Overview

This chapter will take the theoretical, and somewhat idealized, results and design equations of the last chapter and develop these into practical designs. The main focus, therefore, will be on the derivation and analysis of matching circuit networks and configurations which are suitable for matching the fundamental and also provide the necessary harmonic terminations. Having established a suitable topology and network element values, only then will designs be put to the test using a nonlinear simulator.

A logical starting point is a survey of matching techniques for higher frequency applications. The wireless communications bands represent a transition region between the lower frequencies, where the matching process is largely dominated by magnetically coupled devices, and the microwave bands, where almost all matching is done using transmission lines. With the availability of good quality miniature passive components, the wireless communication bands allow the use of hybrid matching techniques, incorporating both lumped elements and transmission lines. Although the bandwidths required are generally much lower than in ECM and Satcom applications, it will be shown that awareness of some of the broader band techniques can pay dividends, since generally speaking a broader band match will be more robust in a high volume production environment.

In order to put designs to the test using a simulator, it is necessary to develop a suitable model for the device. Following up on comments made in Chapter 1 (Section 1.3) concerning the lack of good models for commercially available devices, the process by which a useable model...