A DC to 20 GHz ultra-broadband high-gain-linear distributed power amplifier with 19.5% drain efficiency

In this paper an ultra-broadband linear distributed power amplifier (DPA) is presented. This amplifier consumes only 100 mW DC power and amplifies input powers up to −3.7 dBm with a power gain of 16.7 dB linearly. Output power at 1-dB compression point is 13 dBm in the linear-mode. By increasing the level of input power, the amplifier no longer works in the linear-mode, drain efficiency and non-linear distortions are increased, and power consumption is decreased to 90 mW. S21 parameter is 18±0.9 dB over DC to 20 GHz. The architecture of all power gain cells (including three stages) is cascade of inductively coupled common source. This amplifier is simulated in a 0.13 um CMOS technology.