Performance and Modeling of Si and SiGe for Power Amplifiers

There have been many demonstrations of Si and SiGe power amplifers (PAs) that have achieved good published performance. However, penetration of these technologies into the mainstream handset power amplifier market has been limited. In this paper, we review some of the state-of-the-art PA results in these technologies and discuss the performance challenges for silicon-based PAs. We also discuss some important on-going technology developments that may make these technologies more competitive for future applications. Finally, we present and discuss some power amplifer specific modeling issues that are not generally addressed in foundry offerings/design kits