High efficiency L-band variable output power amplifiers for use in communication systems

A pair of high efficiency low distortion L-band power amplifiers operating over variable drain voltages with a fixed gate voltage were developed. High efficiency and low distortion are maintained for drain voltages over the range of 2-8 V, while providing 12 dB of output power variation. The two amplifiers are single stage reactively matched hybrids that utilize discrete 0.5 /spl mu/m PHEMT devices consisting of 4.8 mm and 17.6 mm peripheries. These amplifiers are ideally suited for L-band transmitters in communication systems.