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The paper discusses RF power amplifiers, covering their operational frequency ranges and the various classes of amplifier topologies, including linear and nonlinear amplifications. It highlights the characteristics and applications of different amplifier classes (A, B, AB, C, D, E, F, and S) and emphasizes the importance of switching-mode amplifiers in achieving efficient signal amplification across a wide frequency spectrum.
Index 363 VIII I RF POWER AMPLIFIERS priori the circuit topologies and the basic operation principles as well as limitations of the various amplification classes. Selecting the appropriate circuit topology and operating mode, knowing their pros and cons, and setting realistic goals for the expected performance are imperative for beginning a practical design. Then CAD simulators and/or experimental tweaking will be successful in optimizing the design. This book covers the basics of the RF power amplifiers, such as amplification classes, basic circuit topologies, bias circuits and matching networks. An exhaustive coverage of the power amplifier area is beyond the scope of the book; therefore, applications, system architecture concepts, and linearization techniques are not discussed here.
Trade-Offs in Analog Circuit Design
The most power-consuming part in a mobile phone is the power amplifier, which amplifies the modulated RF signal and delivers it to the antenna. A highly efficient power amplifier reduces the power consumption of the phone and the heat generated. The reduction in the power consumption increases the "talktime" and reduces the size and the weight of the battery. The reduction in the heat generated reduces the risk of local overheating and relaxes the heat dissipation requirement of the package. With these benefits, a highly efficient power amplifier enhances the competitiveness of a product in a keen mobile communication market. In order to reduce power loss, the number of transistors is minimized. Usually, only one transistor is required for a single-ended power amplifier and the use of resistors is avoided. Therefore, many circuit techniques, such as cascode output and output source follower, are not generally applicable to power amplifier circuits. Instead, impedance matching and the harmonic elimination are achieved by passive components, such as inductors, capacitors, transmission lines [1] and coaxial lines [2]. A general model for power amplifiers is shown in Figure 29.1. The transistor is connected in a common-source configuration. The load resistor at the drain of the transistor in ordinary common-source amplifiers is replaced by a large inductor, which is called the Radio Frequency Choke (RFC) or "Big Fat" inductor (BFL). The inductance of should be large enough to maintain an almost constant current following through it. In other words, the impedance of the inductor should be substantially high for AC signals and is negligible for DC signals so that it provides DC bias with very high AC impedance. A filtering and matching network is required to reduce harmonics due to large-signal operation of the transistor and deliver sufficient power to the load. Depending on the conduction angles and the load networks, power amplifiers can be categorized under many classes: Class A, Class B, Class AB, Class C, Class D, Class E and Class F [3,4]. In Section 29.2, different classes of power amplifiers are briefly described and compared in terms of normalized power capability and efficiency. Among different classes of power amplifiers, 843
International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies, 2011
This paper describes existing and new criteria for comparison and optimization of non-linear power amplifiers such as RF or microwave transmitters. In addition to intermodulation, receiver noise, and losses in the transmission system, the proposed new criteria take into account efficiency or consumed power. This results in the global optimization of a combined signal-to-noise-plus-intermodulation ratio as a function of saturated or nominal power but also consumed or dissipated power. Saturated power is limited by available technology. Consumed power and dissipated power are some of the main constraints in telecommunication satellite payloads, mobile phone handsets, and RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification). Another constraint comes from the limited size of antennas, which limits the system equivalent isotropic radiated power and gain-to-temperature ratio. With the proposed criteria the designer will be able to compare different amplifier technologies and to optimize the design and operating point of each stage of a multistage amplifier or a linearizer for a given amplifier. Interference from same or other systems is also introduced in the optimization through the use of signal-to-noise-plus-IM-plus-interference ratio criteria.
Introduction to RF Power Amplifier Design and Simulation, 2015
Introduction to RF Power Amplifier Design and Simulation By Abdullah Eroglu Introduction to RF Power Amplifier Design and Simulation fills a gap in the existing literature by providing step-by-step guidance for the design of radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers, from analytical formulation to simulation, implementation, and measurement. Featuring numerous illustrations and examples of real-world engineering applications, this book: Gives an overview of intermodulation and elaborates on the difference between q linear and nonlinear amplifiers Describes the high-frequency model and transient characteristics of q metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors Details active device modeling techniques for transistors and parasitic q extraction methods for active devices Explores network and scattering parameters, resonators, matching networks, q and tools such as the Smith chart Covers power-sensing devices including four-port directional couplers and new q types of reflectometers Presents RF filter designs for power amplifiers as well as application examples q of special filter types Demonstrates the use of computer-aided design (CAD) tools, implementing q systematic design techniques Blending theory with practice, Introduction to RF Power Amplifier Design and Simulation supplies engineers, researchers, and RF/microwave engineering students with a valuable resource for the creation of efficient, better-performing, low-profile, high-power RF amplifiers.
