Patent ID: 7843273

Claim:
A high-frequency, millimeter wave amplifier constructed on a substrate and configured for use at a frequency of 75 GHz or higher, comprising: at least first, second, third and fourth amplifier stages coupled in series, such amplifier stages configured to provide an output signal in the frequency range, with a signal gain of at least 15 db, and with a power of at least 1 Watt; a single drain bias bond pad provided on the substrate to provide a drain bias voltage to drains of the first, second, third and fourth amplifier stages; a first drain bias line electrically coupled to the single drain pad and coupling the drain of the first amplifier stage to the drain of the second amplifier stage, the first drain bias line extending at least partially alongside and between the first and second amplifier stages; and a second drain bias line coupling the drain of the second amplifier stage to a drain of the third amplifier stage, the second drain bias line extending at least partially alongside and between the second and third amplifier stages, wherein a first signal path from a gate side to a drain side of the first amplifier stage extends in a first direction, a second signal path from a gate side to a drain side of the second amplifier stage extends in a second direction, and a third signal path from a gate side to a drain side of the third amplifier stage extends in the first direction, the second direction being generally opposite to the first direction, wherein positioning of the drain bias lines and the generally opposite directions of signal paths through the second amplifier stage allow the amplifier is configured to occupy an area on the substrate of no greater than 5 square millimeters.