Comparison of class A and class D RF amplifier operation with focus on reverse intermodulation and efficiency performance

Kamper M, Ulbricht G, Weigel R, Fischer G (2011)


Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2011

Publisher: IEEE

Pages Range: 272-275

Conference Proceedings Title: European Microwave Integrated Circuits Conference

Event location: Manchester, EN

URI: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6102785

Abstract

A Current Mode Class D (CMCD) power amplifier at 900 MHz is presented. After a theoretical analysis, a class D amplifier is designed, simulated and afterwards assembled and characterized. Thereby, a maximum drain efficiency of 80.6\%, and a maximum power added efficiency (PAE) of 72.8\% at a switching frequency of 864 MHz, and an output power of 28.2 dBm were obtained. A linear class A amplifier using the same transistor exhibits a drain efficiency of 48.9\% and 48.0\% PAE at a comparable output power. An analysis of the reverse intermodulation distortion (IMD) of the switched-mode class D amplifier in comparison to the class A amplifier shows a 15dB improvement of the third order intermodulation ratio. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first practical verification of the superior reverse intermodulation performance of switched-mode amplifiers.

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How to cite

APA:

Kamper, M., Ulbricht, G., Weigel, R., & Fischer, G. (2011). Comparison of class A and class D RF amplifier operation with focus on reverse intermodulation and efficiency performance. In European Microwave Integrated Circuits Conference (pp. 272-275). Manchester, EN: IEEE.

MLA:

Kamper, Michael, et al. "Comparison of class A and class D RF amplifier operation with focus on reverse intermodulation and efficiency performance." Proceedings of the European Microwave Integrated Circuits Conference, Manchester, EN IEEE, 2011. 272-275.

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