3 watt Ka-band MMIC HPA and driver amplifier implemented in a fully selective 0.15 /spl mu/m power PHEMT process

The design and performance of a 0.15 um gate length fully selective recess PHEMT power amplifier that has established a new benchmark for Ka-band power is reported. The amplifiers average >3 watts at 30% PAE with 13 dB of power gain at 30 GHz, with a 1 dB gain compression output power of >2.5 watts. The P1dB output power is 2.5 times the best previously reported result for Ka-band MMIC power amplifiers. A 0.5 watt at P1dB driver amplifier is also described.