Dual mode power amplifier

A dual mode power amplifier can include a linear gain section and a non-linear gain section configured together as a polar amplifier. The dual mode power amplifier may be used to transmit GFSK, 4-DPSK, and 8-DPSK modulated data. In one mode, both non-linear and linear gain sections may be used to transmit 4-DPSK and 8-DPSK modulated data. Alternatively, in another mode, the linear gain section may be bypassed while the non-linear gain section may be used to transmit GFSK modulated data. By selecting the operating mode, the dual mode power amplifier may be advantageously configured to use relatively less power while supporting GFSK, 4-DPSK, and 8-DPSK modulation schemes.