Wolfspeed MMIC Power Amplifier Design using NI AWR

Successful PA design begins with accurate electrical simulation at the schematic level. This requires accurate and robust nonlinear models and a good understanding of RF theory and matching techniques. As one goes higher in power and frequency, however, there are additional considerations that must be addressed in order to attain a successful design. 

Issues such as stability, electromagnetic coupling, and distributed effects can have serious impacts. Having a way to address these while maintaining design-rule check (DRC) integrity during the design process can be a challenge. This becomes particularly important when designing millimeter-wave MMICs, as there is limited opportunity for post-fabrication tuning. This presentation will delve into some of these ancillary but important issues and describe some of the tools available to address them.