Design of an efficient wideband (1–5GHz) 10W PA in GaN technology using harmonic tuning

This paper demonstrates a power amplifier (PA) design procedure for achieving high peak efficiency over a wide bandwidth. A harmonic load-pull is performed over the desired frequency range resulting in theoretically optimum load impedances. Analysis of wide bandwidths where the harmonic bands overlap with the fundamental band and lower harmonic bands are performed. Practical impedances are found through a sensitivity analysis for the controllable fundamental and harmonic impedances. The target frequency range is 1–5GHz for the designed 10W GaN on SiC PA. The PA is measured and yields a small signal gain of 10.5dB–14.0dB over the frequency range from 0.6GHz to 5.1GHz. The peak output power is greater than 40dBm and the drain efficiency varies between 44% and 74% over the same frequency range.