Design of broadband power amplifier based on continuous class-F mode with frequency parameterization

Abstract

This paper investigates the design space of a broadband continuous Class-F power amplifier (PA) at the device package plane. By parameterizing the empirical parameter by frequency, the extrinsic fundamental and second harmonic impedances can be engineered to rotate clockwise on the Smith chart which can be realized by the realistic matching network. The proposed design methodology is verified with the implementation of 10 W PA which operates across 1.7–3 GHz. The experimental results show that this PA can achieve drain efficiency of 54.7%–74.8% in the whole interesting band.