Using amplifiers with poor linearity to linearize amplifiers with good linearity

A new linearization method is presented where a device with poor linearity is combined with a second device having good linearity. The resulting composite device has much better linearity than the two original devices. The new method is applicable to both receivers and transmitters, and is implemented as an integrated circuit without external components. Third order intermodulation distortion is canceled by appropriate design of the gains and intercept points of two amplifiers. Finally, hardware test data is presented both for an integrated circuit prototype and for a prototype using off-the-shelf amplifiers.