Accurate Modeling of RF Circuit Blocks: Weakly-Nonlinear Narrowband LNAs

Abstract

An extensive behavioral model is presented for weakly-nonlinear narrowband LNAs. Both the electrical transfer and noise properties are well described. Performance figures can be predicted for varying source and load conditions. A Verilog-A implementation facilitates cross-platform simulations. The model is compared to transistor-level simulations of a simple textbook LNA and of a state-of-the-art 65 nm CMOS LNA in combination with a mixer. Excellent agreements are achieved.