A Comparison of Lumped-Based Tunable Matching Networks for Dynamically-Load-Modulated Power Amplifiers

Eyad Arabi, Chris Gamlath, Kevin Morris, Mark Beach

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

2 Citations (Scopus)
384 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The power-added-efficiency of power amplifiers deteriorates rapidly as the input power drops. The efficiency at power back-off can be improved by modulating the load dynamically with a tunable matching network. In this work, a novel design method is presented in which the dynamic range of the tunable matching network is plotted on top of the required dynamic load. A comparison between conventional topologies has been performed, and the optimal network is chosen based on its dynamic range and the tunability of its capacitors. As proof of concept, an amplifier has been fabricated and tested achieving a maximum efficiency of 60% and an improvement of 9% with 6 dB of power back-off. The proposed method is useful in designing and optimizing tunable matching networks.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 IEEE Asia Pacific Microwave Conference (APMC) (APMC2017)
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of a meeting held 13-16 November 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Pages33-36
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781538606407
ISBN (Print)9781538606414
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2018

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