A 24-GHz CMOS Current-Mode Power Amplifier with High PAE and Output Power

A new 24-GHz CMOS current-mode power amplifier in 0.13-μm CMOS technology is proposed. By using the two-stage cascade current-mirror structure, the power amplifier has a maximum output power of 17.8 dBm, the OP_1dB of 13.8 dBm and the power gain of 23 dB under the supply voltage of 1.2V and the total power dissipation of 239 mW. As compared to other PAs at 17~24 GHz, the proposed current-mode PA has the highest power added efficiency (PAE) of 34.6% and the largest output power.