Derivative superposition-a linearisation technique for ultra broadband systems

This paper summarises progress on a distortion reduction and nonlinear function synthesis technique called derivative superposition. The paper starts by reviewing the idea of derivative superposition. We show how low distortion amplifiers and function circuits such as frequency triplers can be designed. We review the results of a 4 HEMT low 3rd order distortion amplifier demonstrator. We consider the effect of the strong 2-port nonlinearity of a MESFET and show its effect on a 2 MESFET demonstrator. We describe progress on a software tool called “Super Deriv” that provides CAD support. We describe some alternative implementations of derivative superposition