39GHz GaN front end MMIC for 5G applications

Abstract

This paper presents the design and the measured results of a GaN-based T/R MMIC suitable for millimeter-wave 5G applications. The design successfully integrated a PA, an LNA, and a T/R switch in one IC. At 39GHz, the transmit path achieved an average output power of 26dBm with 9% PAE and −30dBc ACPR under a 64QAM OFDM signal. The receive path achieved 16dB gain with 4dB NF. The fabricated MMIC is packaged in a low cost surface mount package in both single and dual channel versions to support multi-element phased array applications.