Fully digital transmitters (DTXs) have the potential of replacing analog-intensive transmitter (TX) line-ups in future massive multiple-input and multiple-output (mMIMO) systems since they hold the promise of higher system integration level and energy efficiency. DTX operation so far has been limited to low RF output powers. This article introduces a concept that enables high-power DTX operation. A DTX demonstrator targeting both high output power and high efficiency is realized as a proof of concept. It is based on a custom <formula> <tex>${V_{T}}$</tex> </formula> -shifted laterally-diffused MOS (LDMOS) technology, which is utilized to implement a segmented high-power output stage operated in class-BE. A low-voltage high-speed 40-nm CMOS controller drives the individual output stage segments at gigahertz rates. Measurements show the promising results for the proposed high-power DTX concept and provide valuable lessons for future DTX implementations.

@en

A high-power fully-digital Doherty transmitter (DDTX) is proposed. It features two segmented LDMOS output switch banks implemented in a custom V T -down-shifted LDMOS technology. A 40 nm CMOS controller digitally activates the individual LDMOS gate segments of the output stage at RF speed. An inverted Doherty power combiner is proposed that features non-short circuited 2 nd harmonic conditions for the main and peak switch banks to boost the RF bandwidth. To guarantee smooth output power and efficiency vs. frequency, a 2 nd harmonic trap is introduced in the power combiner, yielding an RF bandwidth of > 400 MHz. The realized demonstrator can achieve over 39 W peak output power. Its highest drain and system efficiencies, respectively 60 % and 57 %, were found at 34.2 W of output power, while in power back-off its peak drain and system efficiencies are 52 % and 48 % respectively. Over a 25 dB output range, the system efficiency is within 4 percent points of the drain efficiency.@en