Blf177 HF Pa

APPLICATION NOTE
A wideband linear power amplifier

(1.6 − 28 MHz) for 300 W PEP with
2 MOS transistors BLF177
NCO8703
Philips Semiconductors
A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

for 300 W PEP with 2 MOS transistors BLF177 NC08703
CONTENTS
1 SUMMARY
2 INTRODUCTION
3 DESIGN OF THE AMPLIFIER
3.1 General
3.2 Output circuit
3.2.1 Load impedance
3.2.2 Output transformer
3.2.3 The tapped choke
3.2.4 Tuning of the output circuit
3.3 Input circuit
3.3.1 Input impedance
3.3.2 Input matching circuit
3.3.3 Input transformer
3.3.4 Tuning of the inputcircuit
4 CONSTRUCTION OF THE AMPLIFIER
5 MEASURED PERFORMANCE
5.1 Single tone measurements
5.2 Two tone measurements
6 BALANCED CIRCUIT
7 CONCLUSIONS
8 REFERENCES
1998 Mar 23 2

1 SUMMARY
This report gives a description of a wideband push-pull amplifier for the frequency range 1.6 − 28 MHz.
The amplifier has been designed around 2 MOS transistors BLF177 which operate in class-AB at VDS = 50 V and
IDQ = 0.5 A/transistor.
The main properties at PO = 300 W are:
Powergain: 22 to 23 dB
Efficiency: 52.5 to 61%
Return losses input: ≤ −15.5 dB
2nd harmonics: ≤ −25 dB
3rd harmonics: ≤ −16 dB
IMD at PO = 300 W PEP: ≤ −33 dB.
2 INTRODUCTION
The BLF177 is an RF Power MOS transistor for the HF and VHF range in a 4 leads flange SOT121 encapsulation. For
the frequency range 1.6 − 28 MHz a wideband push-pull power amplifier has been developed with 2 × BLF177 having
an output power of 300 W PEP at an intermodulation distortion level below −30 dB.
The transistors operate in class-AB at VDS = 50 V and a quiescent current of 0.5 A each.
3 DESIGN OF THE AMPLIFIER

3.1 General
The schematic set-up is given in Fig.1.
handbook, full pagewidth

50 Ω 50 Ω
RF INPUT
MATCHING
&
GAIN
EQUALIZATION
MGM391
Fig.1 Schematic set-up 2 × BLF177 amplifier.
The two balance to unbalance transformers are applied to split the single ended input into 2 out of phase driving ports
and to add the 2 out of phase output ports into one single ended output. The transformers have an impedance
transformation ratio of 4 : 1 and match the low-ohmic in- and output impedance of the transistors to the 50 Ω system
impedance. At the input a special circuit takes care of a good input matching and a flat powergain over the whole
bandwidth.
1998 Mar 23 3

3.2 Output circuit

3.2.1 LOAD IMPEDANCE
The output impedance of each transistor can be represented as a combination of the output capacitance Coss and the
optimum load resistance. Because of the larger drain voltage swing the effective output capacitance CO is appr. 15%
higher than the value of Coss. So CO = 1.15 × 190 ≈ 220 pF. The optimum load resistance for class-AB can be
determined with formula:
RL = (0.85 × VDS)2/(2 × PO)
For VDS = 50 V and PO = 150 W we get RL = 6 Ω. To keep the transformer simple a transformation ratio of 4 or 9 is
preferable. A ratio of 4 gives a load impedance of 50/4 = 12.5 Ω → 6.25 Ω for each transistor. This is very near to the
optimum load resistance.
3.2.2 OUTPUT TRANSFORMER

