Low cost approach to high performance amplifiers that cover 4 to 20GHz

High performance microwave amplifiers that operate above 4 GHz are typically much more expensive than their RF counterparts. This paper demonstrates technology, design techniques, die size, and a package solution that enable high performance amplifiers that work from 4 to 20 GHz, yet cost no more than a typical RF device. Two examples are used to demonstrate: a 4-20 GHz driver with 15dB gain and 30dBm OIP3, and a 0.4-22GHz VGA with +8 to -20 dB of adjustable gain and +17dBm output power. Both amplifier die are less than 0.4 sq.mm. and use a low cost 1.5×1.2mm 6 lead PDFN package.