A mm-Wave Radio Frequency Power Amplifier based on Transformers Coupling
and 2 nd Harmonic Termination Network using 130 nm CMOS Technology for
5G Applications
Abstract
An efficient and linear power amplifier (PA) for millimeter wave
applications using a 130nm CMOS process is presented in this paper. The
proposed PA uses transformer coupling for output, inter-stage, and input
matching and also utilizes inter-stage inductors to boost RF
achievement. The Ansoft high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) is
used to analyze and design the coupling transformers and inter-stage
matching inductors to achieve a high coupling coefficient and quality
factor over the frequency range of 19 to 29 GHz. The 2
nd harmonic termination networks are connected at each
stage of the proposed power amplifier to enhance the gain and
efficiency. The suggested radio frequency power amplifier consists of
three stages, the input stage operates in class-B operation to increase
the efficiency without an influence on the DC power consumption, while
the driver and power stages work in class-AB to improve the RF output
power. Also, the power stage is a parallel combination of class-B and
class-AB to improve the one-dB compression point and enhance the
linearity. The proposed RF power amplifier operates in the frequency
range from 19 to 29 GHz. The suggested PA achieves a saturated output
power of 15.1 dBm, a maximum power added efficiency (PAE) of 19.35 %,
and a peak power gain of 22.72 dB. Moreover, the peak output 1-dB
compression point for the proposed power amplifier is 13.1 dBm and
consumes a DC power of 98.09 mW. Lastly, the die and overall areas of
the suggested power amplifier are 0.4 mm 2 and 0.67 mm
2, respectively.