A Highly Efficient Broadband (7-14 GHz) Monolithic Class E Power Amplifier for Space Based Radar

Abstract

This paper describes the design and fabrication of a highly efficient broadband monolithic class-E power amplifier utilizing a new distributed class-E load topology. The amplifier maintains a simultaneous high PAE and output Power over 7.0 GHz of bandwidth. The HPA's measured performance shows a PAE range of (50 % to 82 %) and an output power of >25 dBm across 7-14 GHz. The new broadband load also allows the HPA to have excellent spectrally pure frequency response demonstrated by its low AM and PM noise. A single 0.25 um x 720 um GaAs pHEMT device is used in this circuit.