Optimizing Losses in Distributed Multiharmonic Matching Networks Applied to the Design of an RF GaN Power Amplifier With Higher Than 80% Power-Added Efficiency

This paper analyzes the power losses in distributed multiharmonic matching networks and proposes a methodology to minimize these losses, which are critical in designing harmonic controlled or switching mode power amplifiers (PAs). The effect of the harmonic output matching topology on PA performance is studied. An analytical evaluation is developed to show the effect of the harmonic network topology on the conduction losses in the fundamental matching network. This analysis is validated through the comparison of two different matching network topologies in the design of an inverse class IF PA with a carrier frequency of around 1 GHz. A 0.2-dB improvement in the losses is achieved, allowing for an improvement of the output power and gain and for an increase in the power-added efficiency by 4%, reaching 81%.