The Need

Current radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers often struggle with efficiency at varying power levels, leading to increased energy consumption and operational costs. This new RF outphasing power amplifier (OPA) addresses the need for high efficiency at peak and backoff power levels, making it ideal for modern communication standards that demand reliable and efficient power amplification.

The Technology

Developed by researchers at The Ohio State University, this novel RF outphasing power amplifier utilizes a star topology with N branches, driven by at least three inputs. It achieves high power efficiency at peak and two backoff power levels, with an overall output backoff (OBO) of 9.54 dB. The OPA can be implemented with a single input, simplifying its design and making it more affordable. It features 20% bandwidth, with potential for wider bandwidth implementations. These properties are crucial for modern communication standards that require reliable and efficient power amplification.

Benefits/Advantages

• High power efficiency at peak and backoff levels
• Simplified single-input implementation
• Cost-effective design
• Versatile bandwidth capabilities
• Scalable with different transistor sizes and configurations