BST Based Linearizers and Matching Circuits for High Efficiency RF Power Amplifiers

射频功率放大器是射频通信中的关键器件之一。它是成本、功耗、可靠性和系统性能的决定性因素。由于功率放大器是通信系统中功耗最大的器件，因此高效率功率放大器的设计在过去几年中受到了广泛的关注。对高效率的要求源于可用直流功率的限制，以及对系统的尺寸、重量和成本要求。对于移动和空间通信应用，这些要求甚至更加严格。针对上述技术需求，本计划提出了开发高效、线性和紧凑射频功率放大器架构设计的新方法。提出的研究的主要目标是将薄膜钛酸钡锶（BST）铁电体结合到功率放大器电路中，以提高线性度和效率。通过引入铁电元件，这种方法将在更好地匹配和控制电路特性方面带来显著的好处，从而产生紧凑、通用和可重复的设计。具体来说，PI将设计集成基于BST变容器的预失真线性器和可调谐匹配网络的射频功率放大器，以提高放大器的整体性能和功能。拟议的研究预计将对射频、微波和毫米波频率的低成本、节能和紧凑的电子通信发射机的设计产生重大影响。由于可用直流电源的限制，卫星提供的服务和应用也将受益于这些发展。本文所需要的射频工程和材料科学专业知识的结合将为无线应用的可调谐高频电子产品的开发提供快速的洞察力和学习，其中有许多具有强大商业价值的应用。研究成果的传播将基于期刊出版物、会议/讲习班发言以及通过它们与ATMI的合作。UofM的辐射实验室每两周举办一次关于当前研究的研讨会，研究生和本科生都很喜欢参加。

0300421MortazawiThe RF power amplifier is one of the key components in radio frequency communications. It is the determining factor in cost, power consumption, reliability and system performance. Since the power amplifier is the most power consuming element in a communication system, the design of high efficiency power amplifiers has drawn considerable attention in the past several years. The requirement for high efficiency originates from the limitations imposed by the available dc power, as well as the size, weight and cost requirements for the system. These requirements are even more severe for mobile and space borne communication applications. In response to the above technology needs, this program proposes to develop novel approaches for the design of efficient, linear and compact RF power amplifier architectures.The key objective of the proposed research is to incorporate thin film barium strontium titanate (BST) ferroelectrics into power amplifier circuits for improved linearity and efficiency. This approach would allow significant benefits in terms of better matching and control of the circuit properties through the introduction of the ferroelectric components to yield compact, versatile and reproducible designs. Specifically the PI will design RF power amplifiers integrated with BST varactor based predistortion linearizers and tunable matching networks to improve the amplifier's overall performance and functionality.Intellectual Merit of the Proposed ResearchThe proposed research is expected to have a significant impact on the design of low cost, power efficient and compact transmitters for electronic communications at RF, microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. Services and applications provided by satellites will also benefit from these developments due to the limitations on available dc power.Broader Impact of the Proposed ResearchThe combination of RF Engineering and Materials Science expertise required here will provide rapid insight and learning into the development of tunable high frequency electronics for wireless applications, where there are numerous applications of strong commercial value. The dissemination of research will be based on journal publications, conference/workshop presentations and through their collaboration with ATMI. The Radiation Laboratory at UofM offers biweekly seminars on current research that are well attended by both graduate as well as undergraduates.