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 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.

This book provides a detailed review of millimeter-wave power amplifiers, discussing design issues and performance limitations commonly encountered in light of the latest research. Power amplifiers, which are able to provide high levels of output power and linearity while being easily integrated with surrounding circuitry, are a crucial component in wireless microwave systems. The book is divided into three parts, the first of which introduces readers to mm-wave wireless systems and power amplifiers. In turn, the second focuses on design principles and EDA concepts, while the third discusses future trends in power amplifier research. The book provides essential information on mm-wave power amplifier theory, as well as the implementation options and technologies involved in their effective design, equipping researchers, circuit designers and practicing engineers to design, model, analyze, test and implement high-performance, spectrally clean and energy-efficient mm-wave systems.

Build high-performance, spectrally clean, energy-efficient mm-wave power amplifiers and transmitters with this cutting-edge guide to designing, modeling, analysing, implementing and testing new mm-wave systems. Suitable for students, researchers and practicing engineers, this self-contained guide provides in-depth coverage of state-of-the-art semiconductor devices and technologies, linear and nonlinear power amplifier technologies, efficient power combining systems, circuit concepts, system architectures and system-on-a-chip realizations. The world's foremost experts from industry and academia cover all aspects of the design process, from device technologies to system architectures. Accompanied by numerous case studies highlighting practical design techniques, tradeoffs and pitfalls, this is a superb resource for those working with high-frequency systems.

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.