A linear-high range output power control technique for cascode power amplifiers

In this paper a new linear power control technique is presented to control the output power of cascode power amplifiers. Using this technique the output power of power amplifier can be controlled from the maximum output power to −136 dBm, continuously. The characteristic of the output voltage versus control voltage is linear from −15.9 to 18.6 dBm (a range of 34.5 dB) of the output power. Also at this range the Amplitude Modulation to Phase Modulation (AM-PM) distortion is 43°. Furthermore, the input dynamic range is 0.373 V, which is less than the conventional techniques. Having a power controller in a low power path and a low input dynamic range leads to minimizing the controller dissipation and reduction of power added efficiency (PAE). The proposed technique is simulated using 0.13 μm CMOS process model using Advanced Design System and the results obtained are presented.

► In this paper, a linear high-range power control technique is presented.
► The technique is suitable for casecode power amplifiers.
► Linear power control range of the technique is 34.5 dBm.
► The input dynamic range is 0.373 and less than the conventional techniques.
► AM-PM distortion of the technique is 43°.