The output transformer has to transform the 50 Ω asymmetrical impedance to the 2 × 6.25 = 12.5 Ω symmetrical load
impedance. The reactance (ωL) of the shunting inductance at 1.6 MHz has been chosen at 4 times 50 Ω = 200 Ω. So the
inductance is 20 µH. The transformer has been wound on a ferrite toroid of 4C6 material. Dimensions: 36 × 23 × 15 mm
(D × d × h) which gives a volume (A.1) = 8.97E-6m3.
Because the power handling of one toroid is critical two transformers in parallel with an inductance of 40 µH each have
been chosen.
nsec = SQR((L.1)/(µo × µr × A))
nsec = SQR((40E − 6 × 9.2E − 2)/(4πE − 7 × 120 × 97.6E − 6)) = 15.8 turns.
So npr = 8 turns and nsec = 16 turns.
For each transformer Vmax depends on the power over 100 Ω.
Vmax = SQR(2 × PO × RL) = SQR(2 × 150 × 100) = 173.2 V
Bmax depends on the parallel loss resistance at 1.6 MHz; for a power loss of 1%: Bmax = 1.3E − 2T.
The volume A.1 needed per core is:
A.1 = (Vmax/(ω × Bmax))2(µo × µr)/L.
A.1 = (1.73.2/(2π × 1.6E + 6 × 0.013))2(4πE − 7 × 120)/40E − 6 = 6.62E − 6 m3.
Each of the toroids has a volume of 8.97E − 6 m3. Figure 7 shows one of the two parallel connected output transformers.
On each toroid the primary winding has 8 turns of copperfoil (width 5 mm and thickness 0.05 mm). The secondary
winding has 16 turns of 2 enamelled copper wires (0.6 mm) in parallel.
So each primary turn has been covered with 2 secondary turns which means 4 wires of 0.6 mm. Both windings are
isolated with PTFE-foil (thickness 0.1 mm). To reduce the stray-inductance the transformer has been wound as follows:
1. The primary has been wound evenly around the periphery of the toroid
2. With the secondary the same has been done with the first 8 turns; the second part of 8 turns has been wound in
between the first part. So the secondary has been wound twice around the core.
The measured secondary inductance of each transformer is 38 µH and Lstr = 300 nH.
With the aid of a network analyser the parallel combination of these 2 transformers has been corrected. For the higher
frequencies at the low-ohmic side a parallel capacitor of 240 pF and for the lower frequencies at the high-ohmic side a
series capacitor of 10 nF give return losses below −21 dB over the whole frequency range (see Fig.2).
1998 Mar 23 4

handbook, halfpage 10 nF
50 Ω
6.25 Ω 8 16
240 pF
6.25 Ω
MGM392
Fig.2 Output transformer with correction.
Replacing the transistors by resistors of 6.25 Ω the return loss can be measured at the 50 Ω side. Figure 11 gives the
return losses of the parallel combination of the two transformers before and after the correction.
3.2.3 THE TAPPED CHOKE

The chokes in the drain circuits are wound around a common ferrite rod of 4B1 material. Dimensions: 50 × 10 mm (l × d).
Figure 3 gives a schematic electrical circuit of the output.
handbook, halfpagedrain 1
I1
RL
I2
drain 2
MGM393
Fig.3 Output with the tapped choke.
Between both drains the impedance for the even harmonics depends on the coupling factor between both windings. If
the coupling factor amounts to 1 both drains will be short circuited for the even harmonics.
Because the voltage over one winding is equal to half of the voltage between both drains, the total inductance between
both drains is 4 times the inductance of one winding.
The reactance of the shunting inductance at 1.6 MHz has been chosen at 4 times 12.5 Ω = 50 Ω.
1998 Mar 23 5

So the inductance between both drains is 5 µH, this means for one winding an inductance of 1.25 µH. According to the
Philips Data Handbook “MA01 on soft ferrites of 1996, the effective permeability” of a rod with 1/d = 5 and µr = 250 is
appr. 20.
The number of turns can be calculated with:
n = SQR(L.1/(µo × µr × A))
n = SQR(1.25E − 6 × 50E − 3/(4πE − 7 × 20 × 1⁄4π(10E − 3)2) = 5.6 turns. In practice 6 twisted turns of the primary and
secondary windings have been wound around the rod. Figure 8 shows the tapped choke. To increase the coupling factor
each winding consists of 2 enamelled copper wires (0.8 mm) in parallel. The measured inductance is 1.275 µH.
3.2.4 TUNING OF THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT

