A power amplifier module includes an amplifier that amplifies an input signal and outputs the amplified signal, a harmonic termination circuit that is disposed subsequent to the amplifier and that attenuates a harmonic component of the amplified signal, the harmonic termination circuit including at least one field effect transistor (FET), and a control circuit that controls a gate voltage of the at least one FET to adjust a capacitance value of a parasitic capacitance of the at least one FET. The control circuit adjusts the capacitance value of the parasitic capacitance of the at least one FET, and thereby a resonance frequency of the harmonic termination circuit is adjusted.

In each E-class inverter, an internal voltage detection circuit detects an internal voltage of a resonant type power supply circuit or a matching circuit and adjusts a phase of a driving signal of a MOSFET based on a detected voltage. It is thus possible to match a phase of a current voltage of a sine waveform of each inverter and combine power highly efficiently. Since power combining is performed highly efficiently without using a variable capacitor and variable inductor, it is possible to suppress upsizing of elements and achieve downsizing of a power amplifier circuit.

In each E-class inverter, an internal voltage detection circuit detects an internal voltage of a resonant type power supply circuit or a matching circuit and adjusts a phase of a driving signal of a MOSFET based on a detected voltage. It is thus possible to match a phase of a current voltage of a sine waveform of each inverter and combine power highly efficiently. Since power combining is performed highly efficiently without using a variable capacitor and variable inductor, it is possible to suppress upsizing of elements and achieve downsizing of a power amplifier circuit.

A subharmonic switching digital power amplifier system includes a power amplifier core that includes at least one power amplifier operable in a power back-off region and a power supply providing at least one operating voltage to the power amplifier. Characteristically, the power amplifier is toggled at a subharmonic component of a carrier frequency (Fc) to achieve power back-off wherein the power amplifier is operated in a voltage mode or current mode driver. Multi-subharmonics can be used to further enhance the power back-off efficiency. A switching digital power amplifier system employing phase interleaving is also provided.

A subharmonic switching digital power amplifier system includes a power amplifier core that includes at least one power amplifier operable in a power back-off region and a power supply providing at least one operating voltage to the power amplifier. Characteristically, the power amplifier is toggled at a subharmonic component of a carrier frequency (Fc) to achieve power back-off wherein the power amplifier is operated in a voltage mode or current mode driver. Multi-subharmonics can be used to further enhance the power back-off efficiency. A switching digital power amplifier system employing phase interleaving is also provided.

Apparatus and methods for true power detection are provided herein. In certain embodiments, a power amplifier system includes an antenna, a directional coupler, and a power amplifier electrically connected to the antenna by way of a through line of the directional coupler. The power amplifier system further includes a combiner that combines a first coupled signal from a first end of the directional coupler's coupled line with a second coupled signal from a second end of the directional coupler's coupled line.

Apparatus and methods for true power detection are provided herein. In certain embodiments, a power amplifier system includes an antenna, a directional coupler, and a power amplifier electrically connected to the antenna by way of a through line of the directional coupler. The power amplifier system further includes a combiner that combines a first coupled signal from a first end of the directional coupler's coupled line with a second coupled signal from a second end of the directional coupler's coupled line.

An amplifier may comprise first and second matching networks; first and second transistors; and a transformer including first to third inductors. Also, a gate and a source of the first transistor are connected to the first matching network, one end of the first inductor is connected to a drain of the first transistor, the other end of the first inductor is connected to a source of the second transistor, one end of the second inductor is connected to a gate of the second transistor, the other end of the second inductor is grounded, one end of the third inductor is connected to a drain of the second transistor, and the other end of the third inductor is connected to the second matching network.

A power amplification circuit includes: a first amplifier that is input with a first signal and outputs a second signal; a bias circuit that supplies a bias current or voltage to the first amplifier; and a control voltage generating circuit that generates a control voltage in accordance with the first signal. The bias circuit includes a first transistor that outputs the bias current or voltage, a second transistor provided between the emitter or source of the first transistor and ground, and a third transistor that is supplied with the control voltage and that supplies a first current or voltage to the second transistor. The value of the first current or voltage when the signal level is a first level is larger than the value of the first current or voltage when the signal level is a second level. The first level is higher than the second level.

A power amplification circuit includes: a first amplifier that is input with a first signal and outputs a second signal; a bias circuit that supplies a bias current or voltage to the first amplifier; and a control voltage generating circuit that generates a control voltage in accordance with the first signal. The bias circuit includes a first transistor that outputs the bias current or voltage, a second transistor provided between the emitter or source of the first transistor and ground, and a third transistor that is supplied with the control voltage and that supplies a first current or voltage to the second transistor. The value of the first current or voltage when the signal level is a first level is larger than the value of the first current or voltage when the signal level is a second level. The first level is higher than the second level.