Comparative analysis of wideband CMOS low-noise amplifiers for the RF range

Abstract

A formalized method is presented for the circuit design of wideband low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) for RF applications. For a variety of LNAs thus obtained, a comparative performance analysis is performed by computer simulation in the frequency domain, involving optimization of small-signal LNA models. Optimal designs are thus identified showing a low reflection coefficient and a high gain over a wide frequency range extending to several gigahertz. Account is taken of limitations imposed by existing manufacturing technologies. For the sake of simplicity, the LNA configurations considered do not include frequency-selective networks.