Effect of Load Mismatch on Power Amplifier Performance
Power amplifier (PA) characteristics are typically measured in a 50Ω environment. While some datasheets state ""stability into open and short circuit loads,"" others note ""operation at full power"" into open and short circuits. It grows even more confusing with statements like ""operation into all loads"" without defining what ""operation"" means or noting that this includes a technique often referred to as ""fold-back,"" (where the amplifier gain is reduced above a certain reflected power level). This presentation will discuss why these different statements are made and what happens inside a PA under mismatched loads. Using measurements and simulations a better understanding of the real performance will be gained.
Presented by: Dr. Dominic FitzPatrick, Head of Amplifier Development, AMETEK-CTS