Precise Configuration of Transmission Line Class-E Power Amplifier Operating at GHz Frequency

Power amplifier (PA) is a core part of microwave power transmission (MPT) system. Featuring simple topology and theoretical 100% efficiency, class-E PA is widely discussed both in industry and academia. This article centers around the precise configuration of transmission line class-E PA operating at GHz frequency. Based on the conversion between lumped element topology and transmission line topology of class-E PA, the equal resistance surface-based configuration method is proposed. Specific configuration method for different types of matching network is analyzed according to the corresponding characteristics. Then, an L-type matching network-based class-E PA is designed in detail for the MPT system. Besides, extended application of the proposed method is discussed for different derivate topologies of class-E PA. Finally, a 2.5-GHz/10-W transmission line class-E PA is fabricated in the lab and the proposed configuration method is fully verified with experiments.