WSF: Devices and design techniques for advanced handset/mobile PAs

During the past decade, cellular handsets have moved from single-band, single-mode platforms to very complex multiband, multimode architectures that optimize carrier capacity flexibility, support numerous geographic air-interface standards and enable more multimedia features. The ever-increasing complexity in cellular handsets has been imposing more and more stringent requirements on power amplifiers. Advancements in both device technology and design techniques have been escalating in addressing critical issues such as efficiency, linearity, noise, harmonics, switching transient, to name a few. Several presentations in this workshop will cover future handset trends, requirements on advanced power amplifiers and choice of device technology. Furthermore, design techniques of linearization, efficiency enhancement, power detection and controls will be covered with design examples demonstrated on various technologies such as GaAs HBT, CMOS, Silicon-on-Insulator and Silicon Germanium.