A Frequency-Tunable GaN Switching Power Amplifier with Digital Pulse Encoding

Ehlert G, Wiedemann JPW, Loose M, Deublein A, Riess D, Franchi N, Fischer G (2026)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Conference Contribution

Publication year: 2026

Publisher: IEEE

Event location: Boston, MA, USA

URI: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11602503

DOI: 10.1109/IMSRFTT43070.2026.11602503

Abstract

We present a highly efficient, all-digital GaN-based power amplifier (PA) for compact, frequency-tunable transmitters. Using a look-up-table (LUT) based pulse encoder (PE) and a differential input of 1 Vpp, the PA achieves maximum system efficiencies at maximum output powers of 62% at 37.7 dBm and 54% at 37 dBm for 1 GHz and 2 GHz carriers, respectively. At 6.5 dB back-off, system efficiencies of 27.3% and 20% are achieved respectively. One- and two-tone measurements confirm linear operation with negligible memory effects for bandwidths (BW) up to 10 MHz. This architecture replaces conventional analog blocks with encoders and switch-mode PAs, providing a scalable solution for FPGA or ASIC implementations of fully digital, energy-efficient transmitter chains.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität Dresden Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Ehlert, G., Wiedemann, J.P.W., Loose, M., Deublein, A., Riess, D., Franchi, N., & Fischer, G. (2026). A Frequency-Tunable GaN Switching Power Amplifier with Digital Pulse Encoding. In Proceedings of the 2026 IEEE MTT-S Radio Frequency Technology and Techniques Symposium (IMS RFTT). Boston, MA, USA, US: IEEE.

MLA:

Ehlert, Gabriel, et al. "A Frequency-Tunable GaN Switching Power Amplifier with Digital Pulse Encoding." Proceedings of the 2026 IEEE MTT-S Radio Frequency Technology and Techniques Symposium (IMS RFTT), Boston, MA, USA IEEE, 2026.

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