Analysis of envelope signal injection for improvement of RF amplifier intermodulation distortion

Abstract

Adaptive bias techniques based on envelope signal power detection have been proposed for linearity enhancement and dc current reduction in RF amplifiers. Experimental results show an improvement in amplifier linearity, although asymmetric intermodulation distortion (IMD) was observed. This work rigorously studies the effects of the envelope signal injection on amplifier distortion using the Volterra series formulations. The results intuitively explain the spectral regrowth asymmetry, and point to a design technique in which third-order IMD can be optimally cancelled. The theory was verified through comparison to measurement and simulation results.