A 77 GHz SiGe power amplifier for potential applications in automotive radar systems

Abstract

In this paper we present the performance of a 77 GHz power amplifier for potential applications directed towards automotive radar systems. The circuit was fabricated in a SiGe bipolar pre-production technology. A balanced two-stage common emitter circuit topology was used to achieve 6.1 dB of power gain at 77 GHz and 11.6 dBm output power at 1dB compression. The power amplifier uses a single 2.5 V supply and was fully integrated (including matching elements) to demonstrate its low-cost potential. First experimental results show its broad-band characteristic from 40 GHz to 80 GHz and its temperature dependence up to 130°C.