Outphasing Power Amplifiers: Overview and Comparison of Wilkinson and Chireix Combiners

Abstract

In contemporary wireless communication systems, achieving both high efficiency and linearity in power amplifiers (PAs) remains a fundamental design challenge. These two performance metrics are often in conflict, requiring careful trade-offs. Extensive research has resulted in a broad range of PA architectures aimed at overcoming this efficiency–linearity dilemma. Among the promising techniques is the outphasing approach, also referred to as Linear Amplification using Nonlinear Components (LINC), which has the potential to deliver high efficiency while maintaining satisfactory linearity.