PWM with differential Class-E amplifier for efficiency enhancement at back-off power levels

Abstract

A simplified output matching network for pulse width modulated Class-E Power Amplifier for efficiency enhancement at back-off power level is proposed. The shunt capacitance and the series inductance in the Class-E PA are realized through capacitor banks that are tuned according to the duty cycle to meet ZVS conditions. The differential PA design is implemented in 130 nm CMOS technology achieving maximum P out of 24.8 dBm at 1.8 GHz with PAE better than 38% at 50% duty cycle. The output power is modulated with the input duty cycle and provides 6.2 dB back-off power level keeping PAE almost constant around 38%.