Enhanced-efficiency front-end module with multi-standard impedance-tunable antenna

Energy-efficiency is of paramount importance in modern battery-powered wireless communication devices in order to provide longer talk-time and autonomy. At the radio level, the power amplifier is a major contributor to the power consumption, especially with recent non-constant envelope modulations requiring stringent linearity. Another energy efficiency issue arises at the antenna level in miniature handheld terminals, since the antenna impedance variations may result in significant reflection losses and require the PA to operate at maximum output power. This article presents the development of a front-end module composed of a PA with envelope-tracking system operating at 1920-1980 MHz and a multi-standard miniature antenna associated to an integrated automatic impedance tuner.