For an optimum alignment of the output circuit the 2 transistors have been replaced by dummies consisting of the parallel
connection of a resistance and a capacitance. The resistance is equal to the optimum load resistance and the
capacitance to the output capacitance (see Section 3.2.1).
Tuning of the output circuit has been carried out by measuring the return losses at the output with a network analyser
under swept conditions (see Fig.4).
220
6.25 Ω VD
10 nF
pF
50 Ω
100 nF
(3x)
240
pF
220 VD
6.25 Ω
pF
10 nF
MGM394
(4x)
Fig.4 Output circuit before tuning.
The measured return losses should be as low as possible by changing the correction capacitors. Figure 12 shows the
return losses of the output before and after tuning. For optimum results the capacitance across the primary winding of
the output transformer has been reduced from 240 to 150 pF and the low frequency correction capacitor of 10 nF at the
output has been changed to an inductance of 100 nH. The last change can be explained as follows:
1. The low frequency compensation is taken over by the coupling capacitors between the drain choke and the
impedance transformer
2. The function of the transformer is not only impedance matching but also transfer from balanced to unbalanced. The
latter makes that the interwinding capacitance has more influence. This is so much that a series inductance at the
output is needed for high frequency compensation.
1998 Mar 23 6

3.3 Input circuit

3.3.1 INPUT IMPEDANCE
The input impedance and gain of the transistor can be determined with the aid of a computer model of the BLF177.
Table 1 shows the calculated gain and impedances for the frequency range 1.6 to 28 MHz.
BLF177 Vds = 50 V Po = 150 W Class-AB.
Table 1 Calculated gain and impedances of the BLF177
f G INP.IMP. LOAD IMP.

(MHz) (dB) (Ω) (Ω)
1.6 54.70 2.29 − j133.58 6.23 + j.07
2.5 50.82 2.29 − j85.50 6.23 + j.12
3.5 47.90 2.29 − j61.09 6.23 + j.16
5.0 44.80 2.29 − j42.78 6.22 + j.23
7.0 41.88 2.29 − j30.58 6.21 + j.32
10.0 38.78 2.29 − j21.45 6.18 + j.46
14.0 35.85 2.29 − j15.37 6.13 + j.64
20.0 32.75 2.29 − j10.84 6.03 + j.89
24.0 31.17 2.29 − j9.09 5.95 + j1.05
28.0 29.83 2.29 − j7.85 5.85 + j1.20
By adding a gate-source resistor of 6.25 Ω the power gain reduces from 29.8 to 23.3 dB at 28 MHz.
3.3.2 INPUT MATCHING CIRCUIT

As mentioned in Section 3.1 a special circuit matches the input impedance of each transistor to the 6.25 Ω of the input
transformer. The matching network chosen can be treated as the half of a double π-section as described in Ref.1.
Removing the in- and output capacitance the circuit changes in a T-section with Ci as capacitor and 2 inductances with
a value of half the inductances of the double π-section (see Fig.5).
handbook, full pagewidth L1 L2
IG RG Ci Rgs
MGM395
Fig.5 Input matching circuit.
1998 Mar 23 7

Ci represents the input capacitance of the BLF177 and can be calculated from the input impedance of Table 1.
For 7 MHz: Ci = 1/(2π × 7E + 6 × 30.58) = 744 pF.
Across this capacitor a constant voltage versus frequency from 1.6 up to 28 MHz has to be developed. Provided Ci is an
ideal capacitance the dimensioning of this network is as follows:
RG = Rgs must be appr. 6 Ω to obtain low I.M. distortion and good stability. This appeared during the development of the
narrow band testcircuit as given in the BLF177 publication data. To judge whether this value is also acceptable for
wideband operation we calculate the product:
Wc × Ci × Rgs in which ωc is the maximum angular frequency.
Doing so we find:
2π × 28E + 6 × 744E − 12 × 6.25 = 0.818
Rgs has been chosen 6.25 Ω for the ease of transformation. Comparing the value of this product with the one given in
Ref.2 we see that with a double π-section we can easily reach a bandwidth of 50 MHz. Therefore we have simplified the
network as described above. Continuing the calculation we find:
L = 0.997 RG/ωc = 35.4 nH (So L1 = L2 = 17.7 nH)
With the computer model mentioned in Section 3.3.1 a gain of 22.3 dB has been calculated with Rgs = 6.25 Ω.
Starting from this 22.3 dB gain, L1 = L2 = 17.7 nH and Rgs = 6.25 Ω the input VSWR and gain deviation have been
calculated (see Table 2).
Initial results
Rs = 6.250 Ω; Gs = 22.300 dB
Par.LR: L = 17.700 nH; R = 6.250 Ω
Ser.Ind.: L = 17.700 nH
Table 2 Results before optimization

