Analyzing the improvement in efficiency through the integration of class-F power amplifiers compared to class-AB in an envelope tracking architecture
This paper investigates the performance of a class-F mode power amplifier (PA) integrated in an envelope tracking (ET) environment, compared to the conventional class-AB mode of operation in the same setting. A 10W high voltage laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (HVLDMOS) device is used to perform the comparison at 900MHz using an active load pull system in an emulated ET environment at 900MHz. The analysis looks at three scenario of optimization: when the class-F and class-AB PA's are optimized at individual drain voltage within the ET range, optimized at peak drain voltage, and optimized at the average drain voltage. The challenges of maintaining the device in class-AB and class-F modes throughout the ET range due to the variation of the device output capacitance are also presented in terms of the trajectory of the fundamental and harmonic loads, as well as the degradation in drain efficiency.
Linearity improvement in RF power amplifier system using integrated Auxiliary Envelope Tracking system
A new technique called Auxiliary Envelope Tracking (AET) is proposed, which demonstrates substantial improvement in linearity of RF power amplifiers. A small amplitude envelope-tracking voltage is superimposed on the fixed DC bias of a specially designed 25W GaN HEMT Class AB RF power amplifier (RFPA). A large improvement in third-order intermodulation (IM3) distortion has been observed while maintaining low fifth-order intermodulation (IM5). The overall drain efficiency of the RFPA is also observed to improve, even when the power consumption of the envelope tracking generator is included. The AET concept uses a simple and easily integrated system that consists of an RFPA, a diplexer and an envelope amplifier.
Assessment of fractures in endodontically treated teeth restored with and without root canal posts using high-resolution cone beam computed tomography
Background Root fractures are a diagnostic challenge for dentists in endodontic treatment. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the characteristics of tooth fractures and the presence of root canal posts in endodontically treated teeth using high-resolution cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods Fifty high-resolution CBCT scans of endodontically treated teeth with a diagnosis of fracture were obtained, of which 30 were from women and 20 were from men. These scans were acquired with three Veraviewepocs 3D units and one 3D Accuitomo 170 unit, with a 40 × 40-mm field of view and 125 μm voxel size. The variables assessed included the type of fracture, extent of fracture, type of retention, post length, cause of endodontic failure, location of the lesion, and time required to detect the fracture (difficulty score). For data analysis, the chi-squared test, Student’s t-test, and multiple linear regression (α <0.05) were used. Results No association was found between the type of fracture and type of retention or between the type of fracture and its extent (P>0.05). On the other hand, the type of fracture significantly influenced the time required for its detection. Additionally, the most difficult plane for detecting the fracture and the difficulty score were associated, with statistically significant results. Conclusions The type of fracture in endodontically treated teeth was not associated with the type of post used for restoration. All of the CBCT systems used to detect tooth fracture showed the same efficiency. Key words:Cone-Beam CT, Tooth Fracture, Root Canal Post.