A 2 GHz variable gain low noise amplifier in 0.18-μm CMOS

Abstract

This paper describes a 2 GHz active variable gain low noise amplifier (VGLNA) in a 0.18-μm CMOS process. The VGLNA provides a 50-Ω input impedance and utilizes a tuned load to provide high selectivity. The VGLNA achieves a maximum small signal gain of 16.8 dB and a minimum gain of 4.6 dB with good input return loss. In the high gain and the low gain modes, the NFs are 0.83 dB and 2.8 dB, respectively. The VGLNA's IIP3 in the high gain mode is 2.13 dBm. The LNA consumes approximately 4 mA of current from a 1.8-V power supply.