Linearity criteria for high power amplifiers in satellite communication systems

Acquiring a power amplifier is one of the most critical decisions in designing a communication system. The power amplifier is the largest consumer of power, the hottest component, the least reliable, one of the most expensive parts and many times the largest major part of the system. All of these factors relate in various proportions to the output power required, making this parameter critical in designing a successful communication link. However, amplifier manufacturers do not specify useable power defined by the system linearity requirements. It is necessary to relate these requirements to the available manufacturer's data in determining the optimum matching product. This paper is intended to explain the systems requirements and the HPA characteristics that effect the system requirements to aid the design engineer in optimizing the link performance.