Issues on the design of a variable power LINC amplifier system in SiGe operating at 2.4 GHz

Demanuele, C., Grech, I., Micallef, J. and Gatt, E. (2006) Issues on the design of a variable power LINC amplifier system in SiGe operating at 2.4 GHz. In Proceedings of the 13th IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Circuits and Systems. IEEE. pp. 439-442 .

Abstract

An increasing number of wireless communication
systems require linear transmitters that can achieve high
efficiency. Good linearity is necessary for bandwidth efficient
modulation while poor efficiency directly affects operational
costs and causes thermal losses in the base station. This paper
examines the implementation of the outphasing technique, also
known as Linear Amplification with Nonlinear Components
(LINC) using a 0.25 ?m SiGe BICMOS process. Adaptation of
the amplifier in order to achieve different power levels, via the
use of Class-F amplifying sections working in parallel is also
examined. The effects of the input and output mismatch
introduced when changing the power level are discussed and
possible solutions presented. Furthermore, specific problems
which arise when using a bipolar technology are addressed. This
work also discusses the adaptation of a tunable phase shifter for
a 1 V supply and wide-linear range. The 2.4 GHz amplifier
system presented in this work achieved a 3-level power control
with a maximum PAE in the range of 58-73%.

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