A Novel Linearization Technique for RF Power Amplifiers Combining Predistortion and Feedforward Linearizers

Abstract

This paper presents a hybrid linearization technique for improving the performance of Class E radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers (PAs). The method combines feedforward and adaptive RF/digital predistortion to reduce nonlinear distortion without a significant reduction in power-added efficiency (PAE). The proposed approach achieves a reduction of 12.7% in harmonic distortion at 1.22 GHz. Simulation results, carried out using Agilent ADS, show improvements in third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3), input third-order intercept point (IIP3), and output third-order intercept point (OIP3). Comparative analysis demonstrates that this technique provides superior linearity enhancement compared to conventional analog predistortion. While the results are simulation-based, this work highlights the trade-off between linearity and efficiency.