RF amplifier having switched load impedance for back-off power efficiency

摘要

Efficiency of an RF/microwave power amplifier is increased at a back-off power level by increasing the load resistance of the amplifier at the reduced output power level as compared to load impedance at a higher power level including full operating power. The different load impedances can be realized with two amplification units in parallel each having different load impedances. Alternatively, a single amplification path can be provided with an output impedance matching network which is selectively bypassed for increased impedance load during back-off power operation. In another embodiment, the output impedance matching network can include a shunt inductance which is selectively switched into the network to increase impedance for back-off power operation.