Design Sensitivity Analysis of a GaN MMIC using Multi-Objective Visualization

This paper presents a design sensitivity analysis for microwave power amplifiers (PAs). Specifically, the variation of matching circuit elements within a given range is taken into account during the design process using a multi-objective interactive visualization method. The method is illustrated on the example of a 5-W peak power GaN MMIC intended to operate around 8-14 GHz over a range of drain supply voltages for envelope tracking. In this circuit, the measured performance is shifted to higher frequencies compared to the design. Applying a sensitivity analysis method demonstrates how a ±20% variation of capacitors used in the process affects performance. We demonstrate that the method can be used to analyze trade-offs between multiple output performance metrics in PA design, additionally demonstrating a design sensitivity metric that can be included in future designs.