High-Efficiency Amplifiers Using
AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on SiC
Scott Sheppard, Bill Pribble, R. Peter
Smith, Adam Saxler, Scott Allen, Jim Milligan and Ray Pengelly
Cree Inc.,
Scott_Sheppard@cree.com, Ph: (919) 313-5549, Fax: (919) 313-5696
Keywords: GaN HEMT, RF, Class-E, high-efficiency,
switch-mode
Abstract
GaN HEMTs on SiC are applied to high-efficiency
power amplifier designs. Several class-E hybrid power amplifiers based on the
GaN HEMT cell were designed and tested. Around 2 GHz, the first amplifier
provides 10 watts CW with associated PAE of 85% and gain of 12 dB. Other higher
frequency designs with the same transistor cell provide 10 watts and 80% PAE centered
around 2.8 GHz and also 10 watts and 76% PAE centered around 3.4 GHz. Also, a
larger-periphery class-E amplifier operating at 2 GHz with a peak power of 63
watts and 75% PAE has been demonstrated using GaN HEMT technology.