Enhanced RF power amplifiers and device characterization setups using coherent mixed-signal techniques

Abstract

Coherent mixed-signal techniques are applied in high-performance N-way Doherty and outphasing amplifier configurations, as well as, in advanced Large-signal RF device characterization systems. These new techniques provide optimum input signal control of the individual branch amplifiers, yielding improved efficiency in power back-off operation and higher bandwidths. When using coherent-mixed signal techniques in Large-Signal device characterization applications, ultra-fast device testing and device characterization with realistic wide-band modulated signals becomes feasible.