High-efficiency class-F power amplifier based on double spiral defected ground structure

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, a high-efficiency class-F power amplifier with a harmonic control circuit is proposed. The harmonic control circuit is realised by loading microstrip branch lines to achieve a short-circuit state for the second harmonic. The double spiral defected ground units are loaded on the ground of the microstrip line of the drain bias circuit to produce a low-pass filtering and stopband suppression effect outside the passband, so as to suppress the third harmonic. Meanwhile, it would provide an open-circuit state for the third harmonic, and finally meet the harmonic impedance tuning demands of class-F power amplifier. Through theoretical analysis and simulation, a high-efficiency class-F power amplifier operating at 2.5 GHz ~2.7 GHz is designed. The measured results show that in the working frequency band, the drain efficiency is 66.3%~71.1%, the output power is 40.9 dBm ~42.1 dBm and the gain is 10.9 dB ~11.8 dB.