Discrete- and Integrated Control of Power Amplifiers in Base-Station Applications

In wireless base stations, the power amplifier (PA) dominates signal-chain performance in terms of power dissipation, linearity, efficiency, and cost. Monitoring and controlling the performance of a base station's PA makes it possible to maximize the output power while achieving optimum linearity and efficiency. This article discusses the elements of a monitoring-and-control solution for the PA using discrete components—and describes an integrated solution.