Design and development of the Class E RF power amplifier prototype by using a power MOSFET

Abstract

The continuous rise of global sea level demands better and more accurate models of the ice sheets and glaciers in polar regions for better understanding and predictions so that we can minimize the resulting damage to the world. This requires more sophisticated and miniaturized systems, such as radar systems, so that they can be carried to perform tasks without human attendance in the dangerous areas. A Class E RF power amplifier prototype with the physical size of 2.9 in x 1.6 in operating at 150 MHz was designed and developed as the first step of the miniaturization process of radar systems developed at the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets at the University of Kansas. Simulated results and laboratory measurements were used to document the prototype's performance. It employs the single-ended configuration with MOSFET transistor MRF134. The drain DC supply used is 22.5 V and the gate bias is 3.5 V. The highest drain efficiency observed at the lab is 69.55% with 8.379 dB power gain. When the drain efficiency drops to 65.31%, the power gain obtained is 10.09 dB.