Here follows a record of the latest features added to the Amplifier Design Wizard with each new build.
Version 21 of the Ampsa Amplifier Design Wizard will be released soon. Some of the newer features in the ADW are listed below:
1. The ADW can synthesize lumped-element network, non-commensurate distributed or commensurate distributed matching networks. Up to ten solutions are displayed for each matching problem. Targets can be set for the fundamental-frequency gain with specified complex terminations. The transducer power gain targeted can unity (point-match) or can be less or equal to a specified value (circle-match). Harmonic sectors can be set as targets for the second and third harmonics. A harmonic sector is defined by the area defined by two intersecting lines and the Smith Chart edge. Solutions are obtained by doing synthesis-based systematic searches on the transformation-Qs of the networks or the transmission phase-shifts.
2. Starting with Version 20, a search is also allowed on the main-line characteristic impedance of non-commensurate solutions, or the electrical length of the main-line sections of a commensurate solution.
3. Traps (sections forcing zeros in the transmission or poles in the attenuation) can be added to the matching network terminations before the matching networks are synthesized (Any trap added should not have a serious effect on the fundamental frequency problem).
4. Starting with Version 20, a list of potential second and third harmonic traps can be created by the CIL synthesis wizard. By using a suitable transmission line, the short or open provided by a trap can be transformed to present the intrinsic impedance of interest to the associated transistor at the trap frequency. Information on the worst-case loading effect of each trap at the fundamental frequencies is also provided.
5. Traps can also be added during synthesis in the matching network itself (Version 21). Different resonance frequencies can be specified for the shorted stubs and the open-ended stubs in the network. In non-commensurate solutions, stepped-line open-ended stubs (stepped impedance resonators) can be used to provide the fundamental-frequency loading required from the shunt section, as well as trapping at the frequency targeted. The trap frequencies may be in the transition bands, around the high end of the third-harmonic band, or inside the harmonic ranges.
6. The intrinsic terminations associated with each matching network synthesized can be viewed in the Synthesis section (Version 21). Previously, it was necessary to export the solution of interest to the circuit file to calculate the intrinsic terminations. With this capability, it has become much easier to select good solutions to a harmonic control matching problem.
7. Linear models can be fitted for microwave transistor in the ADW for the different classes of operation. (Mode switching is also allowed.) Allowance is made for gain compression in the modeling. A non-linear profile can also be specified for the intrinsic output capacitance (Cds) and the effect of the non-linear capacitance on a designed circuit can be calculated (Fourier analysis). Extensive amplifier optimization features are provided.
8. Maximum efficiency lines are now also displayed in the Power Contour section of the CIL wizard. The intrinsic impedance is purely resistive on the maximum efficiency line.
9. Overlap of the second-harmonic and the fundamental-frequency bands are now allowed in the CIL wizard. Transition bands for the second harmonic and the third harmonic can now be specified.
10. In addition to the graphic views previously provided, the impedance or reflection coefficients associated with a reflection analysis can now also be listed in a table.
11. Components were added to allow for load-pull optimization at a target frequency. The optimization can be with the transistor assumed to be linear or can be for Cds non-linear.