High-Efficiency L-Band GaN Power Amplifier Employing Second and Third Harmonic Impedance Optimization

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)

2 Amirkabir University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering.

Abstract

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a high-efficiency harmonic tuned L-band power amplifier (PA) utilizing a Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT). To meet the demands of modern wireless communication and radar systems operating in the L-band, advanced harmonic tuning techniques were employed, specifically focusing on controlling the impedance terminations at the second (2f₀) and third (3f₀) harmonic frequencies. Through careful load-pull analysis and optimized output matching network design, precise harmonic terminations were achieved alongside optimal fundamental frequency impedance matching. The fabricated PA demonstrates state-of-the-art performance, delivering a saturated output power (Psat) of 46.4 dBm with a corresponding peak Power Added Efficiency (PAE) of 83%. Critically, the PA maintains high efficiency under back-off conditions, achieving 60% PAE at 3 dB output back-off (OBO). These results highlight the effectiveness of this combined second and third harmonic optimization approach with GaN HEMT technology, which enables both high peak efficiency and excellent back-off efficiency for demanding L-band applications.

Keywords

References

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Contributions of Science and Technology for Engineering
Volume 2, Issue 4
September 2025
Pages 28-32

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 10 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 25 July 2025
  • First Publish Date: 25 July 2025
  • Publish Date: 01 September 2025

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