Before the emergence of ultra-wideband (UWB) radios, widely used wireless communications were based on sinusoidal carriers, and impulse technologies were employed only in specific applications (e.g. radar). In 2002, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) allowed unlicensed operation between 3.1–10.6 GHz for UWB communication, using a wideband signal format with a low EIRP level (−41.3dBm/MHz). UWB communication systems then emerged as an alternative to narrowband systems and significant effort in this area has been invested at the regulatory, commercial, and research levels.

IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques and Antennas and Propagation Announce a Joint Special Issue on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology

This paper presents a comparative overview of the most important approaches presented to address the behavioral modeling of microwave and wireless power amplifiers (PAs). Starting from a theoretical framework of recursive and nonrecursive nonlinear filters, it proposes a classification of the various PA behavioral models, discussing their abilities to represent the different effects observed in practical circuits. Using that formal procedure, one explains how it was possible to integrate a wide range of behavioral modeling activities and to show that some of them, which at first glance seemed to be quite different, are, indeed, identical in their modeling capabilities.

A comparative overview of microwave and wireless power-amplifier behavioral modeling approaches

A new representation of the Volterra series is proposed, which is derived from a previously introduced modified Volterra series, but adapted to the discrete time domain and reformulated in a novel way. Based on this representation, an efficient model-pruning approach, called dynamic deviation reduction, is introduced to simplify the structure of Volterra-series-based RF power amplifier behavioral models aimed at significantly reducing the complexity of the model, but without incurring loss of model fidelity. Both static nonlinearities and different orders of dynamic behavior can be separately identified and the proposed representation retains the important property of linearity with respect to series coefficients. This model can, therefore, be easily extracted directly from the measured time domain of input and output samples of an amplifier by employing simple linear system identification algorithms. A systematic mathematical derivation is presented, together with validation of the proposed method using both computer simulation and experiment

/pdf/dynamic-deviation-reduction-based-volterra-behavioral-41zmefptaa.pdf

Dynamic Deviation Reduction-Based Volterra Behavioral Modeling of RF Power Amplifiers

Preface. About the Authors. Acknowledgments. 1 Power Amplifier Fundamentals. 1.1 Introduction. 1.2 Definition of Power Amplifier Parameters. 1.3 Distortion Parameters. 1.4 Power Match Condition. 1.5 Class of Operation. 1.6 Overview of Semiconductors for PAs. 1.7 Devices for PA. 1.8 Appendix: Demonstration of Useful Relationships. 1.9 References. 2 Power Amplifier Design. 2.1 Introduction. 2.2 Design Flow. 2.3 Simplified Approaches. 2.4 The Tuned Load Amplifier. 2.5 Sample Design of a Tuned Load PA. 2.6 References. 3 Nonlinear Analysis for Power Amplifiers. 3.1 Introduction. 3.2 Linear vs. Nonlinear Circuits. 3.3 Time Domain Integration. 3.4 Example. 3.5 Solution by Series Expansion. 3.6 The Volterra Series. 3.7 The Fourier Series. 3.8 The Harmonic Balance. 3.9 Envelope Analysis. 3.10 Spectral Balance. 3.11 Large Signal Stability Issue. 3.12 References. 4 Load Pull. 4.1 Introduction. 4.2 Passive Source/Load Pull Measurement Systems. 4.3 Active Source/Load Pull Measurement Systems. 4.4 Measurement Test-sets. 4.5 Advanced Load Pull Measurements. 4.6 Source/Load Pull Characterization. 4.7 Determination of Optimum Load Condition. 4.8 Appendix: Construction of Simplified Load Pull Contours through Linear Simulations. 4.9 References. 5 High Efficiency PA Design Theory. 5.1 Introduction. 5.2 Power Balance in a PA. 5.3 Ideal Approaches. 5.4 High Frequency Harmonic Tuning Approaches. 5.5 High Frequency Third Harmonic Tuned (Class F). 5.6 High Frequency Second Harmonic Tuned. 5.7 High Frequency Second and Third Harmonic Tuned. 5.8 Design by Harmonic Tuning. 5.9 Final Remarks. 5.10 References. 6 Switched Amplifiers. 6.1 Introduction. 6.2 The Ideal Class E Amplifier. 6.3 Class E Behavioural Analysis. 6.4 Low Frequency Class E Amplifier Design. 6.5 Class E Amplifier Design with 50# Duty-cycle. 6.6 Examples of High Frequency Class E Amplifiers. 6.7 Class E vs. Harmonic Tuned. 6.8 Class E Final Remarks. 6.9 Appendix: Demonstration of Useful Relationships. 6.10 References. 7 High Frequency Class F Power Amplifiers. 7.1 Introduction. 7.2 Class F Description Based on Voltage Wave-shaping. 7.3 High Frequency Class F Amplifiers. 7.4 Bias Level Selection. 7.5 Class F Output Matching Network Design. 7.6 Class F Design Examples. 7.7 References. 8 High Frequency Harmonic Tuned Power Amplifiers. 8.1 Introduction. 8.2 Theory of Harmonic Tuned PA Design. 8.3 Input Device Nonlinear Phenomena: Theoretical Analysis. 8.4 Input Device Nonlinear Phenomena: Experimental Results. 8.5 Output Device Nonlinear Phenomena. 8.6 Design of a Second HT Power Amplifier. 8.7 Design of a Second and Third HT Power Amplifier. 8.8 Example of 2nd HT GaN PA. 8.9 Final Remarks. 8.10 References. 9 High Linearity in Efficient Power Amplifiers. 9.1 Introduction. 9.2 Systems Classification. 9.3 Linearity Issue. 9.4 Bias Point Influence on IMD. 9.5 Harmonic Loading Effects on IMD. 9.6 Appendix: Volterra Analysis Example. 9.7 References. 10 Power Combining. 10.1 Introduction. 10.2 Device Scaling Properties. 10.3 Power Budget. 10.4 Power Combiner Classification. 10.5 The T-junction Power Divider. 10.6 Wilkinson Combiner. 10.7 The Quadrature (90 ) Hybrid. 10.8 The 180 Hybrid (Ring Coupler or Rat-race). 10.9 Bus-bar Combiner. 10.10 Other Planar Combiners. 10.11 Corporate Combiners. 10.12 Resonating Planar Combiners. 10.13 Graceful Degradation. 10.14 Matching Properties of Combined PAs. 10.15 Unbalance Issue in Hybrid Combiners. 10.16 Appendix: Basic Properties of Three-port Networks. 10.17 References. 11 The Doherty Power Amplifier. 11.1 Introduction. 11.2 Doherty's Idea. 11.3 The Classical Doherty Configuration. 11.4 The 'AB-C' Doherty Amplifier Analysis. 11.5 Power Splitter Sizing. 11.6 Evaluation of the Gain in a Doherty Amplifier. 11.7 Design Example. 11.8 Advanced Solutions. 11.9 References. Index.

