1-Tone Nonlinear Simulations > Spectrum, Gain, Harmonic Distortion at X dB Gain Compression

Description

This is similar to the HB1Tone simulation setup, and it simulates the spectrum, output power, power gain, and harmonic distortion of a device or amplifier at the X dB power gain compression point. You can specify the amount of gain compression, X, in dB. The simulator then increases the available source power to the device until the power gain has been reduced by X dB, relative to its small-signal value. A sample power amplifier is provided. You must replace this amplifier with your own device or amplifier, and modify the biases, as needed.

Needed to Use Schematic

A device or an amplifier using nonlinear model(s)

Main Schematic Settings

Input frequency, the amount of power gain compression, in dB, and the source and load impedances at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies

Data Display Outputs

All at the X dB gain compression point:

• Output spectrum and voltage waveform
• Fundamental output power
• Transducer power gain (power delivered to the load minus power available from the source)
• Harmonic distortion up to the 5th, in dBc

Schematic Name

HB1ToneGComp

Data Display Name

HB1ToneGComp.dds

Note

When simulating a device, setting the source and load impedances at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies might be useful. However, when simulating an amplifier that already has source and load impedance matching networks, leaving all these impedances at 50 ohms might be suitable. This gain compression simulation might not work well on amplifiers that have low gain at low signal level (like Class B amplifiers) or ones that have excessive gain expansion. In this case, use one of the simulation setups that explicitly sweeps power.