f dG
VSWR
(MHz) (dB)
1.6 1.010 1.440
2.5 1.016 1.435
3.5 1.023 1.431
5.0 1.032 1.419
7.0 1.046 1.402
10.0 1.068 1.354
14.0 1.100 1.265
20.0 1.161 1.075
24.0 1.214 .910
28.0 1.281 .703
Before optimization the maximum VSWR = 1.28 and the gain = 22.7 dB ± 0.37 dB. To achieve a maximally flat gain and
a low input VSWR a computer optimization program has been used. This optimization results in a gain of 23.3 dB with a
maximum ∆Gain = ±0.09 dB and a VSWR ≤1.09, see Table 3. For these results L1 has been changed from 17.7 nH to
9 nH and L2 from 17.7 nH to 21.1 nH. the Rgs has been decreased from 6.25 Ω to 5.7 Ω.
Final results
Rs = 6.250 Ω; Gs = 23.300 dB
Par.LR: L = 21.079 nH; R = 5.749 Ω
Ser.Ind.: L = 8.950 nH
1998 Mar 23 8

Table 3 Results after optimization

f dG
VSWR
(MHz) (dB)
1.6 1.087 .072
2.5 1.087 .071
3.5 1.087 .074
5.0 1.086 .076
7.0 1.085 .084
10.0 1.082 .087
14.0 1.076 .086
20.0 1.059 .056
24.0 1.047 .006
28.0 1.044 −.087
3.3.3 INPUT TRANSFORMER

The input transformer is simular to the output transformer. It transforms the asymmetrical system impedance to the
2 × 6.25 Ω = 12.5 Ω symmetrical source impedance. However the lower power handling (<3 W) justifies a toroid of 4C6
material with smaller dimensions: 14 × 9 × 5 mm (D × d × h) which gives a volume A.1 = 0.445E − 6 m3. As described in
Section 3.2.2 the primary winding can be calculated for L = 20 µH.
npr = SQR((L.1)/(µo × µr × A))
npr = SQR((20E − 6 × 3.55E − 2)/(4πE − 7 × 120 × 12.54E − 6) = 19.4 turns. With npr = 20 turns and a transformation
ratio of 4 : 1 the nsec = 10 turns.
Vmax = SQR(2 × Pi × RS) = 17.3 V and Bmax = 0.013T.
The needed core volume A.1 is:
A.1 = (Vmax/(ω × Bmax))2 × (µo × µr)/L
A.1 = (17.3/(2π × 1.6E + 6 × 0.013)2 × (4πE − 7 × 120)/20E − 6 = 0.14E − 6 m3
The core used has a volume of 0.445E − 6m3.
Figure 9 shows the input transformer. The secondary winding has 10 turns of copperfoil (width 2 mm, thickness
0.05 mm). The primary winding has 20 turns of enamelled copper wire (0.5 mm). Each secondary turn has been covered
with 2 primary turns with a PTFE foil of 0.1 mm thickness as isolation between the 2 windings. The method of winding is
the same as described for the output transformer in Section 3.2.2. The measured inductance is 20.95 µH and
Lstr = 250 nH.
The correction method used for the input transformer is the same as described already in Section 3.2.2 (see Fig.6).
handbook, full pagewidth 10 nF

50 Ω
20 10 6.25 Ω
≈15 pF 220 pF
6.25 Ω
MGM396
Fig.6 Inputtransformer with correction.
1998 Mar 23 9

