Topology-Optimized Nonintuitive Multilayered mm-Wave Power Amplifiers

Algorithmic inverse design and optimization of multistage power-combined power amplifiers (PA) with nonintuitive layout geometries is presented. The computationally-efficient iterative algorithms determine the geometry of multi-layered metal structures as well as the size and bias of transistors with minimal human intervention. Fabricated W-Band SiGe HBT PA prototypes with nonintuitive multilayered layouts generated using this approach experimentally achieve >30% peak power added efficiency (PAE) at peak $P_{S A T}\gt17.3$ dBm while occupying $\lt 0.08 \mathrm{~mm}^{2}$.