WiLinx Corporation, Carlsbad, CA

Project

Designed an ultra-wideband RF receiver front-end for 3 GHz to 10 GHz frequency range in a low-cost 0.13 μm 1P5M logic CMOS process.

• Performance specifications were met both in fully differential and single-ended operation.
• Configuration features like gain scaling, power down mode, etc. were provided.
• LNA shared the input matching network with PA.
• Inductor Q was as low as 6 in mid-band frequency range.
• Design was robust over all temperature, power supply, and process corners.

LNA specifications:

• Noise figure < 5 dB (including 1 dB balun loss)
• Input matching S₁₁ < -10 dB
• Gain > 20 dB
• Load capacitance > 200 fF
• Linearity IIP₃ > 0 dBm
• Power dissipation < 25 mW from 2.5 V supply