On the development of CAD techniques suitable for the design of high-power RF transistors

A full-wave modeling procedure was developed to simulate the package, bonding wires, and MOS capacitors used in the design of matching networks found within RF/microwave power transistors. The complex packaging environment was segmented into its constituent components and simulation techniques were developed for each component, as well as the inter-element coupling. An S-parameter test fixture and package was developed that permits measurements of these types of devices. The simulation and measurement procedures were used to model various circuits. Measured S-parameters and those obtained using the full-wave methodology were in good agreement. Simulation results using an inductance-only bonding-wire model were performed and differences between the S-parameters were observed. A detailed examination of the loss introduced by the matching network was performed and simulations and measurements matched closely.