Vectorially combined distributed power amplifier with load pull impedance determination

Abstract

A new topology for a distributed power amplifier (DPA) is presented to maximise DC-RF conversion (i.e. for high output power). The topology is featured by vectorially combined current sources when loading power transistors into distributed output and input networks using impedance termination values gathered by device load pull. To the authors' knowledge, the output power achieved in this work is the best for DPAs within the frequency range up to 2 GHz.