Influence of the output harmonic networks of classes F and F−1 power amplifiers in LINC systems

Abstract

This paper presents the influence of the harmonic networks of class F and inverse F power amplifiers (PAs) in the LINC (LInear amplification using Non-linear Components) transmitter architecture. The analysis and design of these classes with CHIREIX combiner are realised using Agilent ADS software. We use for this work a GaN HEMT transistor from Cree. Performances of the system are evaluated using a 16QAM modulation at 900MHz with 5.63dB Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR). This study shows the advantages and drawbacks of even/odd harmonics in drain curves of these PA classes as well as the tradeoff linearity-efficiency for the LINC architecture.