A Generalized Combiner Synthesis Technique for Class-E Outphasing Transmitters

In this paper, a generic combiner design technique is developed for class-E outphasing transmitters. The design procedure starts with calculation of the combiner network parameters that guarantee high efficiency switch mode operation of the PAs in each branch. Recently developed continuous class-E modes theory is then utilized to create an additional degree of freedom for calculation of the combiner network parameters. This additional degree of freedom along with duty cycle control provides an important possibility for achieving high average efficiency over a large bandwidth. A CMOS-GaN outphasing transmitter prototype is realized for experimental verification. The prototype provides drain efficiencies higher than 60% at 6 dB back-off across 750–1050 MHz band. Further, the peak output power remains nearly flat versus frequency, where the variation across the band is ±0.18 dB around 44 dBm.

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