Novel Reconfigurable RF Amplifier Design Techniques

Abstract

Reconfigurable RF amplifiers utilize tunable microelectromechancial matching networks to optimize their performance over varying operating conditions such as frequency, temperature, or function. Although this reconfigurability allows for greater functionality, novel design techniques must be developed to fully utilize the benefits. Three different reconfigurable amplifier design issues are investigated in this thesis. The first technique involves a method for creating a fully autonomous, self-reconfigurable maximum-gain amplifier. Using seven different output power measurements at arbitrary yet distinct input/output impedances, the necessary S-parameters can be extracted to design a maximum-gain amplifier. Simulations support the technique, but measurements are not as conclusive due to the unavailability of a fully functional tunable matching network. The second technique examines the benefits of variable capacitors and resistors in stabilization networks to improve the potential gain of an amplifier at different operating frequencies. A combination of stabilization networks at the gate of the device provided an increase in gain of up to 6.5 dB over traditional stabilization methods. The last design technique is a way for an autonomous reconfigurable amplifier to monitor the operation of its tunable matching network. Since there are reliability issues with reconfigurable systems, design equations that characterize the matching network were used to detect failures in the system.