Millimeter-wave class ef power amplifier with concurrent harmonic and subharmonic tuning

Abstract

A subharmonic switching power amplifier architecture includes a power amplifier core that includes at least one power amplifier that receives an input signal and is operable in a power back-off region. Characteristically, the at least one power amplifier is configured to be toggled at a carrier frequency (Fc) when the power level of the input signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined power level and at a subharmonic component of the carrier frequency when the power level of the input signal is less than the predetermined power level. Concurrent harmonic tuning and subharmonic tuning is implemented to enhance the efficiency at both peak power mode and power back-off mode. Characteristically, the power amplifier being configured to be operated by a voltage mode or current mode driver and in the current mode with zero-voltage-switching.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.