A system and method for using an embedded microprocessor in an RF amplifier. The use of an embedded microprocessor avoids manual calibration. The Microprocessor collects initial amplifier performance data based on a set of parameters and calculates the needed corrections. The microprocessor can change levels within the circuit to achieve those operating points. The embedded microprocessor sets voltage levels with internal circuitry and communicates this information externally through a serial communication port, or the like, to allow a user to communicate with and look at the amplifier data and readjust the internal bias levels, as needed. Thus, the internal microprocessor provides for calibration, self-testing, and monitoring of the RF amplifier and also functions as an in situ bias and temperature compensation controller for use in the presence of temperature variation and provides bias sequencing control to protect against improper applied timing of voltage inputs to the amplifier.

A structure having: a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs) connected between a common input and a common output, each one of the field effect transistors comprises: a source region, a drain region, and a gate electrode for controlling carriers through a channel region of a transistor region of the structure between the source region and the drain region; a plurality of diodes, each one of the diodes being associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of FETs, each one of the diodes having an electrode in Schottky contact with a diode region of the corresponding one of the FETs. The gate electrode and the diode electrode extend along parallel lines. The source region, the drain region, the channel region, and a diode region having therein the diode are disposed along a common line.

A structure having: a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs) connected between a common input and a common output, each one of the field effect transistors comprises: a source region, a drain region, and a gate electrode for controlling carriers through a channel region of a transistor region of the structure between the source region and the drain region; a plurality of diodes, each one of the diodes being associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of FETs, each one of the diodes having an electrode in Schottky contact with a diode region of the corresponding one of the FETs. The gate electrode and the diode electrode extend along parallel lines. The source region, the drain region, the channel region, and a diode region having therein the diode are disposed along a common line.

A gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier having a plurality of amplifier stages integrated into a monolithic integrated circuit is disclosed. The plurality of amplifier stages is coupled together between a radio frequency signal input and a radio frequency signal output, wherein at least one of the plurality of amplifier stages includes a first GaN transistor that is configured to have a first breakdown voltage that is no more than 75% of a second breakdown voltage of a second GaN transistor included in a different one of the plurality of amplifier stages.

A gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier having a plurality of amplifier stages integrated into a monolithic integrated circuit is disclosed. The plurality of amplifier stages is coupled together between a radio frequency signal input and a radio frequency signal output, wherein at least one of the plurality of amplifier stages includes a first GaN transistor that is configured to have a first breakdown voltage that is no more than 75% of a second breakdown voltage of a second GaN transistor included in a different one of the plurality of amplifier stages.

Monolithic microwave integrated circuits are provided that include a substrate, a transmit/receive selection device that is formed on the substrate, a high power amplifier formed on the substrate and coupled to a first RF port of the transmit/receive selection device, a low noise amplifier formed on the substrate and coupled to a second RF port of the transmit/receive selection device and a protection circuit that is coupled to a first control port of the transmit/receive selection device.

Monolithic microwave integrated circuits are provided that include a substrate, a transmit/receive selection device that is formed on the substrate, a high power amplifier formed on the substrate and coupled to a first RF port of the transmit/receive selection device, a low noise amplifier formed on the substrate and coupled to a second RF port of the transmit/receive selection device and a protection circuit that is coupled to a first control port of the transmit/receive selection device.

A high-frequency module includes a module substrate including major surfaces opposite to each other; a module substrate including major surfaces opposite to each other, the major surface being disposed facing the major surface; a first electronic component including a filter coupled to a power amplifier; a second electronic component including a filter coupled to a low-noise amplifier; and a third electronic component (an integrated circuit) including the low-noise amplifier. The first electronic component is disposed one of between the major surfaces, on the major surface, and on the major surface. The second electronic component is disposed another one of between the major surface surfaces, on the major surface, and on the major surface. The third electronic component is disposed other one of between the major surfaces, on the major surface, and on the major surface.

A high-frequency module includes a module substrate including major surfaces opposite to each other; a module substrate including major surfaces opposite to each other, the major surface being disposed facing the major surface; a first electronic component including a filter coupled to a power amplifier; a second electronic component including a filter coupled to a low-noise amplifier; and a third electronic component (an integrated circuit) including the low-noise amplifier. The first electronic component is disposed one of between the major surfaces, on the major surface, and on the major surface. The second electronic component is disposed another one of between the major surface surfaces, on the major surface, and on the major surface. The third electronic component is disposed other one of between the major surfaces, on the major surface, and on the major surface.

A radio-frequency module includes module substrates, multiple electronic components, and multiple external connection terminals. The module substrate has major surfaces that are opposite to each other. The module substrate has major surfaces that are opposite to each other. The module substrate is disposed such that the major surface faces the major surface. The multiple electronic components are disposed between the major surfaces, at the major surface, or at the major surface. The external connection terminals are disposed at the major surface. The multiple electronic components include one or more first electronic components each including at least a transistor and one or more second electronic components each not including any transistor. At the major surface, at least one of the one or more first electronic components is disposed, and the one or more second electronic components are not disposed.