Switch-Type Modulators and PAs for Efficient Transmitters in the 5G Wireless Infrastructure

This paper discusses envelope-tracking solutions for broadband mm-wave transmitters as required in future 5G base stations. The unique feature is to use switch-type circuits based on GaN devices in the modulators. Starting from state-of-the-art results in the 2 GHz band, the potential of advanced solutions for 30 GHz transmitters with bandwidths beyond 1 GHz is discussed. Both discrete-level class-G and class-S modulators are considered.