After completing this chapter, you should be able to: • Convert between ordinary and decibel based power and voltage gains. • Utilize decibel-based voltage and power measurements during circuit analysis. • Define and graph a general Bode plot. • Detail the differences between lead and lag networks, and graph Bode plots for each. • Combine the effects of several lead and lag networks together in order to determine a system Bode plot. • Describe the use of digital computers in the area of circuit simulation. • Analyze differential amplifiers for a variety of AC characteristics, including single ended and differential voltage gains. • Define common-mode gain and common-mode rejection. • Describe a current mirror and note typical uses for it. G '= −10 dB −10dB −10dB −10 dB G '= −40dB Remember, if an increase in signal is produced, the result will be a positive dB value. A decrease in signal will always result in a negative dB value. A signal that is unchanged indicates a gain of unity, or 0 dB. To convert from dB to ordinary form, just invert the steps; that is, divide by ten and then take the antilog. G=log 10 −1 G' 10 G ' total =G ' 1 +G ' 2 +G ' 3 G ' total =10dB+16 dB+14dB G ' total =40 dB A computer hard drive read/write amplifier exhibits a gain of 35 dB. If the input signal is −42 dBV, what is the output signal? V ' out =V ' i n +A' v V ' out =−42 dBV+35dB V ' out =−7 dBV Note that the final units are dBV and not dB, thus indicating a voltage and not merely a gain. Example 1.12 A guitar power amp needs an input of 20 dBm to achieve an output of 25 dBW. What is the gain of the amplifier in dB? First, it is necessary to convert the power readings so that they share the same reference unit. Because dBm represents a reference 30 dB smaller than the dBW reference, just subtract 30 dB to compensate. 20 dBm=−10 dBW G '=P ' out −P ' i n G '=25dBW−(−10 dBW) G '=35 dB Note that the units are dB and not dBW. This is very important! Saying that the gain is "so many" dBW is the same as saying the gain is "so many" watts. Obviously, gains are "pure" numbers and do not carry units such as watts or volts. Note how the plot is relatively flat in the middle, or midband, region. The gain value in this region is known as the midband gain. At either extreme of the midband region, the gain begins to decrease. The gain plot shows two important frequencies, f 1 and f 2. f 1 is the lower break frequency while f 2 is the upper break frequency. The gain at the break frequencies is 3 dB less than the midband gain. These frequencies are also known as the half-power points, or corner frequencies. Normally, amplifiers are only used for signals between f 1 and f 2. The exact shape of the rolloff regions will depend on the design of the circuit. It is possible to design amplifiers with no lower break frequency (i.e., a DC amplifier), however, all amplifiers will exhibit an upper break. The break points are caused by the presence of circuit reactances, typically coupling and stray capacitances. The gain plot is a summation of the midband response with the upper and lower frequency limiting networks. Let's take a look at the lower break, f 1. Lead Network Gain Response Lead Network Gain Response Reduction in low frequency gain is caused by lead networks. A generic lead network is shown in Figure 1.3. It gets its name from the fact that the output voltage developed across R leads the input. At very high frequencies the circuit will be essentially resistive. Conceptually, think of this as a simple voltage divider. The divider ratio depends on the reactance of C. As the input frequency drops, X c increases. This makes V out decrease. At very high frequencies, where X c <<R, V out is approximately equal to V in. This can be seen graphically in Figure 1.4. The break frequency (i.e., the frequency at which the signal has decreased by 3 dB) is found via the standard equation f c = 1 2 π R C c c 45°0°F igure 1.6 Lead phase (exact). f θ 90°. 1f c f 10f c c 45°0°F igure 1.7 Lead phase (approximate). Example 1.14 A telephone amplifier has a lower break frequency of 120 Hz. What is the phase response one decade below and one decade above? One decade below 120 Hz is 12 Hz, while one decade above is 1.2 kHz. θ=arctan f c f θ=arctan 120 Hz 12Hz θ=84.3degrees one decade below f c (i.e, approaching 90 degrees) θ=arctan 120 Hz 1.2 kHz θ=5.71degrees one decade above f c (i.e., approaching 0 degrees) Remember, if an amplifier is direct-coupled, and has no lead networks, the phase will remain at 0 degrees right back to 0 Hz (DC). Lag Network Response Lag Network Response Unlike its lead network counterpart, all amplifiers will contain lag networks. In essence, it's little more than an inverted lead network. As you can see from Figure 1.8, it simply transposes the R and C locations. Because of this, the response tends to be inverted as well. In terms of gain, X c is very large at low frequencies, and thus V out equals V in. At high frequencies, X c decreases, and V out falls. The break point occurs when X c equals R. The general gain plot is shown in Figure 1.9. Like the lead network response, the slope of this curve is −6 dB per octave (or −20 dB per decade.) Note that the slope is negative instead of positive. A straight-line approximation is shown in Figure 1.10. We can derive a general gain equation for this circuit in virtually the same manner as we did for the lead