# RF Power Amplifier Design

I would like to design a RF power amplifier for an output power of 10 Watts. Since I would like to have a good efficiency, my amplifier should operate in the class F mode (or class E, whatever is easier do design). I have some experience with low-power amplifiers (class A and stuff), but I have never done a class F one. I found a PDF about class F amps:

http://www.highfrequencyelectronics.com/May11/HFE0511_Grebennikov.pdf

On page 5, it gives a design equation for the class F load network (equation 6). As far as I understand, the Z_net impedance depends on the supply voltage and the required output power. Assuming I use class F and the amplifier produces a perfect square wave, the fundamental amplitude is

$$\hat{V} = \frac{4\,V_{DD}}{\pi}$$

and from this follows

$$P = \frac{ 8\,V_{DD}^2}{\pi^2\,Z_{net}}$$

which can be solved for Z_net:

$$Z_{net} = \frac{8\,V_{DD}^2}{\pi^2\,P}$$

Is my assumption correct? As soon as Z_net is known, one can design the transmission-line load network for the transistor. I would like to use the CGH40010 as well, which is used in the linked PDF. I made a PCB (on FR4) with the designed load network, but that amplifier didn't work because it oscillated.

a) am I doing things wrong with my load network, or b) is my calculation correct and probably just my PCB is crappy?

How should I proceed with the amplifier design? I purchased a book "RF Power amplifiers for wireless communication" from Cripps, as well as "Advanced techniques in RF power amplifier design" but both books were not of great use for my design, unfortunately.

The intended frequency is 2.2 GHz.

• Can't see a single mention of frequency – JIm Dearden Feb 17 '17 at 15:31
• Hmm, the fact that you do not mention the most important property of an RF amplifier, namely the intended frequency (band) of operation, worries me. Depending on the frequency, you can and cannot do certain things. Talking about the class of the amplifier is pretty useless without knowing the frequencies it needs to operate in. – Bimpelrekkie Feb 17 '17 at 15:33
• you guys are right, I forgot to mention the freqiemcy. I added that ;-) – T. Pluess Feb 17 '17 at 16:47