Quantized Analog RX Front-End for SAW-Less Applications

Abstract

A quantized analog RX front-end is presented, where the input signal is split and processed by an array of RF analog front-ends. This approach allows to expand the dynamic range of the receiver while keeping a low power and a low voltage supply. A prototype integrated in 65nm CMOS technology shows a compression point up to 10.5dBm, IIP3 between 1 to 20.5dBm and IIP2 between 45 to 75dBm, a noise figure in sensitivity equal to 1.9dB while consuming 14mW for the analog signal amplification and 37.5mW/GHz for the clock generation and distribution. The active area is only 0.25mm2.