An Optimal Matching Network Design for Class-F Power Amplifier for 5G Application

In this paper, a novel matching network is proposed for a Class-F power amplifier, for 5G macro-cells applications. The matching networks are designed using a shielded suspended line to match the source impedance to the load impedance at 3.5GHz. The output matching network is designed using the 6<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">th</sup> order, maximally flat (Butterworth approximation) low-pass step-impedance (LPSI) filter. The output matching network is also able to suppress second-order harmonics. The gallium nitride-high electron mobility transistor CGH40010F 10W device is used for power amplifier design. Design, simulation and layout are performed using Advance Design System Software 2022.01. Our proposed simulated post-layout results of the Class-F power amplifier achieved drain efficiency of 72%, power added efficiency of 69%, a gain of 13.125dB, and output power of 41.125dBm at 28dBm input power, which is better than the existing Class-F power amplifier working at 3.5GHz.