Lumped-element load-network design for class-E power amplifiers

This paper presents a design-oriented analysis of two lumped-element load-coupling topologies, which can be used to approximate class-E switching conditions. The presented output circuits are compared theoretically and experimentally with respect to harmonic termination and component values. Using a commercial BiCMOS process, two monolithic integrated class-E power amplifiers (PAs) have been designed and fabricated for operation at 5-6 GHz based on these load-coupling circuits. The PAs show an output power of over 19.7 dBm and power-added efficiency greater than 43.6% when operated from a 3-V supply. The results obtained with these first prototypes, operating at C-band, show the feasibility of the proposed lumped-element class-E networks

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