Design of monolithic microwave integrated circuits for 60 GHz Band

Technology scaling allows the use of commercially available processes for 60 GHz band applications, but introduces more and more physical constraints. If not taken into account in early design stages, technology constraints can severely impair the performance. Two 60 GHz power amplifiers have been designed in novel technology-aware design flow, which provides insight into small and large signal relationships. New technology Figure of Merit p_CM is introduced, which can be used to compare technologies. Power amplifier test chips were fabricated and measured on-wafer. Simulation and measurement results correlation is proving that predictable silicon performance can be achieved with a proposed flow.