10W gaN inverse class F PA with input/output harmonic termination for high efficiency WiMAX transmitter

This paper presents the design of a multi-harmonic terminated inverse class F (class F
^-1
) power amplifier (PA) using empirical load-pull technique for a 10 W GaN device operating at 2.5 GHz. The paper discusses important design parameters impacting the final PA performance. Detailed design procedures based on load-pull, impedance locations, and waveform analysis are presented. The impact of source harmonic tuning on overall power added efficiency as well as matching network design considerations are discussed. The fabricated class F
^-1
PA achieved power added efficiency (PAE) of 73.5% with an output power of 41.04 dBm at 27 dBm input power.