/pdf/high-efficiency-rf-and-microwave-solid-state-power-4xdx1261hq.pdf

High Efficiency RF and Microwave Solid State Power Amplifiers

A comparative study of state-of-the-art behavioral models for microwave power amplifiers (PAs) is presented in this paper. After establishing a proper definition for accuracy and complexity for PA behavioral models, a short description on various behavioral models is presented. The main focus of this paper is on the modeling accuracy as a function of computational complexity. Data is collected from measurements on two PAs-a general-purpose amplifier and a Doherty PA designed for WiMAX-for different output power levels. The models are characterized in terms of accuracy and complexity for both in-band and out-of-band error. The results show that, among the models studied, the generalized memory polynomial behavioral model has the best tradeoff for accuracy versus complexity for both PAs, and can obtain high performance at half of the computational cost of all other models analyzed.

https://publications.lib.chalmers.se/records/fulltext/local_121905.pdf

A Comparative Analysis of the Complexity/Accuracy Tradeoff in Power Amplifier Behavioral Models

In nowadays CAD environments for integrated microwave circuit design, dedicated tools for the implementation of user defined component models are becoming more and more important These tools are mainly oriented to the definition of equivalent circuit models However, the need for more accurate prediction of nonlinear electron device performance pushes the modelling community towards the research of new, often non-conventional, modelling approaches (eg, frequency-domain, behavioural, integral models, look-up-table based, state-space based, etc) In such a context, the model implementation tools usually available may result not sufficiently flexible The paper provides useful hints and points out the main limitations which can be encountered in the implementation of non-conventional electron device models As an example, the implementation of a nonlinear discrete convolution model is considered by using three different advanced tools: the model wizard of AWR Microwave Office, the model development kit and Verilog-A language of Agilent ADS

Implementation of non-conventional nonlinear models for electron devices in commercial CAD tools

This work presents a straightforward approach to model the dynamic I–V characteristics of microwave FET transistors. Since the main cause of the transistor nonlinearity can be attributed to the drain-source current generator, its correct modeling is fundamental for predicting accurately the device behaviour under realistic operating conditions, namely large-signal operation. The experimental data required for the proposed modelling strategy consist of a small set of low-frequency time-domain waveform measurements. Numerical optimization is adopted to identify the model parameters. The validity of the proposed method is verified by its application to a silicon FinFET. Very good agreement between model predictions and nonlinear measurements is demonstrated.

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel5/6218252/6225738/06226281.pdf

Time-domain waveform based extraction of FinFET nonlinear I–V model

In this paper an automated measurement system for the investigation of degradation phenomena in GaN FETs is presented. The system is able to perform both static and dynamic stress cycles under actual device operation, gathering useful information strictly related to the “health” of the device. As case study a 75-VDC GaN HEMT was used for a 19-hours stress test, putting in evidence how the device performance slightly degrades during the stress experiment.

75-VDC GaN technology investigation from a degradation perspective

Large-signal modelling of electron devices for nonlinear MMIC design is a fundamental topic for the microwave community. Many different non-linear modelling approaches have been proposed in the last years, and quite often circuit designers suffer from the lack of reliable comparison criteria to identify which model (between those available) could be the most suitable for the desired application. Moreover, similar strategies are needed even from the research groups, whose activity is devoted to the model identification and extraction, in order to quantify the degree of accuracy achievable by the modelling approach adopted. In this paper an approach to verify large-signal model accuracy will be discussed, which is simply based on the comparison between de-embedded measurements and model predictions of Y-parameters versus the bias voltages at the intrinsic device ports.

Simplified validation of non-linear models for micro- and millimeter-wave electron devices

In this paper, a nonlinear transistor model extraction technique oriented to E-band power amplifier design is discussed. Two models are extracted, based on analytical functions and look-up-tables, respectively. The latter was used for the design of two power amplifiers (PAs) covering the bandwidths 71–76 and 81–86 GHz. The models have been fully validated by comparing their predictions with measurements carried out on the realized MMIC PAs.

Giorgio Vannini

Papers

Implementation of non-conventional nonlinear models for electron devices in commercial CAD tools

Time-domain waveform based extraction of FinFET nonlinear I–V model

75-VDC GaN technology investigation from a degradation perspective

Simplified validation of non-linear models for micro- and millimeter-wave electron devices

Advanced Modelling Techniques Enabling E-Band Power Amplifier Design for 5G Backhauling