A 8–12 GHz, 44.3 dBm RF output class FF?1 DPA using quad-mode coupled technique for new configurable front-end 5G transmitters

Abstract

This paper presents a high-efficiency Class FF - 1 DPA using the quad-mode coupled technique for new configurable front-end 5G transmitters. The proposed DPA consists of carrier PA, main PA, input–output matching network and hybrid power network (HPN). The HPN includes a quad-mode coupled technique which is four-section U-shaped transmission line. The HPN is used for even–odd mode impedance analysis to ensures the high-selectivity of output power and achieve a wideband response in the presence of harmonic control conditions. The optimum harmonic impedance is analyzed for the desired band to achieve high output power and efficiency. The DPA circuit is fabricated by using 0.25 µm GaN HEMT on silicon nitride monolithic microwave integrated circuit die process. At maximum output power level of 44.3 dBm, the delivered power-added efficiency (PAE) of 64.3–67.3% and drain efficiency (DE) of 71.7–73.7% at even–odd mode operation are achieved with a gain of 13.0–14.3 dB. For the output power level of 39.045 dBm corresponding to 9 dB output back-off (OBO), the drain efficiency lies between 55–62% with 73% fractional bandwidth. All the demonstrated transmission parameters are working in the band of 8–12 GHz. The size of the chip is 2.8 × 1.9 mm2 and it occupies less die area as compared to the existing DPAs. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.