In a broadband communication system there are multi-stage power amplifier
systems for amplifying the power of radio-frequency (RF) communication
signals. Each stage of the amplifier system results in composite triple
beat (CTB) distortion, and if the phase of the CTB distortions are
approximately the same (i.e. are in-phase), then the amplitudes of the
distortions are added (i.e. "20 dB" rule). The amplifier system of the
invention includes one or more phase filters positioned in series between
the power amplifier stages. The phase filters are adapted to shift the
phase of the communication signals, so that the phase of CTB distortions,
resulting from the amplification of the communication signals in the
amplifier stages between the phase filters, are substantially different
(i.e. are out-of-phase). Thus, only the power of the CTB distortions are
added (i.e. "10 dB" rule).