This work initially compares GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on the established Ga-face technology and the emerging N-face technology. An investigation is then carried out on the short channel effects in ultra-scaled GaN and InP HEMTs. The dielectric effects of the passivation layer in millimeter-wave, high-power GaN HEMTs are also investigated by focusing on the effective gate length, the gate fringing capacitance, and the drain-to-gate feedback capacitance. Lastly, efficient Full Band Monte Carlo particle-based device simulations of the large-signal performance of millimeter-wave transistor power amplifiers with high-Q matching networks are reported for the first time. In particular, a Cellular Monte Carlo code is self-consistently coupled with a Harmonic Balance frequency domain circuit solver. This book provides device engineers with an insight about the link between the nano-scale carrier dynamics and the device performance. It also introduces an efficient tool for the device early-stage design for RF power amplifiers.

The textbook discusses design and analysis of microwave high power and high efficiency amplifiers for communications, appropriate for undergraduate, post-graduate students, practical circuit designers and researchers in the field of electronics and communication engineering. This book covers basics of III-V group semiconductor materials and GaAs and GaN based High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) most suitable for microwave and mm wave power amplifiers required for present wireless communication systems and upcoming 4G and 5G mobile base stations. The book describes design and analysis of classical class of amplifier operations such as Class-A, B, AB, C and F. The coverage extends to advanced classes of amplifier operation such as extended continuous Class-B/Class-J, and extended continuous Class-F operations for broadband, high power and high efficiency performance. Analytical expressions are derived for circuit elements and performance parameters for clear understanding and required for practical design of power amplifiers. Each topic is supplemented with suitable schematic diagrams, analytical expressions and plotted results for clear understanding.

The drive towards device scaling and large output power in millimeter and sub-millimeter wave power amplifiers results in a highly non-linear, out-of-equilibrium charge transport regime. Particle-based Full Band Monte Carlo device simulators allow an accurate description of this carrier dynamics at the nanoscale. This work initially compares GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on the established Ga-face technology and the emerging N-face technology, through a modeling approach that allows a fair comparison, indicating that the N-face devices exhibit improved performance with respect to Ga-face ones due to the natural back-barrier confinement that mitigates short-channel-effects. An investigation is then carried out on the minimum aspect ratio (i.e. gate length to gate-to-channel-distance ratio) that limits short channel effects in ultra-scaled GaN and InP HEMTs, indicating that this value in GaN devices is 15 while in InP devices is 7.5. This difference is believed to be related to the different dielectric properties of the two materials, and the corresponding different electric field distributions. The dielectric effects of the passivation layer in millimeter-wave, high-power GaN HEMTs are also investigated, finding that the effective gate length is increased by fringing capacitances, enhanced by the dielectrics in regions adjacent to the gate for layers thicker than 5 nm, strongly affecting the frequency performance of deep sub-micron devices. Lastly, efficient Full Band Monte Carlo particle-based device simulations of the large-signal performance of mm-wave transistor power amplifiers with high-Q matching networks are reported for the first time. In particular, a CellularMonte Carlo (CMC) code is self-consistently coupled with a Harmonic Balance (HB) frequency domain circuit solver. Due to the iterative nature of the HB algorithm, this simulation approach is possible only due to the computational efficiency of the CMC, which uses pre-computed scattering tables. On the other hand, HB allows the direct simulation of the steady-state behavior of circuits with long transient time. This work provides an accurate and efficient tool for the device early-stage design, which allows a computerbased performance evaluation in lieu of the extremely time-consuming and expensive iterations of prototyping and experimental large-signal characterization.

This book gives you – in one comprehensive and practical resource -- everything you need to successfully design modern and sophisticated power amplifiers at mmWave frequencies. The book provides an in-depth treatment of the design methodology for MMIC power amplifiers, then brings you step by step through the various phases of design, from the selection of technology and preliminary architecture considerations, to the effective design of the matching circuits and conversion of electrical-to-electromagnetic models. Detailed figures and numerous practical applications are included to help you gain valuable insights into these technologies and learn to identify the best path to a successful design. You’ll be guided through a range of new mmWave power applications that show particular promise to support new 5G systems, while mastering the use of GaN technology that continues to dominate the power mmWave applications due to its high power, gain, and efficiency. This is a valuable resource for power amplifier design engineers, technicians, industry R&D staff, and anyone getting into the area of power MMICs who wants to learn how to design at mmWave frequencies.

The increasing demand for electronic devices for private and industrial purposes lead designers and researchers to explore new electronic devices and circuits that can perform several tasks efficiently with low IC area and low power consumption. In addition, the increasing demand for portable devices intensifies the call from industry to design sensor elements, an efficient storage cell, and large capacity memory elements. Several industry-related issues have also forced a redesign of basic electronic components for certain specific applications. The researchers, designers, and students working in the area of electronic devices, circuits, and materials sometimesneed standard examples with certain specifications. This breakthrough work presents this knowledge of standard electronic device and circuit design analysis, including advanced technologies and materials. This outstanding new volume presents the basic concepts and fundamentals behind devices, circuits, and systems. It is a valuable reference for the veteran engineer and a learning tool for the student, the practicing engineer, or an engineer from another field crossing over into electrical engineering. It is a must-have for any library.