An RF front-end for multi-channel direct RF sampling cable receivers

Abstract

This paper presents a broadband fully integrated high dynamic range RF front-end with a single-inductor programmable RF amplitude equalizer, 45dB variable gain range, 4.5dB NF, 60dB CSO/CTB, and 25dB anti-aliasing protection. It is designed in a 40GHz-ft BiCMOS 0.25μm process, consumes 400mW from a 3.3V supply, and enables a cable full-spectrum receiver to capture >16 channels over an 50MHz–1GHz RF band.