The transformer has been corrected with parallel capacitors for the higher frequencies and a series capacitor for the
lower frequencies. Figure 13 gives the return losses before and after the correction.
3.3.4 TUNING OF THE INPUTCIRCUIT

For the practical tuning of the inputcircuit each transistor has been adjusted at VDS = 50 V and a quiescent current
of 0.5 A.
The gain and input return losses have been measured in the frequency range 1.6 up to 35 MHz. The best results have
been achieved by changing the secondary correction capacitor of the inputtransformer from 220 to 30 pF and the primary
correction trimmer from ≈ 15 pF to ≈ 20 pF. The low frequency correction capacitor at the input has been removed. The
inductance in serie with Rgs has been increased from 21.6 to 35 nH. Figure 14 gives the complete circuit diagram of the
wide band amplifier with 2 BLF177 transistors. Table 5 gives the corresponding parts list.
4 CONSTRUCTION OF THE AMPLIFIER

For the printed circuit board double Cu-clad epoxy fibre glass has been used with a thickness of 1/16” and εr = 4.5. The
position of the components is on one side and the other side serves as a groundplane. Connections to the groundplane
have been made with rivets and with straps under the source leads and at the edges of the PC-board on the in- and
output side.
The printed circuit board has been attached to a solid copper plate (145 × 120 × 10 mm) which functions as a heatsink.
Around the position of both transistors a tube has been soldered in the copper plate to controle the temperature by means
of a watercooling system. For a good thermal contact between heatsink and transistors heatsink compound has been
used.
Figure 15 shows the lay-out of the amplifier. The transformers have been fastened above the printed circuit board by
means of accessories of Delrin material.
These accessories have been attached through the PC-board in the copper plate.
5 MEASURED PERFORMANCE
5.1 Single tone measurements
Figures 16 to 20 show at a constant outputpower of 300 W at 2 heatsink temperatures the gain, efficiency, input return
losses, 2nd and 3rd harmonics at the output as a function of the frequency. In the range 1.6 to 28 MHz the gain is
22 to 23 dB, the efficiency 52.5 to 61%, the input return losses are below −15.5 dB, the second harmonics better then
−25 dB and the third harmonics below −16 dB.
At a heatsink temperature of 70 °C the gain decreases about 1.5 dB. The heatsink temperature has only little influence
on the other parameters. Figures 21 to 23 shows at 4 frequencies the output power as a function of the input power and
the gain and efficiency versus outputpower.
Above 10 MHz the efficiency decreases about 6%. At 20 MHz the gain decreases above PO = 200 W. At other
frequencies this decrease starts at PO = 300 W.
5.2 Two tone measurements

The two tone measurements have been carried out with 2 carriers with a frequency distance of 1 KHz. Figure 24 to 27
give as a function of the frequency the gain, efficiency, 3rd order distortion and 5th order distortion at 4 output levels.
Over the whole frequency range the gain variation is less than 1 dB at each power level. At PO = 300 W PEP the
efficiency is at least 40%, the 3rd order distortion ≤−33 dB and the 5th order distortion ≤−38 dB.
Figures 28 and 29 give the 3rd and 5th order distortion versus output power at 4 frequencies.
To verify the choice of IDQ = 1 A the 2nd and 3rd order distortion have been measured versus IDQ. These measurements
have been carried out at the most critical frequency and output level of 20 MHz and 30 W PEP resp.
Figure 30 shows that IDQ = 1A for both transistors together was a good choice.
1998 Mar 23 10

6 BALANCED CIRCUIT
As shown in Table 4 there is a certain amount of unbalance between both drain currents at RF operation. It is possible
to improve this by using baluns in front of the input transformer and after the output transformer.
Table 4 Drain currents at PO = 300 W
f ID1 ID2
(MHz) (A) (A)
1.6 5.2 4.8
5 5.1 4.75
10 5.25 4.8
15 5.3 4.95
20 5.7 5.3
25 6.2 5.25
30 5.85 5.15
7 CONCLUSIONS
This report shows that it is possible to design a wideband push-pull amplifier with 2 BLF177 MOS transistors having a
very good performance.
The main properties are:
• Bandwidth: 1.6 to 28 MHz
• VDS: 50 V
• IDQ: 1 A
• Gain at PO = 300 W: 22 to 23 dB
• Efficiency at PO = 300 W: 52.5 to 61%
• Return losses input at PO = 300 W: ≤−15.5 dB
• 2nd harmonics output at PO = 300 W: ≤−25 dB
• 3rd harmonics output at PO = 300 W: ≤−16 dB
• IMD at PO = 300 W PEP: ≤−33 dB.
8 REFERENCES
G. Lukkassen
Application report NCO8602
A wideband power amplifier (25 to 110 MHz) with the MOS transistor BLF245.
1998 Mar 23 11

