Real-time active load-pull of the 2nd 3rd harmonics for interactive design of non-linear power amplifiers

摘要

A versatile real-time multi-harmonic active load-pull system based on the large signal network analyzer (LSNA) is developed for the design of class F RF power amplifiers (PA). The approach previously demonstrated for fundamental-impedance tuning is extended here to the real-time tuning of higher harmonic impedances and a supportive theory provided. The real-time tuning method is demonstrated on a GaN HEMT device. A power added efficiency of 80.96% is demonstrated at 2 GHz.