Pre-power amplifier for 5.2-5.8 GHz band

The design of a low-voltage and broadband pre-power amplifier is presented. The purpose of the pre-power amplifier is to separate the external power amplifier and internal mixer to deliver the required input power to the power amplifier. The amplifier is designed in 0.35 /spl mu/m SiGe technology. Differential topology is used in order to reduce the effect of the bonding inductances. The amplifier is optimized for maximum output power and maximum yield. The simulation results of the amplifier show 2 dBm output power with 13 dB gain. The gain variation is less than 0.5 dB in-band. The output power is always more than 0 dBm after characterization.