network. The derivation is left as an exercise. A ' v =−10 log 10 (1+ f 2 f c 2) (1.10) Where f c is the critical frequency, f is the frequency of interest, A' v is the decibel gain at the frequency of interest. Note that accurate models for specific op amps or other devices that are not included in the simulator's libraries may be obtained from their manufacturer. This is often as simple as downloading them from the manufacturer's Web site. A listing of manufacturer's Web sites may be found in the Appendix. Simulators are by no means small or trivial programs. They have many features and options, not to mention the variations produced by the many commercial versions. This text does not attempt to teach all of the intricacies of SPICE-based simulators. For that, you should consult your simulator user's manual, or one of the books available on the subject. The examples in this book assume that you already have some familiarity with computer circuit simulators. We will be using simulations in the following chapters for various purposes. One thing that you should always bear in mind is that simulation tools should not be used in place of a normal "human" analysis. Doing so can cause no end of grief. Simulations are only as good as the models used with them. It is easy to see that if the description of the circuit or the components within the circuit is not accurate, the simulation will not be accurate. Simulation tools are best used as a form of doublechecking a design, not as a substitute for proper analysis. 42 Figure 1.16b Multisim gain and phase output graphs. 2 2 Operational Amplifier Internals Operational Amplifier Internals Chapter Learning Objectives Chapter Learning Objectives After completing this chapter, you should be able to: • Describe the internal layout of a typical op amp. • Describe a simple op amp computer simulation model. • Determine fundamental parameters from an op amp data sheet. • Describe an op amp based comparator, and note where it might be used. • Describe how integrated circuits are constructed. • Define monolithic planar construction. • Define hybrid construction. Reprinted courtesy of Philips Semiconductors Reprinted courtesy of Texas Instrutments Reprinted courtesy of Texas Instrutments 3 Negative Feedback Negative Feedback Chapter Learning Objectives Chapter Learning Objectives After completing this chapter, you should be able to: • Give examples of how negative feedback is used in everyday life. • Discuss the four basic feedback connections, detailing their similarities and differences. • Detail which circuit parameters negative feedback will alter, and how. • Discuss which circuit parameters are not altered by negative feedback. • Define the terms sacrifice factor, gain margin, and phase margin, and relate them to a Bode plot. • Discuss in general, the limits of negative feedback in practical amplifiers.
2018
This article is dealing with high efficiency RF amplifiers in modern classes F, E and J. The first part is focused on basic function, main parameters and the output matching topologies of the mentioned classes. Output voltage and current waveforms were simulated for each class of high efficiency amplifiers. The primary focus of this work is the practical design of class F amplifier for 435 MHz band with E-pHEMT transistor. Power added efficiency (PAE) of amplifier achieved 58% and output power was 27 dBm with 14 dBm of input power. Amplifier was realized exclusively with lumped components in order to adhere to the given dimensions. Class F amplifiers designed at megahertz frequencies and with E-pHEMT transistor are quite rare and this article could help designers with understanding narrowband F-class amplifiers with higher efficiency. This amplifier can be used in long range IoT application, because of its low consumption of energy which is necessary in this modern technology. All r...
A microwave power amplifier is a system level device responsible for enhancing the power levels on an input signal to a predefined level. Microwave power amplifiers are considered to be one of the most important components in many of the communication applications. Power amplifiers are divided into several classes, each having its unique and distinctive characteristics. Different classes are used for different purposes and applications. This paper focuses on designing and simulating four different classes of power amplifiers, class A, B, C and AB. The power amplifier will be designed using a MOSFET that will be operating with a max DC drain voltage of 28volts and a max drain current of 1Amps. This paper will also compare and contrast the efficiency and linearity trade-off associated with these classes of amplifier. Modulation excitation for these amplifiers will also be explored using the two tone method. Finally, the linearity of the different power amplifiers will be assessed using methods such as the ACPR and EVM. ADS was used to create the simulation. The transistor used for the purpose of designing the amplifier is MOSFET transistor. Using suitable biasing point and the tuning function provided by the ADS, different classes of amplifiers were simulated. The characteristics of these amplifiers are discussed thoroughly and different tests were performed in the ADS to assess the linearity of the power amplifier. The result obtained in the ADS matched results obtained from real life power amplifiers.
IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics, 2002
One of the critical and costly components in digital cellular communication systems is the R F power amplifier. Theoretically, one of the main concems in an RF power amplifier design is the nonlinear effect of the amplifier. Quantitatively, no explicit relationship or expression currently exists between the out-of-band emission level and the nonlinearity description related to the third-order intercept point (14). Further, in experiments and analysis, it was discovered that, in some situations, using 15 only is not accurate enough to describe the spectrum regrowth, especially when *e fifth-order intercept point (I C) is relatively h g h compared to the thirdorder intermodulation. In this article, we analyze the nonlinear effect of an RF power amplifier in CDMA (IS-95 Standard), TDMA (IS-54 Standard) and MlRS M-16-QAM (Motorola MlRS standard) system, give an expressions of the estimation of the out-of-band emission levels for each system expressed by power spectrum respectively, in terms of the IP, and the IPS , as well as the power level of the signal. This result will be useful in the design of RF power amplifier for these wireless communication systems.
High power wideband amplifiers are demanded in many application areas, such as software defined radio, electronic warfare (EM), instrumentation systems, etc. The quality of the wireless communication system requires demand for compact, low-cost, and low power transportable transceivers has augmented dramatically. Among the transceiver’s building blocks is that the power electronic equipment. Thus, there's a desire for low-priced power electronic equipment. It’s necessary to think about the MOSFET gate-to-drain capacitance for achieving the class-E Zero Voltage Switching conditions. As a result, the ability output capability and therefore the power conversion potency are full of the MOSFET gate-to-drain capacitance. The waveform obtained from Analog to Digital simulations and circuit experiments showed the quantitative agreements with the theoretical predictions.
specialized RF design tool. The purpose of this paper is very useful for students to know the design procedures at radio frequency. It provide the academic students in the faculty of electronics and communication engineering with modern design tools and techniques, and enhance their learning by stimulating their mind through the design practice. As a result, students to be an electronic engineer will have first hand experiences and an academic proficiency in the field of RF design and simulation, with an understanding for subject content.
Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, 1988. ICASSP-88., 1988 International Conference on
One of the critical and costly components in digital cellular communication systems is the RF power amplifier. Theoretically, one of the main concerns in an RF power amplifier design is the nonlinear effect of the amplifier. Quantitatively, no explicit relationship or expression currently exists between the out-of-band emission level and the nonlinearity description related to the third-order intercept point (IP3). Further, in experiments and analysis, it was discovered that, in some situations, using IP3 only is not accurate enough to describe the spectrum regrowth, especially when the fifth-order intercept point (IP5) is relatively high compared to the third-order intermodulation. In this article, we analyze the nonlinear effect of an RF power amplifier in CDMA (IS-95 Standard), TDMA (IS-54 Standard) and MIRS M-16-QAM (Motorola MIRS standard) system, give expressions of the estimation of the out-of-band emission levels for each system expressed by power spectrum respectively, in t...
Advanced Microwave and Millimeter Wave Technologies Semiconductor Devices Circuits and Systems, 2010
Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, 1994
Analytical expressions for the maximum available power gain and f,,, of a high-frequency bipolar transistor are derived from the simple T equivalent circuit model of bipolar transistors. These equations predict the power gain of the state-of-the-art microwave bipolar transistor very well and show that f,,, and power gain are proportional to the transconductance and decrease as the resistance-capacitance charging time and current gain delay time increase.
IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 2020
Since then, he has been with Radio Power Solutions, NXP Semiconductors, Chandler, AZ, USA. He has authored and co-authored over 30 technical publications and 20 U.S. patents, awarded and pending. His research interests include high-efficiency power amplifiers, RF/mmW antennas, power harvesting, and frequency synthesis.
5th International Mediterranean Science and Engineering Congress (IMSEC 2020), 2020
The main objective of this study is to investigate common power amplifier classes which are class A, B, AB, C and etc. In the first section, types of power amplifiers have been presented and important parameters that affect the efficiency of power amplifiers have been discussed. The circuit topologies of class A, B, AB, C, and E have been given and the working principle of these amplifiers has been discussed. As an experiment, different circuit configurations of class AB amplifier have been constructed and the results have been given. According to the experiment results, the conclusion part was provided about the power amplifiers.
2009 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest, 2009
A method is proposed to estimate the 'best linear approximation' of RF power amplifiers excited by spectrally rich signals under variable input power levels. Since the input-output behavior of these amplifiers is not only a function of the frequency, but also of the input power, a 2-dimensional model that linearizes the behavior will be needed. The proposed method estimates a 2D rational model in the frequency variable and the input power . The proposed approach is suitable for the experimental characterization of existing RF power amplifiers.
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