A 37-50 GHz GaAs Transmitter MMIC with Predistortion Linearization

This thesis introduces a sub-harmonic transmitter (Tx) operating in the frequency range of 37-50 GHz, featuring an integrated linearizer. To minimize local oscillator (LO) leakage, a sub-harmonically pumped mixer configuration is employed. To enhance the linearity, a predistortion linearizer is incorporated in the transmitter. The transmitter MMIC is designed and manufactured using a 0.15-μm GaAs pHEMT. The transmitter exhibits a consistent conversion gain of 10 ± 1.5 dB across the 37-50 GHz band via a 2 dBm LO power. The saturation power is around 6 dBm. The experimental results show that the OP1dB has been be extended from 3 to 5.5 dBm after linearization. In addition, the linear output power at IMD3 below -35 dBc has been improved from -2.5 to 1 dBm.