High-efficiency load-pull harmonic controlled Class-E power amplifier

This paper proposes a method to design high-efficiency Class-E power amplifiers following a frequency-domain approach instead of the classical time-domain analysis. Included are equations and plots of universal constant power and efficiency contours of Class-E amplifiers. To validate this method, a 900-MHz Class-E amplifier using a bipolar transistor has been designed and constructed. Power-added efficiency up to 79% and collector efficiency up to 91% have been measured at 900 MHz. Multiharmonic load-pull approach to the design of Class-E amplifiers proves that Class-E operation is possible at microwave frequencies using bipolar technology.