Hi, I need a 2 W driver PA for the 2.2–2.4 GHz band. The TQP9111 seems suitable for my application, and I first wanted to verify the 2.3–2.7 GHz PCB2600 reference design in an RF simulation program. I imported the S2P file and used the same matching component values as given in the datasheet. However, there are significant differences between my simulation results and the datasheet graphs. For example, over the band of interest, the simulated return losses are around −2 to −5 dB and the gain is about 22 dB. Therefore, I could not verify the design. I am wondering what I might be doing wrong. I can’t continue matching process for my amplifier.
In your simulation did you include the microstrip lines? These have a significant effect on the tuning and amplifier performance. Please use the datasheet and gerber files on the web to show the line widths and lengths to use between the components. The board stack up/fabrication and dielectric detail is included with the gerber files. Note there may still be some discrepancy between simulation and datasheet plots due to de-embedding errors, simulation errors, and part-part variation. I’d recommend getting a TQP9111 evaluation board to tune and test as required.