Tu4B: mm Wave Front End Building Blocks for Signal Amplification and Generation

Abstract
This session highlights recent advances in mm Wave front end building blocks spanning LNAs, PAs, robust T/R interfaces, and broadband LO generator. Building on the growing demands of broadband links and emerging applications such as satellite communications, the papers in this session emphasize robustness and reconfigurability alongside state-of-the-art performance. Topics include a blocker tolerant K-band LNA with strong Ka band TX rejection and a 12–28 GHz LNA used to demonstrate an automated schematic–layout co-optimization platform that tightens the loop between design specs and physical implementation. On the transmit side, a comparison of two SiGe complementary mm Wave PAs, as well as a frequency reconfigurable dual band T/R front end designed to maintain operation under severe load mismatch will be presented. A LO generator with oscillator-embedded artificial line is demonstrated for wideband next-generation radio.