Low DC current 2.4-2.5 GHz and 4.9-6.0 GHz linear power amplifier modules for IEEE 802.11a/b/g applications

Internally matched 802.11b/g and 802.11a power amplifier modules are discussed. The RFIC designs were based on InGaP/GaAs technology. The 802.11b/g PA module is a two-stage amplifier design and has achieved a power gain of 29.4 dB, an EVM of 4.2% at 20 dBm, and consumes only 100 mA. The 802.11a PA module is a three-stage amplifier design. It covers full worldwide WLAN (wireless local area network) frequencies of 4.9-5.825 GHz. At 5.15 GHz, the amplifier has achieved a power gain of 24 dB, an EVM of 3.9% at 19 dBm. and consumes <170 mA. A two-stage 802.11a PA module covering the U-NII band of 5.15-5.35 GHz is also demonstrated. The amplifier has achieved a power gain of 16 dB, an EVM of 4.2% at 23 dBm and consumes 201 mA. The idle current is only 50 mA.