CMOS handset power amplifiers: Directions for the future

While the present market for power amplifiers in wireless handsets is largely met by GaAs HBTs, CMOS technology can provide major advantages including high integration levels, scalability, and digital control. This paper reviews possible directions for future CMOS PA development including FET stacking, envelope tracking, digital predistortion, and new architectures based on digital control, that promise to add to the advantages of CMOS in LTE applications.