RF/Microwave EDA Software Design Flow
Considerations for PA MMIC Design
Using Cadence AWR Software
In this white paper, a gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high-electron mobility transistor
(pHEMT) power amplifier (PA) design approach is examined from a systems perspective. It
highlights the design flow and its essential features for most PA design projects by illustrating
a simple Class A GaAs pHEMT monolithic microwave IC (MMIC) PA design using Cadence
®
AWR
®
Microwave Office
®
circuit design software. The paper begins with the concepts of
design closure and then describes parametric design as key concepts to understanding each
step of the PA design process.
Contents
Overview .................................................................................................... 2
The Design Flow in General .................................................................. 2
The Design Flow as Applied to a GaAs MMIC PA ............................ 2
PA Design Example ................................................................................. 3
Conclusion ................................................................................................ 11
References ............................................................................................... 11
Acknowledgement ................................................................................. 11
WHITE PAPER
