MTT-5 (High Power Amplifier Components)
is pleased to announce the Seventh High Effi ciency
Power Amplifier Competition, which will take
place at the 2011 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave
Symposium (IMS).
This competition is open to all students and
graduate students registered at an educational
establishment. The competitors are required to
design, construct, and measure a high effi ciency
power amplifer at a frequency of their choice
above 1 GHz but less than 20 GHz, and having
an output power level of at least 5 watts but
less than 100 watts. The winner will be judged
on the design, which demonstrates the highest
power added effi ciency (PAE). A representive of
the design group must be present at the testing to
assist with the evaluation. The winner will receive
a prize of $1,000, and will be invited to submit a
paper describing the design for the MTT
Microwaves Magazine. Modelithics and AWR will
also give software awards to the top 3 PA teams.
PA Competition Rules:
- The power amplifier (PA) design may use any type
of technology, but must be the result of student
effort both in the amplifier design and fabrication.
- The PA mechanical design should allow for
internal inspection of all relevant components
and circuit elements. The RF ports should be
SMA female connectors. Bias connections
should be banana plugs. Only two DC power
sources are allowed.
- The PA must operate at a frequency of greater
than 1 GHz but less then 20 GHz, and have an
output power level of at least 5 watts but less
than 100 watts.
- All amplifiers should require less than 25 dBm of
input power to reach the output level required
for maximum effi ciency.
- Amplifier entries should be submitted with
measured data, including dc supply requirements,
frequency, RF drive and output power, and PAE.
PAE will be defined as (RFout-RFin)/dc.
Measurements will be under CW operation at
room ambient conditions into a 50 ohm load.
Only the power at the fundamental CW frequency
will be included in the measurement of output
power.
- The winner will be based on the amplifier's PAE
measured during o fficial testing, multiplied by
a frequency weighting factor having the form
(GHz)1/4. Award certificates will be presented
at the Student Award Luncheon.
The decision of the judges will be final.
- Contestants must notify the MTT-S committee by
e-mailing to Dr. Kiki lkossi of
their intention to compete in the contest before
April 1, 2011. This notification should include
information on the University or educational
affi liation of the entry, and the PA's approximate
power level, dc voltage requirements and frequency
of operation. Dr. lkossi can also provide assistance
in obtaining device samples.
Questions can be sent to Dr. Kiki lkossi at
ikossi@ieee.org.