MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.
LOW-LOAD-MODULATION BROADBAND AMPLIFIER

Abstract:

Low-load-modulation, broadband power amplifiers and method of use are described. The amplifiers can include multiple amplifiers connected in parallel to amplify a signal that has been divided into parallel circuit branches. One of the amplifiers can operate as a main amplifier in a first amplification class and the remaining amplifiers can operate as peaking amplifiers in a second amplification class. The main amplifier can see low modulation of its load between the fully-on and fully backed-off states of the amplifier. With lower load modulation, the power amplifiers described herein exhibit better power-handling capability and RF fractional bandwidth as compared to conventional amplifiers.