LINC Method for MMIC Power Amplifier Linearization

Background: This article proposes the design and implementation of a MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuits) Power amplifier using the ED02AH process. Methods: The MMIC ED02AH technology have been developed specifically for microwave applications up to millimeter waves, and for high-speed digital circuits. The use of a single branch of a power amplifier can produce high distortion. In the present paper, the Linear amplification with nonlinear components (LINC) method is introduced and applied as a solution to linearize the power amplifier, it can simultaneously provide high efficiency and high linearity. To validate the proposed approach, the design and characterization of a 5.25 GHz LINC Power Amplifier on MMIC technology is presented. Results: Good results have been achieved, and an improvement of about 37.50 dBc and 59 dBc respectively is obtained for the Δlower C/I and Δupper C/I at 5.25 GHz. Conclusion: As a result of this method, we can reduce the Carrier Power to Third-Order Intermodulation Distortion Power Ratio. Excellent linearization is obtained almost 37.6 dBc for Δlower C/I and 58.8 dBc for Δupper C/I.