Design of ultra wideband power amplifier based on a refining of exact harmonic impedance space

Abstract

SummaryThis paper introduces a new theory which can be applied for the design of over‐octave ultra‐wideband power amplifier (PA). In this methodology, the impedance space of the ultra‐wideband PA can be refined, and the fundamental and various harmonic impedances have the same impedance space. This theory solves the problem that the harmonic impedance is not located in the fundamental impedance space because of its pure reactance form in the traditional hybrid continuous mode. To verify this theory, an ultra‐wideband PA with operating frequency range of 0.5–3.0 GHz (relative bandwidth of 143%) has been designed and fabricated. The experimental results show that the saturated output power over the entire operating band is 38.6–42.4 dBm, the power gain is 10.2–14.6 dB, and the corresponding saturated drain efficiency is between 50.1% and 65.1%.