handbook, halfpage
n1 = 8 turns
copper foil
PTFE foil
n2 = 16 turns
enam. copper wire
MGM357
Fig.7 Output transformer.
handbook, halfpage
n1 = n2 = 6 turns of 2 twisted enam. copper wires
MGM358
Fig.8 Tapped drain choke.
handbook, halfpage n1 = 20 turns

enam. copper wire
PTFE foil
n2 = 10 turns
copper foil
MGM359
Fig.9 Input transformer.
handbook, halfpage
modified FXC choke

grade 3B
MGM360
Fig.10 Decoupling choke.
1998 Mar 23 12

MGM398
0
handbook, halfpage
return
losses
(dB)
−10
transformer only
−20
−30
with compensation
−40
0 10 20 30 40 50
f (MHz)
Fig.11 Output transformer correction.
MGM399
0
handbook, halfpage
return
losses
(dB)
−10
original compensation
−20
additional compensation
−30
−40
0 10 20 30 40 50
f (MHz)
Fig.12 Return losses output circuit.
1998 Mar 23 13

MGM400
0
handbook, halfpage
return
losses
(dB) transformer only
−10
−20
with compensation
−30
−40
0 10 20 30 40
f (MHz)
Fig.13 Input transformer correction.
handbook, full pagewidth L1 BLF177 C9
R1
input L7 output
C5
50 Ω 50 Ω
T1 L3 T2 T3
C1 C2 C3
L4
C4
R2
L2 C10
BLF177
R3
L5 L6
VB = +50 V
C3 R4 R5 R6 C6 C7 C8
MGM397
Fig.14 Circuit diagram of the 2 × BLF177 amplifier.
1998 Mar 23 14

Table 5 Parts list of the wide band push-pull amplifier with 2 × BLF277 (1.6 to 28 MHz); note 1
C1 5 − 60 pF film dielectric trimmer (cat.nr.: 2222 809 08003)
C2 30 pF multilayer chip capacitor; note 2
C3 2 × 100 nF multilayer chip capacitor (cat.nr.: 2222 852 47104)
C4 = C5 3 × 100 nF metallized film capacitor (car.nr.: 2222 368 21104)
C6 = C7 100 nF multilayer chip capacitor (cat.nr.: 2222 852 47104)
C8 10 µF (63 V) electrolytic capacitor (cat.nr. 2222 030 28109)
C9 = C10 4 × 10 nF metallized film capacitor (cat.nr. 2222 368 51103)
C11 2 × 75 pF multilayer chip capacitor; note 2
L1 = L2 ≈ 9 nH, printed inductance; l = 47 and w = 6 mm
L3 = L4 35 nH, 3 turns enamelled Cu-wire (0.7 mm) int.dia.: 3 mm, l = 2.35 mm
L5 = L6 2.2 µH, 1 turns through modified Ferroxcube choke grade 3B (cat.nr.: 4312 020 36642); see Fig.10
L7 100 nH, 5 turns enamelled Cu-wire (0.8 mm) int.dia.: 5 mm, 1 = 6.1 mm
R1 = R2 5.9 Ω; 4 metal film resistors of 23.7 Ω (0.4 W) in parallel (cat.nr.: 2322 151 72379)
R3 1 kΩ, metal film resistor (0.4 W) (cat.nr.: 2322 151 71002)
R4 1 MΩ, metal film resistor (0.4 W) (cat.nr.: 2322 151 71005)
R5 500 Ω, Cermet potentiometer (0.75 W)
R6 5.6 kΩ, metal film resistor (1 W) (cat.nr.: 2322 153 55622)
T1 input transformer:
npr = 20 turns enamelled Cu-wire (0.5 mm)
nsec = 10 turns copper foil (width 2 mm), thickness 0.05 mm) wound around toroidal core, grade 4C6,
dimensions: 14 × 9 × 5 mm (cat.nr. 4322 020 97181) see Fig.9
T2 drain choke: 6 turns of twisted pairs of 0.8 mm Cu-wires (each winding consists of 2 wires in parallel)
wound on a Ferroxcube rod, grade 4B1, dimensions 10 × 50 mm, see Fig.8
T3 npr = 8 turns copper foil (width 6 mm, thickness 0.05 mm)
nsec = 16 turns of 2 enamelled Cu-wires (0.6 mm) in parallel wound around toroidal core, grade 4C6,
dimensions: 36 × 23 × 15 mm (cat.nr. 4322 020 97201) see Fig.7; 2 of these transformers in parallel
form the complete outputtransformer
Notes
1. PC-board: double Cu-clad, 1/16” epoxy fibre glass (εr = 4.5)
2. American Technical Ceramics type 100B or capacitor of same quality.
1998 Mar 23 15

