Linear CMOS RF Power Amplifiers: A Complete Design Workflow

✍ Scribed by Hector Solar Ruiz, Roc Berenguer Pérez

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 2013
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 191
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

The work establishes the design flow for the optimization of linear CMOS power amplifiers from the first steps of the design to the final IC implementation and tests. The authors also focuses on design guidelines of the inductor’s geometrical characteristics for power applications and covers their measurement and characterization. Additionally, a model is proposed which would facilitate designs in terms of transistor sizing, required inductor quality factors or minimum supply voltage. The model considers limitations that CMOS processes can impose on implementation. The book also provides different techniques and architectures that allow for optimization.

✦ Table of Contents

Preface
Contents
Acronyms
1 Introduction
Abstract
The Power Amplifier
Impact of PA on Integrated Transceivers
Requirements of Modern Wireless Standards
Effect of the Communication Range
Effect of the PAPR in Digital Multicarrier Modulation Schemes
CMOS Technology
Organization of the Book
References
2 Power Amplifier Fundamentals: Metrics
Abstract
AM--AM DistortionAM--AM distortion
Saturated PowerSaturated power and One dB Compression PointOne dB compression point
Third Order Intercept PointThird-order intercept point
AM--PM DistortionAM-PM distortion
Digital Channel Metrics
Spectral RegrowthSpectral regrowth
Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio
Spectrum Emission Mask
Error Vector Magnitude
EfficiencyEfficiency Metrics
Drain EfficiencyDrain efficiency
Power-Added EfficiencyPower-added efficiency
Power Back-OffPower back-off
Transmit Power Levels
StabilityStability
Power CapabilityPower capability
Conclusions
References
3 Power Amplifier Fundamentals: Classes
Abstract
Current Source PAs
Transconductance ModelTransconductance model
Knee VoltageKnee voltage
Class AClass A power amplifier PAs
Class ABClass AB power amplifier PAs
Class BClass B power amplifier PAs
Class CClass C power amplifier PAs
Summary
Switch-Type PAs
Class DClass D power amplifier PAs
Class EClass E power amplifier PAs
Harmonic Tuning: Class F PAs
Conclusions
References
4 CMOS Performance Issues
Abstract
Low Supply VoltageSupply voltage
Effect of the Knee VoltageKnee voltage
Load TransformationLoad Transformation
ReliabilityReliability Issues
Oxide BreakdownOxide breakdown
Hot Carrier DegradationHot carrier degradation
Reliability Projection
Reliability Under RF Stress
Transistor ParasiticsTransistor Parasitics
SubstrateSubstrate Issues
StabilityStability Issues
Conclusions
References
5 Enhancement TechniquesEnhancement techniques for CMOS Linear PAs
Abstract
CascodeCascode power amplifier PAs
Thick Oxide CascodeCascode power amplifierthick oxide cascode PAs
Self-Biased CascodeCascode power amplifierself-biased cascode PAs
Multiple Stacked CascodeCascode power amplifiermultiple stacked cascode PAs
Combined PAs
Integrated Transformer Power CombiningIntegrated transformer power combining
Simple Parallel CombinationSimple parallel combination
Doherty PAsDoherty power amplifier
Predistorted PAPredistorted power amplifiers
Dynamic SupplyDynamic supply or Envelope TrackingEnvelope tracking
Adaptive BiasingAdaptive biasing
Conclusions
References
6 Power Amplifier Design
Abstract
A Model for the Power Amplifier
Model Description
Linear RegionLinear Region
Nonlinear RegionNonlinear Region
Output Power, Drain Efficiency and PAE
Model-Based Analyses
Effect of the Cascode TransistorCascode transistor
Effect of the Inductor Parasitics
Effect of PA Biasing
Starting Point Parameters
Measurement Comparisons
Power Amplifier Design
Schematic Circuit Description
Design Flow
Output Matching NetworkOutput matching network
Output StageOutput stage
Input Matching NetworkInput matching network
Driver StageDriver stage
Interstage MatchingInterstage matching and Stability
Power InductorPower inductor Design
Top Metal Layer Width Considerations
Multiple Metal Layer Considerations
Inductor GeometryInductor geometry Considerations
Accuracy Analysis of the Electromagnetic Simulator
Power InductorPower inductor Design Flow
LayoutLayout Design
Circuit Isolation
Differential Design Considerations
Balanced Inductors
Common-CentroidCommon-centroid
Passive Components
Low Value Resistors
RF Capacitors
Stage Isolation
PadPad Design
Conclusions
References
7 Test Setups and Results
Abstract
Equipment
Inductor Characterization
Test SetupTest Setup
Prior Steps
PlanarizationPlanarization
SkatingSkating
Cleaning
Calibration
De-EmbeddingDe-Embedding
Results
PA Characterization
Single-Tone TestTest SetupSingle-Tone Tests
Test SetupTest Setup
Input Matching and GainPower Gain
Output P1dB and PSAT
Current Consumption
Power-Added EfficiencyPower-Added Efficiency
StabilityStability
Digital Channel TestTest SetupDigital Channel Tests
Test SetupTest Setup
Spectrum Emission MaskSpectrum Emission Mask
Error Vector MagnitudeError Vector Magnitude
ReliabilityReliability and Maximum Rating
Conclusions
References
8 Conclusion
Abstract
Highlights
Main Contributions
A Complete Design Flow for a CMOS Linear PA
Useful Enhancement Techniques for Linear CMOS PAs
Design and Characterization of Power Inductors
Index