14.0-30.0 GHz GaAs MMIC
Buffer Amplifier
February 2007 - Rev 05-Feb-07
B1009-BD
App Note [1] Biasing - It is recommended to separately bias each amplifier stage Vd1 through Vd2 at Vd(1,2)=5.0V with Id1=80 mA and
Id2=240 mA. Separate biasing is recommended if the amplifier is to be used at high levels of saturation, where gate rectification will alter the
effective gate control voltage. For non-critical applications it is possible to parallel all stages and adjust the common gate voltage for a total drain
current Id(total)=320 mA. It is also recommended to use active biasing to keep the currents constant as the RF power and temperature vary; this
gives the most reproducible results. Depending on the supply voltage available and the power dissipation constraints, the bias circuit may be a
single transistor or a low power operational amplifier, with a low value resistor in series with the drain supply used to sense the current.The gate of
the pHEMT is controlled to maintain correct drain current and thus drain voltage.The typical gate voltage needed to do this is -0.6V.Typically the
gate is protected with Silicon diodes to limit the applied voltage. Also, make sure to sequence the applied voltage to ensure negative gate bias is
available before applying the positive drain supply.
App Note [2] Bias Arrangement -
For Parallel Stage Bias (Recommended for general applications) -- The same as Individual Stage Bias but all the drain or gate pad DC bypass
capacitors (~100-200 pF) can be combined. Additional DC bypass capacitance (~0.01 uF) is also recommended to all DC or combination (if gate or
drains are tied together) of DC bias pads.
For Individual Stage Bias (Recommended for saturated applications) -- Each DC pad (Vd1,2 and Vg1,2) needs to have DC bypass capacitance
(~100-200 pF) as close to the device as possible. Additional DC bypass capacitance (~0.01 uF) is also recommended.
MTTF Graphs
These numbers were calculated based on accelerated life test information and thermal model analysis received from the fabricating foundry.
XB1009-BD Vd1,2=5.0 V Id1,2=320 mA
XB1009-BD Vd1,2=5.0 V Id1,2=320 mA
1.0E+10
1.0E+09
1.0E+08
1.0E+07
1.0E+06
1.0E+05
1.0E+04
1.0E+05
1.0E+04
1.0E+03
1.0E+02
1.0E+01
1.0E+00
55
65
75
85
95
105
115
125
55
65
75
85
95
105
115
125
Backplate Temperature (deg C)
Backplate Temperature (deg C)
No RF
Pout=+21 dBm
No RF
Pout=+21 dBm
XB1009-BD Vd1,2=5.0 V Id1,2=320 mA
XB1009-BD Vd1,2=5.0 V Id1,2=320 mA
44
250
230
210
190
170
150
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
55
130
55
65
75
85
95
105
115
125
65
75
85
95
105
115
125
Backplate Temperature (deg C)
Backplate Temperature (deg C)
No RF
Pout=+21 dBm
No RF
Pout=+21 dBm
Page 5 of 7
Mimix Broadband, Inc., 10795 Rockley Rd., Houston,Texas 77099
Tel: 281.988.4600 Fax: 281.988.4615 mimixbroadband.com
Characteristic Data and Specifications are subject to change without notice. ©2007 Mimix Broadband, Inc.
Export of this item may require appropriate export licensing from the U.S. Government. In purchasing these parts, U.S. Domestic customers accept
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