A fully matched dual stage CMOS power amplifier with integrated passive linearizer attaining 23 db gain, 40% PAE and 28 DBM OIP3
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new linearization technique known as the passive linearizer technique which does not affect the power added efficiency (PAE) while maintaining a power gain of more than 20 dB for complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) power amplifier (PA). Design/methodology/approach The linearization mechanism is executed with an aid of a passive linearizer implemented at the gate of the main amplifier to minimize the effect of C-gs capacitance through the generation of opposite phase response at the main amplifier. The inductor-less output matching network presents an almost lossless output matching network which contributes to high gain, PAE and output power. The linearity performance is improved without the penalty of power consumption, power gain and stability. Findings With this topology, the PA delivers more than 20 dB gain for the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Band from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz with a supply headroom of 1.8 V. At the center frequency of 2.45 GHz, the PA exhibits a gain of 23.3 dB with corresponding peak PAE of 40.11% at a maximum output power of 14.3 dBm. At a maximum linear output power of 12.7 dBm, a PAE of 37.3% has been achieved with a peak third order intermodulation product of 28.04 dBm with a power consumption of 50.58 mW. This corresponds to ACLR of - 20 dBc, thus qualifying the PA to operate for BLE operation. Practical implications The proposed technique is able to boost up the efficiency and output power, as well as linearize the PA closer to 1 dB compression point. This reduces the trade-off between linear output power and PAE in CMOS PA design. Originality/value The proposed CMOS PA can be integrated comfortably to a BLE transmitter, allowing it to reduce the transceiver's overall power consumption.
Keywords
CMOS, Power amplifier, Linearization, Back off output power (PBO), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Power added efficiency (PAE)
Divisions
sch_ecs
Funders
Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) (PCEDEC/6050415),Universiti Sains Malaysia (1001/PCEDEC/8014079),MOHE FRGS grant (1001/PCEDEC/6071449)
Publication Title
Microelectronics International
Volume
38
Issue
2
Publisher
Emerald
Publisher Location
HOWARD HOUSE, WAGON LANE, BINGLEY BD16 1WA, W YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND