Linearization of a pulse width modulated power amplifier

Abstract

Currently, the cellphone industry is moving towards an integrated CMOS solution for power amplifiers. Cheaper phones for consumers and better bottom lines for companies are the result of this. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the use of pulse width modulation in a high efficiency integrated CMOS power amplifier for a wireless application. Though high efficiency CMOS power amplifiers exist in academia, the goal of this project is to explore pulse width modulation as a method of adjusting power. Pulse width modulation can potentially be used to create a higher bandwidth system. The challenge of this architecture is creating linear dynamic range. In simulations, feedback improved the pulse width modulated power amplifier linear dynamic range to 23dB.