Nonlinear Characterization of Wideband Power Amplifiers with Frequency-Dependent Match Load

This paper investigates key factors in optimum load synthesis method for wideband multi-carrier compatible power amplifiers (PAs) using active modulated load-pull system. The analysis demonstrates that, without compromising the linearity, a 2-6% improvement in power added efficiency (PAE) and 1-2 dB increased gain is achieved near and beyond the 1-dB compression, using a frequency-dependent optimum impedance. The proposed optimum impedance synthesis approach offers more comprehensive information about the device under test (DUT) performance in real-time complex modulated wideband scenario.