A 60GHz-band 20dBm power amplifier with 20% peak PAE

Abstract

A three-stage, 60GHz transformer-coupled differential power amplifier is implemented in 130nm SiGe-BiCMOS. Common-base differential pair stages extend BVCEO, while neutralization increases isolation, promoting stability. Self-shielded transformers, a parasitic-compensated 4∶1 output combiner and 2∶4 input splitter are designed for low insertion loss and compact dimensions on-chip. Measured small-signal gain is >20dB with over 10GHz −3dB bandwidth. Reverse isolation is better than 51dB across 50–65GHz. Maximum output power and peak-PAE are 20.5dBm and 20%, respectively, at 61.5GHz. The PA consumes 353mW from a 1.8V supply and 0.25mm2 active area.