Analysis of optimized input and output harmonic termination on the linearity of 5 GHz CMOS radio frequency amplifiers

The high-frequency nonlinear distortion of a small-signal CMOS common-source amplifier stage is analyzed as a function of bias, source and load termination impedance, and harmonics at 5 GHz using a Volterra analysis. The predictions closely match measurements over bias, and source and load impedances. The results can be applied to low-power wireless RF circuit design applications.