A Multimode Doherty Power Amplifier Based on Varactor Diode for Selective PAE and Back-Off Range
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Modern 5G mmWave communications utilize high-order modulation schemes that generate signals with a high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). These signals pose significant challenges for power efficiency, particularly within the critical output power back-off (OBO) region. To address these limitations, this paper presents a Doherty Power Amplifier (DPA) integrating a Distortion-Free Varactor Stack (DFVS) structure. By incorporating the DFVS-based dynamic matching module, the architecture can effectively track the optimal impedance over a wide range of power levels. This enables a selective and extended OBO range of 6 dB to 9 dB while enhancing efficiency in the operating band. The DPA was designed using a 0.15 μm GaAs pHEMT process for the 27.5–28.35 GHz band. Post-layout EM simulations confirm the amplifier achieves a peak power-added efficiency (PAE) of 16% at a saturated output power of 28.8 dBm. This architecture provides a promising, energy-efficient solution for next-generation 5G transmitters
Institution: Hakim Sabzevari University
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7220719449