R6
C5 C8 +VB
R5
R3 R4 C7
strap BLF177
C3 L6
rivet C9 T3
R1 L7
L1
C1
L3
T1 C2 T2 C11
L4
L2
R2
rivet C10
strap BLF177 L5 C6
C4
MGM356
Fig.15 Lay-out of the 2 × BLF177 amplifier.
1998 Mar 23 16

MGM401
30
handbook, halfpage
gain
(dB)
25
Th = 25 °C
20
Th = 70 °C
15
10
0 10 20 30 40
f (MHz)
2 × BLF177
VDS = 50 V
IDQ = 1A
PO = 300 W
Fig.16 Gain versus frequency.
MGM402
100
handbook, halfpage
efficiency
(%)
80
Th = 70 °C
60
Th = 25 °C
40
20
0 10 20 30 40
f (MHz)
2 × BLF177
VDS = 50 V
IDQ = 1A
PO = 300 W
Fig.17 Efficiency versus frequency.
1998 Mar 23 17

MGM403
0
handbook,
return halfpage
losses
input
(dB)
−10
−20
Th = 25 °C Th = 70 °C
−30
−40
0 10 20 30 40
f (MHz)
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
PO = 300 W.
Fig.18 Input return losses versus frequency.
MGM404
0
handbook, halfpage
3rd
harmonics
(dB) Th = 70 °C
−20
Th = 25 °C
−40
−60
0 10 20 30 40
f (MHz)
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
PO = 300 W.
Fig.19 3rd harmonics versus frequency.
1998 Mar 23 18

MGM405
−10
handbook, halfpage
2nd
harmonics
(dB) Th = 70 °C
−30
Th = 25 °C
−50
−70
0 10 20 30 40
f (MHz)
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
PO = 300 W.
Fig.20 2nd harmonics versus frequency.
MGM406
30
handbook, halfpage
gain
(dB)
25
f = 28 MHz 10 MHz
1.6 MHz 20 MHz

20
15
0 100 200 300 400
Pout (W)
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
Fig.21 Gain versus outputpower.
1998 Mar 23 19

MGM407
70
handbook, halfpage
10 MHz
efficiency
(%)
20 MHz
50
f = 1.6 MHz
28 MHz
30
10
0 100 200 300 400
Pout (W)
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
Fig.22 Efficiency versus outputpower.
MGM408
400
handbook, halfpage
f = 1.6 MHz
Pout
(W)
300
28 MHz
20 MHz
10 MHz
200
100
0
0 1 2 3 4
Pin (W)
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
Fig.23 Outputpower versus inputpower.
1998 Mar 23 20

