1-Tone Nonlinear Simulations > Spectrum, Gain, Harmonic Distortion at X dB Gain Compression (w/PAE) vs. 2 Params.

Description

This simulates the spectrum, output power, power gain, harmonic distortion, power-added efficiency, etc. of a device or amplifier at the X dB power gain compression point, versus two arbitrary swept parameters. 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

The arbitrary swept parameters and their range of values, 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 at one set of parameter values selected by moving markers
• Output voltage waveforms for all values of parameter 2, with parameter 1 selected by moving a marker
• Plots of fundamental output power, power-added efficiency, transducer power gain (power delivered to the load minus power available from the source), high supply current, and third harmonic distortion, all versus both swept parameters
• Tables of data versus swept parameter 2, with swept parameter 1 fixed (selected by moving a marker):
  • Harmonic distortion up to the 5th, in dBc
  • Power-added efficiency
  • Transducer power gain
  • Supply current
  • DC power consumption
  • Thermal power dissipation in the device or amplifier

Schematic Name

HB1ToneGComp2swp

Data Display Name

HB1ToneGComp2swp.dds

Notes

1. 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.
2. Only bias supplies on the highest level schematic will be included in the PAE calculation. For example, if you replace the sample amplifier with one with the bias supplies included in the subcircuit, those supplies will not be included in the PAE calculation. On the highest level schematic, you can delete one of the two supplies and/or replace the voltage sources with current sources, and the PAE calculation will still be valid. You can modify the components in the bias network, realizing that the DC power consumption is computed as (the DC voltage at the Vs_high node) * (the DC current in the Is_high current probe) + (the DC voltage at the Vs_low node) * (the DC current in the Is_low current probe).
3. 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.