The Power Added Efficiency (PAE) Calculator determines how efficiently an RF amplifier converts DC power into additional RF output power. It’s an important figure of merit for power amplifier design and performance evaluation.
Formula
PAE = ((RFout - RFin) / RFDC) * 100
Units
- RFin = RF input power (Watts)
- RFout = RF output power (Watts)
- RFDC = DC input power (Watts)
- PAE = Efficiency (%)
Explanation
- PAE measures how much of the DC input power is converted into useful RF output power, excluding the input RF power contribution.
- Higher PAE means the amplifier operates more efficiently, with less DC power wasted as heat.
Example – What is the PAE of an amplifier with 2 W input, 8 W output, and 15 W DC power?
Input:
- RFin = 2 W
- RFout = 8 W
- RFDC = 15 W
Step-by-step:
PAE = ((8 - 2) / 15) * 100 PAE = (6 / 15) * 100 PAE = 40%
Output:
- Power Added Efficiency = 40%
Use Cases
- Assess the energy efficiency of RF power amplifiers.
- Compare performance across amplifier technologies like LDMOS, GaN, and GaAs.
- Optimize design trade-offs between gain, efficiency, and linearity.