200-W 13.56-MHz Class-E PA with Gate-Driver ICs

This class-E power amplifier (PA) system for 13.56-MHz ISM applications delivers 200 W to a matched load with 81 percent overall efficiency. Conventional RF PA systems employ progressively larger predriver and driver amplifiers that are connected by matching networks or transformers. In contrast, this PA system uses integrated-circuit gate drivers that require an input of only 10 mW, resulting in a circuit that is simple, low in cost, and easily manufactured. The PA also maintains high efficiency in the presence of mismatched loads: 77+ percent for SWR up to 1.5 and 69+ percent for SWR up to 2.0.