Development and validation of a novel bias network design method for a class AB PA

Abstract

In this paper, the impact of the bias networks on a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) is analyzed and discussed comprehensively. Both the different sizes and positions of the bias microstrip line circuit have been studied for a broadband class AB PA. Both simulations and measurements show that the performance of the PA can be greatly improved with the adjustment of the bias circuit by effecting the harmonic impedance of the whole matching circuit. Compared with the existing works, the fabricated PA based on the proposed technique provides the best performance, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed bias circuit optimization method.