Non-ideal Continuous Class-E PA Modes for Maximum Efficiency and Maximum Linearity

Abstract

This paper presents the analysis of a class-E PA using an equivalent circuit model based on a look-up table generated by numerical simulation. The proposed methodology allows the direct determination of the drain voltage and current waveforms considering the transistor's triode region, finite switching time, and short-channel and thermal effects on saturation current. The revealed non-ideal space of high-efficient solutions is used to determine the class-E modes for maximum efficiency and maximum linearity. To support the theoretical results, a particular topology is implemented using a 25W-GaN transistor. The experimental results of the manufactured class-E are presented. Over a bandwidth of 2.37-2.41 GHz, the demonstrator has presented efficiency better than 75% with constant 42 dBm of continuous wave power.