Design method for harmonically-tuned, dynamic load-modulated power amplifiers

In this paper, an alternative technique for the design of harmonically-tuned, dynamic load-modulated power amplifiers is proposed, investigated and compared against traditional load-pull in simulations. The method exploits the flexibility of “continuous” modes of amplifier operation while it optimises the harmonic terminations for back-off performance. The large signal transistor model of a 10W GaN device (CGH40010) is used to simulate performances at two frequencies of 0.9GHz and 2GHz. The simulated efficiencies and intrinsic waveforms show that the proposed method represents a more comprehensive design path for harmonically tuned dynamic load-modulated PAs. Moreover, it can lead to optimised performance for the amplification of modulated signals.