The Continuous Class-F Mode Power Amplifier

Abstract

This paper presents, for the first time the theoretical introduction and experimental validation of the “Continuous Class-F Mode Power Amplifier” that provides for a new design space for the design of high efficiency and broadband power amplifiers. Starting from the standard class-F mode, this work shows that it is possible to maintain constant or even improved output power and efficiency for coupled variations of fundamental and second harmonic impedances. The investigation was carried out on GaAs pHEMT devices and demonstrates that a near constant efficiency between 82% and 87% can be achieved along with a constant output power of 20dBm, over a wide range of fundamental and second harmonic loads.