A high-efficiency PA with peak PAE of 32.9% and 12.7 dBm P1dB for 60 GHz beamforming applications in SiGe

A fully integrated differential power amplifier, produced in 130 nm SiGe process for 60 GHz application is presented. The PA features one-stage cascade topology with measured gain of 17.5 dB. The measured differential 1dB compression point (P1dB) at the output is 12.7 dBm, and the measured saturated power is 13.3 dBm. Power consumption at P1dB is 57.1 mW. The measured peak power-aided efficiency is 32.9%. To the best knowledge of authors, this is a record value for 60 GHz PAs in SiGe and CMOS.