Design and performance analysis of mismatched Doherty amplifiers using an accurate load-pull-based model

An active load-pull-based large-signal modeling approach, suitable for designing and optimizing load modulated amplifiers such as Doherty or linear amplification using nonlinear components based amplifiers, is proposed. A Doherty amplifier was designed by optimizing the dynamic loads seen by the amplifier´s transistor using a large-signal load-pull-based behavior model built into computer-aided-design software. Simulation and measurement results showed good agreement, while results obtained using an empirical model of this transistor demonstrated discrepancies. The load-pull-based model was then used to study performance degradation of the Doherty amplifier when load impedance was moved out from the perfect 50 Omega. It has been shown that the load mismatch can greatly affect the linearity and efficiency performance of the amplifier unless its phase is controlled and kept within a specific range. A load mismatch system level compensator scheme, capable of restituting the linearity loss and maintaining the power-added efficiency close to its maximum range, is proposed