Analysis, design, and optimization of InGaP-GaAs HBT matched-impedance wide-band amplifiers with multiple feedback loops

The realization of matched impedance wide-band amplifiers fabricated by InGaP-GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) process is reported. The technique of multiple feedback loops was used to achieve terminal impedance matching and wide bandwidth simultaneously. The experimental results showed that a small signal gain of 16 dB and a 3-dB bandwidth of 11.6 GHz with in-band input/output return loss less than -10 dB were obtained. These values agreed well with those predicted from the analytic expressions that we derived for voltage gain, transimpedance gain, bandwidth, and input and output impedances. A general method for the determination of frequency responses of input/output return losses (or S/sub 11/, S/sub 22/) from the poles of voltage gain was proposed. The intrinsic overdamped characteristic of this amplifier was proved and emitter capacitive peaking was used to remedy this problem. The tradeoff between the input impedance matching and bandwidth was also found.