A CMOS Ultra-wideband Differential Low Noise Amplifier

Abstract

In this thesis, a CMOS Ultra-wideband (UWB) Low noise Amplifier (LNA) was designed and simulated. In the design, specific architecture decisions were made in consideration of ultimately including this LNA in a system-on-chip implementation of an Ultra-wideband communication system. The basic architecture of the LNA designed herein exhibits a differential amplifier core with active input and output impedance matching, minimizing the number of expensive space consuming passive inductors necessary for passive impedance matching networks. The LNA maintains a gain of 16.4dB with a ±0.25dB ripple over the band of 3.1-6.2GHz. Despite the use of an active input matching stage, the LNA achieved a noise figure ranging from 3.6-3.9dB over the band of operation. The input active matching stage (common-gate) maintained a less than -10dB reflection coefficient, matching successfully with 50Ω over the band of 3-12GHz. The output active matching stage (source-follower) maintained a less than -10dB reflection coefficient, also matching successfully with 50Ω, but maintaining the acceptable reflection coefficient over the band of 3-17GHz.