According to one embodiment, an improved preamplification chain for implementation in a transmitter comprises a frequency conversion stage for up-converting a baseband signal to a transmit signal, a variable gain control power amplifier driver for preamplifying the transmit signal, and a differential feedback calibration stage receiving first and second differential outputs of a current steering unit of the power amplifier driver and providing calibration feedback to a baseband signal generator of the transmitter. In one embodiment, the frequency conversion stage includes an adjustable low-pass filter for filtering the baseband signal, a passive mixer for up-converting the baseband signal to the transmit signal, and a clock conversion unit configured to convert a fifty percent (50%) duty cycle clock input to a twenty-five percent (25%) duty cycle clock output for driving the passive mixer.