Parallel-RC Feedback Low-Noise Amplifier for UWB Applications

A two-stage 3.1- to 10.6-GHz ultrawideband CMOS low-noise amplifier (LNA) is presented. In our design, a parallel resistance-capacitance shunt feedback with a source inductance is proposed to obtain broadband input matching and to reduce the noise level effectively; furthermore, a parallel inductance-capacitance network at drain is drawn to further suppress the noise, and a very low noise level is achieved. The proposed LNA is implemented by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company 0.18-μm CMOS technology. Measured results show that the noise figure is 2.5-4.7 dB from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz, which may be the best result among previous reports in the 0.18-μm CMOS 3.1- to 10.6-GHz ultrawideband LNA. The power gain is 10.9-13.9 dB from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. The input return loss is below -9.4 dB from 3.1 to 15 GHz. It consumes 14.4 mW from a 1.4-V supply voltage and occupies an area of only 0.46 mm².