A 52-GHz 8.5-dB Traveling-Wave Amplifier in 0.13-$\mu$m Standard CMOS Process

The design of a traveling-wave amplifier (TWA) in 0.13-mum standard CMOS technology is presented. It is designed to maximize the gain-bandwidth product (GBP). An asymmetric cascode, coplanar waveguide (CPW), and loss compensation technique enables maximization of the TWA GBP. Design and modeling of 90-Omega CPW used to synthesize inductors of the TWA lines is presented. Simulations with a design kit and developed models for CPW show a 52-GHz bandwidth with a maximum power gain of 8.5 dB at 10 GHz for a 135-mW power consumption. Measurements up to 40 GHz confirm these results.