BiCMOS MMIC class-E power amplifier for 5 to 6 GHz wireless communication systems

This work presents the design and measurements of a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) class-E power amplifier for wireless communication systems, which uses a novel output matching topology to approximate class-E operating conditions. Compared to the classic approach, the proposed lumped-element load network offers reduced ohmic loss in practical implementation by targeting optimum second-harmonic termination. This extends the possibility of using lumped components for monolithic integrated and for hybrid class-E amplifier designs. To demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed concept, a switching-mode amplifier was fabricated using a commercial BiCMOS process and an HBT as active device. In the 5-to-6 GHz frequency band, the amplifier shows an output power of more than 20 dBm and a power added efficiency greater than 47 %, when operated from a 3 V supply.