Abstract: A power amplifier configuration including power amplifier circuitry and power control circuitry and having improved Power Added Efficiency (PAE) is provided. The power amplifier circuitry includes one or more input amplifier stages in series with a final amplifier stage. The power control circuitry provides a variable supply voltage to the input amplifier stages based on an adjustable power control signal. The final amplifier stage is powered by a fixed supply voltage. In operation, as output power of the power amplifier is reduced from its highest power level, the variable supply voltage is reduced. Accordingly, RF power of an amplified signal provided to the final amplifier stage from the input amplifier stages decreases, and the final amplifier stage transitions from saturation to linear operation, thereby increasing the gain of the final amplifier stage. Thus, a desired output level can be maintained while operating at lower current levels.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) has a heatsink (116) and electrical contacts (120) which are originally all part of a support frame (200). After assembly, the border of the support frame (202) is broken off, thereby electrically isolating the electrical contacts (120) from one another, and from the heatsink (116). The electrical contacts (120) and the heatsink (116) are coplanar. In one version, the electrical contacts (120) do not extend past the circuit board (102) of the device (100).