A computationally efficient approach for the design of RF power amplifiers

A computationally efficient procedure for the design of RF power amplifiers is presented. The proposed approach allows for the identification of "near-optimal" source and load terminations of the amplifier stage providing maximum output power under assigned linearity, minimum gain and other possible constraints. The design procedure is completely based on closed form numerical computations, without requiring non linear optimisations as normally happens in standard design approaches. A single-stage 2.4 GHz amplifier prototype has been designed and manufactured in Silicon BJT MMIC technology, according to the criteria provided by the new methodology. Experimental results are in good agreement with simulations and confirm the validity of the proposed approach.