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

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for a low-load-modulation power amplifier are described. Low-load-modulation power 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 power amplifier's fully-on and fully backed-off states. Improvements in bandwidth and drain efficiency over conventional Doherty amplifiers are obtained.