A 1 GHz AGC amplifier in BiCMOS with 3 μ s settling-time for 802.11a WLAN

Abstract

An analog automatic gain control (AGC) amplifier for application in an 802. I la transceiver with a settling time of 3 μ s within ± I dB limits has been designed and tested. The amplifier operates up to 1.2 GHz and has a linear-in-dB gain control with 63 dB maximum gain, and an AGC range of 45 dB. The AGC detects the averaged signal strength. The circuit includes a fill-wave rectifier and a rail-to-rail difference amplifier. It is fabricated in a 0.25 μm SiCe:C BiCMOS process.