A reference-current-based, programmable IF AGC for a DAB receiver

The paper proposes an IF receiver chain with a reference-current-based, programmable AGC for a DAB receiver. The IF receiver chain contains a low noise and high gain amplifier, a variable gain amplifier with more than 60 dB tuning gain range, a highly linear amplifier, and an AGC feedback loop. The output level setting of this programmable AGC is based on a reference-current design, which is different from conventional reference-voltage-based designs. Furthermore, it yields an input dynamic range of at least 60 dB and provides a programmable constant output. The circuit is implemented using a TSMC 0.35 μm SiGe process with 3.3 V power supply and packaged in plastic TQFP package.