A Low Noise, Wide Dynamic Range Pre-amplifier with Automatic Gain Control for SDH/SONET (STM4/OC12) in 0.6 μm CMOS Process

Abstract

A low noise, wide dynamic range pre-amplifier for SDH/SONET (STM4/OC12) in 0.6 μm standard CMOS process is presented. Low noise is achieved by using transimpedance amplifier of multi-stage amplification and low drop-out regulator. Wide dynamic range is achieved by using automatic gain control and input DC cancellation. The amplifier exhibits differential transimpedance gain of 103.4 dBΩ (147.91 kΩ), -3 dB bandwidth of 446 MHz, and equivalent input noise current density of 2.57 pA/√Hz . The optical overload, the power supply rejection ratio and the power consumption are +3 dBm, larger than 44 dB from DC to 30 MHz, 287 mW, respectively.