The monolithic microwave IC (MMIC) approach for the front end of an RF spectrum analyzer improves interconnection problems due to direct access to a device-under-test (DUT). This paper proposes and demonstrates novel MMIC's for a probe-type, 1-32 GHz spectrum analyzer (SPA) front end. The MMIC's are an up-converter, a variable attenuator, a switch, and a down-converter. This MMIC set utilizes novel FET cells for impedance matching, signal combinations, isolation, and impedance translation to achieve an ultra-wideband performance as well as a remarkable size reduction in an SPA front end.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>