Performance Estimation of Continuous Class F−1 PA with Non-Ideal Harmonic Terminations

In continuous class F-
¹
(CCF-
¹
) PA, loads at second and third harmonics are purely reactive and short-circuit, respectively. However, it is impossible to achieve these harmonic loads accurately. Therefore, this paper estimates the efficiency and output power of CCF-
¹
PA with non-ideal second and third harmonic loads. The performance is estimated with the impedance space of CCF-
¹
mode with resistive second and third harmonic loads. As a proof of concept, a CCF-
¹
PA with non-ideal harmonic loads is implemented. The designed PA operates from 0.85 to 1.5 GHz with a 60-65% drain efficiency and output power of 37.6-40.8 dBm.