A Highly-Efficient Broadband SLMBA With Over 10-dB High Efficiency Range

Abstract

Design of a broadband RF-input sequential load modulated balanced power amplifier (SLMBA) over 10-dB high efficiency range was presented in this paper. Compared with the Doherty power amplifier (DPA), optimal load modulation can be achieved by the proposed SLMBA only by changing the amplitude and phase of the control signal. Due to the sequential operation, high efficiency performance can be maintained at the extended output back-off (OBO). Based on the SLMBA theory, a 1.5-2.7-GHz broadband power amplifier was designed, and simulated in the Advanced Design System software. The saturated output power measured in the entire operating frequency band is 41-43.8-dBm, the drain efficiency is 59.8%-77.6%, 10-dB OBO efficiencies are 46.9%-65.6%.