Realization of high efficient linear power amplifier with harmonic tuning

In this letter, a two-tone signal design method is introduced to achieve high-efficient linear power amplifier (PA). The proposed method, which embraces harmonic tuning, can be employed to design a PA with high efficiency and low nonlinear distortion. To verify the proposed method, a high-efficient linear PA is implemented using GaN HEMT. Experimental results using a 5 MHz two-tone signal show that a drain efficiency (DE) of 55.6% and a carrier-to-intermodulation ratio (C/I) of 30 dB was achieved at 3.47 GHz. The PA shows a DE of 46.6% when stimulated by a 20-MHz long-term evolution (LTE) signal with 8.2-dB PAPR. © 2016 The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan.