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 14.5dB gain; 7.2GHz and 7.0GHz 3dB bandwidth (3.1–10.3GHz and 3.1–10.1GHz) while consuming 22.8mW and 23.8mW through a 1.5V supply. Over the 3.1GHz - 10.3GHz and 3.1GHz–10.1GHz frequency band, a minimum noise figure of 2.6dB and 6.3dB and input return loss lower than −8.8dB and −6.8dB have been achieved.