Nonlinear approaches to the design of microwave power amplifiers

Commonly used approaches for the design of power amplifiers (PAs), specifically in the microwave and millimeter-wave frequency range, are reviewed and discussed. Measurement-based techniques are compared with CAD-based approaches, stressing their relative strengths and weaknesses. Simplified techniques are also discussed, particularly addressing the preliminary evaluation of the power capabilities of a given device and to gather physical insight into the power-generating mechanisms. Finally, harmonic tuning for high-efficiency power amplifier design is outlined, together with its basic application rules. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.