MGM409
30
handbook, halfpage
gain
(dB)
25
Po = 300 W 200 W
100 W
30 W
20
15
0 10 20 30
f (MHz)
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
fp − fq = 1 kHz.
Fig.24 Gain versus frequency.
MGM410
60
handbook, halfpage
efficiency
(%)
Po = 300 W
40
200 W
100 W
20
30 W
0
0 10 20 30
f (MHz)
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
fp − fq = 1 kHz.
Fig.25 Efficiency versus frequency.
1998 Mar 23 21

MGM411
−30
handbook, halfpage
Po = 100 W PEP
d3
(dB)
−40
300 W PEP 200 W PEP
30 W PEP
−50
−60
0 10 20 f (MHz) 30
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
fp − fq = 1 kHz.
Fig.26 Third order dist. versus frequency.
MGM412
−30
handbook, halfpage
d5
(dB) Po = 300 W PEP 30 W PEP
−40
100 W PEP
200 W PEP
−50
−60
0 10 20 f (MHz) 30
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
fp − fq = 1 kHz.
Fig.27 Fifth order dist. versus frequency.
1998 Mar 23 22

MGM413
−20
handbook, halfpage
d3
(dB)
f = 10 MHz 20 MHz
−30
1.6 MHz
−40
28 MHz
−50
−60
0 100 200 300 400
Po (W) PEP
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
fp − fq = 1 kHz.
Fig.28 3rd order distortion versus PO.
MGM414
−20
handbook, halfpage
d5
(dB)
−30
f = 20 MHz
−40
10 MHz 28 MHz
−50
1.6 MHz
−60
0 100 200 300 400
Po (W) PEP
2 × BLF177.
VDS = 50 V.
IDQ = 1A.
fp − fq = 1 kHz.
Fig.29 5th order distortion versus PO.
1998 Mar 23 23

MGM415
−10
handbook, halfpage
distortion
(dB)
−20
D3
−30
D5
−40
−50
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
2 × BLF177. Idq (A)
VDS = 50 V.
fp − fq = 1 kHz.
fp = 20 MHz.
PO = 30 W PEP.
Fig.30 Distortion versus quiescent current.
1998 Mar 23 24
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© Philips Electronics N.V. 1998 SCA57

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Printed in The Netherlands Date of release: 1998 Mar 23

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APPLICATION NOTE

A wideband linear power amplifier

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

3 DESIGN OF THE AMPLIFIER

handbook, full pagewidth

Fig.1 Schematic set-up 2 × BLF177 amplifier.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

3.2 Output circuit

3.2.2 OUTPUT TRANSFORMER

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

Fig.2 Output transformer with correction.

3.2.3 THE TAPPED CHOKE

Fig.3 Output with the tapped choke.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

3.2.4 TUNING OF THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT

handbook, full pagewidth

Fig.4 Output circuit before tuning.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

3.3 Input circuit

Table 1 Calculated gain and impedances of the BLF177

f G INP.IMP. LOAD IMP.

3.3.2 INPUT MATCHING CIRCUIT

handbook, full pagewidth L1 L2

Fig.5 Input matching circuit.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

Table 2 Results before optimization

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

Table 3 Results after optimization

3.3.3 INPUT TRANSFORMER

handbook, full pagewidth 10 nF

Fig.6 Inputtransformer with correction.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

3.3.4 TUNING OF THE INPUTCIRCUIT

4 CONSTRUCTION OF THE AMPLIFIER

5.2 Two tone measurements

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

Table 4 Drain currents at PO = 300 W

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

Fig.7 Output transformer.

n1 = n2 = 6 turns of 2 twisted enam. copper wires

Fig.8 Tapped drain choke.

handbook, halfpage n1 = 20 turns

Fig.9 Input transformer.

modified FXC choke

Fig.10 Decoupling choke.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

Fig.11 Output transformer correction.

Fig.12 Return losses output circuit.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

Fig.13 Input transformer correction.

handbook, full pagewidth L1 BLF177 C9

Fig.14 Circuit diagram of the 2 × BLF177 amplifier.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

handbook, full pagewidth

Fig.15 Lay-out of the 2 × BLF177 amplifier.

A wideband linear power amplifier (1.6 − 28 MHz) Application Note

Fig.16 Gain versus frequency.