Design and simulation of wideband high-Efficiency X-band MMIC power amplifier based on GaN HEMT technology

Abstract

High output power, good efficiency, sufficient power gain, compact size, and low cost are essential parameters of highfrequency integrated microwave power amplifiers. Due to its unique characteristics, gallium nitride is considered a good choice for realizing high-frequency power amplifiers. This article presents an integrated microwave power amplifier with high efficiency and wide bandwidth in 0.25 μm GaN technology. Input and output matching networks are realized using spiral inductors, on-chip resistors, on-chip capacitors, and appropriate transmission line structures. The optimal values of the elements have been determined using the random and hybrid optimizer in the ADS simulator. Large onchip inductors in the drain and gate bias circuits were used for biasing. They were designed in such a way that no ac signal leaks into the bias circuit. The proposed circuit works at 6.8 GHz to 11 GHz frequency, while its maximum PAE is 60%. The small signal gain at the frequency of 9.8 GHz is 12.45 dB, whereas the saturated output power is 32.68 dBm