of terminals, a switch, a transistor, a coupler, and a feedback network. The circuit can optionally include a drain matching network, an input matching network, and/or one or more tuning inputs. In some variations, the circuit can optionally include one or more impedance networks, such as an impedance network used in place of the feedback network; in some such variations, the circuit may not include a coupler, switch, and/or input matching network. A method for circuit operation, preferably including operating in an amplifier mode, operating in a rectifier mode, and/or transitioning between operation modes.

A bidirectional amplifier includes first and second ports, with a first summing node connected to the first port and a second summing node connected to the second port. First and second gain stages are connected between the first and second summing nodes, respectively, and a first node. First and second feedback stages are also connected between the first and second summing nodes, respectively, and the first node. The amplifier operates in a first mode in which an amplified version of a signal applied to the first port is provided at the second port, or a second mode in which an amplified version of a signal applied to the second port is provided at the first port. The first and second gain stages are preferably first and second common emitter cascode arrangements, and the first and second feedback stages are preferably first and second emitter followers.

A bidirectional amplifier includes first and second ports, with a first summing node connected to the first port and a second summing node connected to the second port. First and second gain stages are connected between the first and second summing nodes, respectively, and a first node. First and second feedback stages are also connected between the first and second summing nodes, respectively, and the first node. The amplifier operates in a first mode in which an amplified version of a signal applied to the first port is provided at the second port, or a second mode in which an amplified version of a signal applied to the second port is provided at the first port. The first and second gain stages are preferably first and second common emitter cascode arrangements, and the first and second feedback stages are preferably first and second emitter followers.

A cable network system for bidirectionally communicating signals at an enhanced duplex frequency range, which may be between about 5 MHz and about 650 MHz. This system may include a first amplifier, which may be configured to condition an upstream signal proceeding from a subscriber premises to a headend, without necessarily conditioning a downstream signal proceeding from the headend to the subscriber premises, a second amplifier, which may be configured to condition the downstream signal without necessarily conditioning the upstream signal, and a shaping circuit, which may condition the upstream and downstream signals. This system also may simultaneously, or in an overlapping or offset manner, communicate signals at a full duplex frequency range without a diplex filter.

An amplifier system an amplified path and a bypass path for carrying an RF signal. A switch in the amplified system routes the RF signal through the amplified path in response to a normal condition in the amplifier system, and routes the RF signal through the bypass path in response to an abnormal condition in the amplifier system. The amplified path includes an amplified forward circuit and a return circuit. The amplified forward circuit has an amplifier, and the return circuit has a return amplifier and detection circuitry for providing power to the return amplifier. The detection circuitry provides power to the return amplifier in response to a normal condition in the return circuit, and removes power from the return amplifier in response to an abnormal condition in the return circuit.

An amplifier system an amplified path and a bypass path for carrying an RF signal. A switch in the amplified system routes the RF signal through the amplified path in response to a normal condition in the amplifier system, and routes the RF signal through the bypass path in response to an abnormal condition in the amplifier system. The amplified path includes an amplified forward circuit and a return circuit. The amplified forward circuit has an amplifier, and the return circuit has a return amplifier and detection circuitry for providing power to the return amplifier. The detection circuitry provides power to the return amplifier in response to a normal condition in the return circuit, and removes power from the return amplifier in response to an abnormal condition in the return circuit.