The (R)evolution of Distributed Amplifiers: From Vacuum Tubes to Modern CMOS and GaN ICs

Abstract

Broadband amplification of signals is desirable in many applications such as high-speed data communications, high-resolution imaging systems, optoelectronics, and instrumentation systems. Wide bandwidth is one of the prominent factors to be considered in designing such systems because it determines the system's ability to transfer high-data-rate information, transmit/receive short pulses, and process wide-band signals. Designing broadband amplifiers has always been challenging. The ever-increasing demand for higher data rates and low energy consumption in next-generation communication systems further complicates broadband amplifier design.