A 30GHz bandwidth driver amplifier with high output voltage swing for ultra-wideband localization- and sensor systems

Abstract

This paper reports on the analysis, design and characterization of a 30 GHz lumped broadband driving amplifier for Ultra-Wideband localization and sensor systems. The circuit integrates a cascode differential stage, which is fed by two cascaded emitter-followers (EF). The differential gain is 10 dB with a gain flatness of ±1 dB in the desired frequency range. This amplifier exhibits an output 1-dB compression point of 12 dBm. The maximum differential output voltage swing is 3.2 V pp . The amplifier consumes a power of 560 mW at a supply voltage of ±3.3 V. The compact 0.5 mm 2 amplifier is manufactured in a low-cost 0.25 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology with a transit frequency of 75 GHz.

HaLoS – Integrated RF-Hardware Components for Ultra-Wideband Localization and Sensing

“…This is useful for high frequency circuit design, because this multi device configuration has small highfrequency feedback, achieved by the negligible Miller effect, and a large bandwidth. Driving the cascode stage with cascaded emitter-followers leads to an enhancement of bandwidth and provides dc level shifting [39].…”