A Wideband Extended-Dynamic-Range Successive Detection Logarithmic Amplifier Based on 0.15μm GaAs pHEMT Technology

摘要

This paper puts forward an extended-dynamic-range successive detection logarithmic amplifier (SDLA) for K-band (18-26.5 GHz) applications. A novel single-transistor power detection unit (PDU) is used instead of a conventional rectifier to effectively improve the dynamic range-bandwidth product of the amplifier. Circuit analysis and mathematical modeling are performed for the proposed PDU and the SDLA, respectively. Transistor level design is carried out for the whole circuit using 0.15 mu m GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) technology. The SDLA presents a wide dynamic range of 75 dB with a +/- 1.5 dB logarithmic error, over the entire band of interest, and consumes 340 mW from + 2.5 V and -0.8 V power supplies. All requirements are verified in post-layout simulation using ADS software. Thermal simulation and statistical yield analysis are performed to ensure the robustness of the proposed architecture.