Power Amplifier FundamentalsA Giga-tronics Technical White Paper 4650 Norris Canyon Road San Ramon, CA 94583 925-328-4650 Ph www.gigatronics.com Microwave Power Amplifier Fundamentals Written by: Carlos Fuentes Member Technical Staff Giga-tronics Incorporated Published: October 2008 A Giga-tronics Technical White Paper Introduction The Need to Amplify Signals An amplifier is one of the most common electrical elements in any system. The requirements for amplification are as varied as the systems where they are used. Amplifiers are available in a large number of form factors ranging from miniscule ICs to the largest high-power transmitter amplifiers. In the following discussion the focus will be on solid state power amplifiers used at microwave frequencies, particularly in test and measurement applications. Microw……