An efficient X-band 16-element spatial combiner of switched-mode power amplifiers

This paper describes the design, implementation, and characterization of a high-efficiency 10-GHz amplifier antenna array for spatial power combining. An average drain efficiency of 70% at 162 W effective isotropic radiated power, or about 1.5 W of transmitted power, is measured for an array of 16 amplifiers consisting of four four-element subarrays. The power-combining efficiency of the 16-element array is above 79%. The active device is a low-cost GaAs MESFET with a maximum available power in class A of 21 dBm. The single class-E power amplifier delivers 20.3 dBm with 67% drain efficiency and 58% power-added efficiency.