A methodology to design broadband matching networks for continuum mode PAs

We demonstrate a methodology to simultaneously find the optimal impedances in the design space of continuum mode as well as the corresponding ideal matching network of RFPAs. The methodology relies on the Belevitch representation of S parameters to avoid the apriori selection of matching network topology. The proposed methodology in conjunction with particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to design the broadband power amplifier in the class BJF-1 continuum to target constant efficiency and output power between 2.5 - 4.6 GHz using a GaN HEMT CGH40010. The resulting ideal network is further optimized in EM simulations and its measured values show good match with EM simulations. Even though PSO algorithm is used in this work, any of the evolutionary algorithms or machine learning can be used to implement the proposed methodology.