RF Power Amplifier Design for High Efficiency Applications

摘要

In this paper a time domain waveform measurement system with active harmonic load-pull has been used to enhance thedesign cycle of RF power amplifiers (PAs). Wave-shaping (waveform engineering) techniques using Cardiff University'shigh power waveform measurement system have yielded optimum device conditions enabling a rapid PA realisation witha first-pass success. The resulting inverse class-F design, based on a 10W GaN HEMT device, is operating at 0.9GHz,and achieving 81.5% drain efficiency in both the load-pull emulated state and also in the directly realised PA. The valueof measured waveforms, and the ability to engineer optimum waveforms to a specific amplifier mode, is demonstrated inthis study.