Design, Characterization and Linearization of Wideband Outphasing Power Amplifiers Operating within the Doherty-Chireix Continuum

Novel types of high-efficiency broadband dual-input Outphasing PAs (OPA) have emerged. They are realized by exploiting the design space provided by the 2D continuum of high-efficiency load-pulling modes which exists between the Doherty mode, the Chireix mode and hybrid Chireix Doherty (HCD) modes such as the HDmax mode. Practical examples of design of the combiner for such wideband OPAs will be presented. The use of an embedding model as well as the de-embedding technique to design the OPA and precisely control the mode of operation of the transistors at the current source reference planes will be presented. Finally, the methodology for characterizing, controlling and linearizing such wideband OPAs at the system level will be reviewed.