A mm-Wave Coupler-based Dual-band Power Amplifier for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The growing demand for high-performance components in wireless communication and automotive systems, especially for radar applications, has driven the need for dual-band power amplifiers (PAs) operating at 60GHz and 77GHz. These frequency bands are particularly beneficial for automotive radar systems, integral to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies, as they offer enhanced resolution, reduced interference, and faster data transmission rates. This paper presents the design and development of a dual-band PA based on a novel coupled-line dual-frequency matching structure. The PA’s innovative input and output matching networks utilize a unique coupler design to achieve simultaneous impedance matching at both 60GHz and 77GHz. Through comprehensive simulation, optimal matching impedances for both frequencies were identified, enabling the PA to achieve an output power of 12 dBm at 60GHz and 10 dBm at 77GHz, with power-added efficiencies of 24.4% and 13.85%, respectively. The design also incorporates a two-stage power amplifier configuration that ensures high efficiency and gain across the dual bands. Experimental validation was performed using a small-signal test system, demonstrating excellent performance, with a peak power gain of 12.4 dB at 60GHz and 9.8 dB at 77GHz. This dual-band PA design is particularly well-suited for integration into automotive radar systems, thanks to its compact size, high power efficiency, and ability to support wideband matching. Furthermore, this work presents a highly efficient, wideband solution for next-generation automotive radar and communication systems operating in the millimeter-wave frequency range.