A High Efficiency Switched-Capacitor Power Amplifier with Real-Time Calibration for Harmonic Suppression

Master thesis (2021)

Authors

C.P. Charalampidis Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Contributors

S.M. Alavi Electronics - EEMCS (supervisor 1)
Ao Ba ExternalOrganization (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Copyright: © 2021 Charalampos Charalampidis
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Published Date

10-06-2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Abstract

A switched-capacitor power amplifier (SCPA) is a very desirable solution to the problem of enabling amplitude modulation while utilizing high-efficiency switching PA topologies for non-constant envelope wireless RF signals, due to its highly linear AM curve, low complexity, and high scalability. However, drawbacks exist in the form of low efficiency at lower input amplitude levels and strong harmonic distortion. In this master thesis, an SCPA is designed in an advanced technology node for wireless signal transmission. Special considerations are taken to explicitly suppress the harmonics of second and third order by manipulating multiple waveforms. A feedback loop is designed in order to facilitate proper suppression in the presence of variations. The issue of power back-off efficiency is addressed through the method of impedance matching utilized. The system operates between the frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. For a carrier frequency of 2.4GHz, a peak system efficiency of 42.75% and a -6dB back-off system efficiency of 22.52% are achieved. The system presents high AM curve linearity with an IIP3 of 42.3 dB. Second- and third-order harmonics remain well below the specification of -41 dBm in all process corners, provided that proper tuning is performed.

Files

Draft614.pdf
(.pdf | 4.36 Mb)