Double the Band and Optimize

This article focuses on the design methodologies and performance optimization strategies of dual-band DPA. The state of art in dual-band DPA has been demonstrated with further considerations for optimizing overall performance. Two main optimization strategies are applied: using dual-band phase offset as an all-pass filter and unequal-power division at the input with distinct power division ratio at two frequencies of operation. The performance improvement with these optimization strategies is demonstrated with a case study of a dual-band DPA operating at 1.96 GHz and 3.5 GHz. The use of stub-loaded dispersive structures has been elaborated on in the design of various dual-band components employed in the dual-band DPA architecture. The dual-band DPA architecture, in theory, can be achieved from direct replacement of each single-band component with conventional dual-band components. In practice, however, several optimization strategies are needed to enhance the performance of the designed dual-band DPA. This article elaborated on some of the optimization strategies with appropriate design examples to demonstrate the use fulness of these optimization strategies.