This paper describes the design of a push-pull power amplifier (PA) with a center-tapped transformer for transmitter applications on the 5.2-GHz band using 0.18μm CMOS technology. The type of the proposed PA is based on a double-ended push-pull (DEPP) configuration. DEPP has a simple construction with only transistors and transformers. The PA has reverse-phased cascode-connected transistors. The proposed transformer has a multilayer structure and was designed using electromagnetic field simulation. To achieve high power added efficiency (PAE), we assumed the optimized output impedance technique with a tunable impedance antenna. The PA has 13.2 dB linearity gain, 14.9 dBm 1-dB compression point (P1dB), and 27.4% maximum PAE.

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We present a highly efficient power amplifier (PA) with an impedance-matched planar antenna. An impedance-matching network including inductors and capacitors is a common and essential practice for wireless communication systems; however, efficiency degradation at a matching network is a serious issue. We implement a matching block into a planar antenna and integrate a PA with the impedance-matched planar antenna. The impedance-matched antenna and PA are applied to a wireless transmitter for the 5 GHz band in a 0.18 mm CMOS. The proposed integrated PA has a power-added efficiency (PAE) of 15.7% in linear operation and a maximum PAE of 30.7%.