Design considerations on input impedance matching for ultra-wideband low-noise amplifier

Abstract

A multi-stage low-noise amplifier (LNA) with LC-tank load to extend the bandwidth is designed for ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless receiver. The design consists of three LC-tank cascode amplifier and one output buffer and is implemented in 0.18um RF CMOS process. The trade off on noise figure and chip area in low-noise amplifier design is discussed. The two LNA (LC and Res) gives 14.5 dB gain; 7.2 GHz and 7.0 GHz 3 dB bandwidth (3.1-10.3 GHz and 3.1- 10.1 GHz) while consuming 22.8 mW and 23.8 mW through a 1.5 V supply. Over the 3.1 GHz - 10.3 GHz and 3.1 GHz- 10.1 GHz frequency band, a minimum noise figure of 2.6 dB and 6.3 dB and input return loss lower than -8.8 dB and - 6.8 dB have been achieved.