The Load-pull Method of RF and Microwave Power Amplifier Design

Using the load-pull method for RF and microwave power amplifier design

This new book on RF power amplifier design, by industry expert Dr. John F. Sevic, provides comprehensive treatment of RF PA design using the load-pull method, the most widely used and successful method of design. Intended for the newcomer to load-pull, or the seasoned expert, the book presents a systematic method of generation of load-pull contour data, and matching network design, to rapidly produce a RF PA with first-pass success. The method is suitable from HF to millimeter-wave bands, discrete or integrated, and for high-power applications. Those engaged in design or fundamental research will find this book useful, as will the student new to RF and interested in PA design.

The author presents a complete pedagogical methodology for RF PA design, starting with treatment of automated contour generation to identify optimum transistor performance with constant source power load-pull. Advanced methods of contour generation for simultaneous optimization of many variables, such as power, efficiency, and linearity are next presented. This is followed by treatment of optimum impedance identification using contour data to address specific objectives, such as optimum efficiency for a given linearity over a specific bandwidth. The final chapter presents a load-pull specific treatment of matching network design using load-pull contour data, applicable to both single-stage and multi-stage PA's. Both lumped and distributed matching network synthesis methods are described, with several worked matching network examples.

Readers will see a description of a powerful and accessible method that spans multiple RF PA disciplines, including 5G base-station and mobile applications, as well as sat-com and military applications; load-pull with CAD systems is also included. They will review information presented through a practical, hands-on perspective. The book:

• Helps engineers develop systematic, accurate, and repeatable approach to RF PA design
• Provides in-depth coverage of using the load-pull method for first-pass design success

• Offers 150 illustrations and six case studies for greater comprehension of topics

  Autorentext

  DR. JOHN F. SEVIC has held design positions at Motorola, Qualcomm, Tropian, Cree, Maury Microwave, and Focus Microwave, and is currently at Maja Systems, where he is engaged in millimeter-wave antenna design. John is inventor of one of the most widely used methods of battery-life improvement for mobile phones, stochastic efficiency optimization, found in virtually all mobile phone platforms. He has served on the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Editorial Review Board, IEEE IMS TPC, and IEEE ARFTG TPC. John is lead inventor of ten US patents, with several pending, and has a Ph.D., MS, and BS, all in electrical engineering.

  Klappentext

  Using the load-pull method for RF and microwave power amplifier design This new book on RF power amplifier design, by industry expert Dr. John F. Sevic, provides comprehensive treatment of RF PA design using the load-pull method, the most widely used and successful method of design. Intended for the newcomer to load-pull, or the seasoned expert, the book presents a systematic method of generation of load-pull contour data, and matching network design, to rapidly produce a RF PA with first-pass success. The method is suitable from HF to millimeter-wave bands, discrete or integrated, and for high-power applications. Those engaged in design or fundamental research will find this book useful, as will the student new to RF and interested in PA design. The author presents a complete pedagogical methodology for RF PA design, starting with treatment of automated contour generation to identify optimum transistor performance with constant source power load-pull. Advanced methods of contour generation for simultaneous optimization of many variables, such as power, efficiency, and linearity are next presented. This is followed by treatment of optimum impedance identification using contour data to address specific objectives, such as optimum efficiency for a given linearity over a specific bandwidth. The final chapter presents a load-pull specific treatment of matching network design using load-pull contour data, applicable to both single-stage and multi-stage PA's. Both lumped and distributed matching network synthesis methods are described, with several worked matching network examples. Readers will see a description of a powerful and accessible method that spans multiple RF PA disciplines, including 5G base-station and mobile applications, as well as sat-com and military applications; load-pull with CAD systems is also included. They will review information presented through a practical, hands-on perspective. The book: Helps engineers develop systematic, accurate, and repeatable approach to RF PA design Provides in-depth coverage of using the load-pull method for first-pass design success * Offers 150 illustrations and six case studies for greater comprehension of topics

  Inhalt

  List of Figures xi

  List of Tables xxi

  Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Notation xxiii

  Preface xxv

  Foreword xxix

  Biography xxxi

  1 Historical Methods of RF Power Amplifier Design 1

  1.1 The RF Power Amplifier 1

  1.2 History of RF Power Amplifier Design Methods 3

  1.2.1 Copper Tape and the X-Acto Knife 4

  1.2.2 The Shunt Stub Tuner 4

  1.2.3 The Cripps Method 5

  1.3 The Load-Pull Method of RF Power Amplifier Design 5

  1.3.1 History of the Load-Pull Method 6

  1.3.2 RF Power Amplifier Design with the Load-Pull Method 8

  1.4 Historical Limitations of the Load-Pull Method 9

  1.4.1 Minimum Impedance Range 10

  1.4.2 Independent Harmonic Tuning 11

  1.4.3 Peak and RMS Power Capability 12

  1.4.4 Operating and Modulation Bandwidth 12

  1.4.5 Linearity Impairment 13

  1.4.6 Rigorous Error Analysis 14

  1.4.7 Acoustically Induced Vibrations 14

  1.5 Closing Remarks 15

  References 15

  2 Automated Impedance Synthesis 17

  2.1 Methods of Automated Impedance Synthesis 18

  2.1.1 Passive Electromechanical Impedance Synthesis 18

  2.1.2 The Active-Loop Method of Impedance Synthesis 21

  2.1.3 The Active-Injection Method of Impedance Synthesis 24

  2.2 Understanding Electromechanical Tuner Performance 26

  2.2.1 Impedance Synthesis Range 26

  2.2.2 Operating Bandwidth 27

  2.2.3 Modulation Bandwidth 29

  2.2.4 Tuner Insertion Loss 31

  2.2.5 Power Capability 32

  2.2.6 Vector Repeatability 34

  2.2.7 Impedance State Resolution and Uniformity 35

  2.2.8 Factors Influencing Tuner Speed 36

  2.2.9 The Slab-Line to Coaxial Transition 37

  2.3 Advanced Considerations in Impedance Synthesis 37

  2.3.1 Independent Harmonic Impedance Synthesis 37

  2.3.2 Sub-1 Impedance Synthesis 41

  2.4 Closing Remarks 43

  References 43

  3 Load-Pull System Architecture and Verification 45

  3.1 Load-Pull System Architecture 46

  3.1.1 Load-Pull System Block Diagram 46

  3.1.2 Source and Load Blocks 48

  3.1.3 Signal Synthesis and Analysis 52

  3.1.4 Large-Signal Input Impedance Measurement 53

  3.1.5 AM-AM, AM-PM, and IM Phase Measurement 53

  3.1.6 Dynamic Range Optimization 54

  3.2 The DC Power Source 54

  3.2.1 Charge Storage, Memory, and Video Bandwidth 55

  3.2.2 Load-Pull of True PAE 56

  3.2.3 The Effect of DC Bias Network Loss 57

  3.3 The GT Method of System Verification 57

  3.4 Electromechanical Tuner Calibration 60

  3.5 Closing Remarks 60

  References 61

  4 Load-Pull Data Acquisition and Contour Generation 63

  4.1 Constant Source Power Load-Pull 64

  4.1.1 Load-Pull with a Single Set of Contours 65

  4.1.2 Load-Pull with Two or More Sets of Contours 69

  4.1.3 Load-Pull for Signal Quality Optimization 73

  4.1.4 Large-Signal Input Impedance 76

  4.2 Fixed-Parametric Load-Pull 77

  4.2.1 Fixed Load Power 77

  4.2.2 Fixed Gain Compression 79

  4.2.3 Fixed Peak-Average Ratio 7…