A unique MMIC broadband power amplifier approach

A broadband monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier design approach is described using lossy matching networks in the form of a bridged-T all-pass network. This approach offers the advantage of exceptional gain flatness, good input VSWR, high efficiency, and small size. A two-stage amplifier is described that delivers power greater than 1 W across the 2 to 6-GHz range with a linear gain of 20 dB, an input VSWR better than 1.7:1, and a power-added efficiency of 30% to 37% with a chip area less than 4.4 mm/sup 2/.<>