A 50 to 146 GHz Power Amplifier Based on Magnetic Transformers and Distributed Gain Cells

Abstract

A monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuit power amplifier covering the entire V-, W- and F-band is presented. The amplifier applies magnetic distributed transformers in combination with traveling wave gain cells to achieve a -3 dB bandwidth that spans from 50 to 146 GHz, 12 dB gain and a maximum measured output power of 15 dBm. With a relative bandwidth of 98.3% the PA achieves the highest bandwidth reported for power amplifiers operating at around 100 GHz to date.