Abstract
A design methodology for mm-wave LNAs is presented. The optimum bias point selection is outlined. The stabilisation strategy is described, and the impact of packaging requirements on the amplifier design is discussed. A bond wire compensation technique is detailed. The tradeoff between input match and noise figure is presented, and a design with a suitable tradeoff is1 developed. A very simple inter-stage match requirement is a novel outcome of this design approach. An effective means of achieving a broadband response is also outlined. A four stage 30 – 50 GHz LNA design was fabricated and characterised in a customised package. A maximum MMIC gain of 28 dB at 32 GHz was achieved, and the gain exceeded 20 dB over the frequency range 26 – 44 GHz. A noise figure of 4.5 dB and a P1dB of +11 dBm were also obtained. It is the authors' opinion that the methodology presented in this paper will be of significant interest to other mm-wave LNA designers.
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O'Ciardha, E., Lynch, J., Lyons, B. et al. Low Noise mm-Wave Amplifier Design Methodology. International Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves 22, 1769–1783 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015019400002
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015019400002