A single-stage variable-gain amplifier with 70-dB dynamic range for CDMA2000 transmit applications

A variable-gain amplifier (VGA) circuit is presented with a gain range of more than 70 dB in a single stage. Vertical stacking of multipliers in a single-stage VGA results in a considerable saving of power, which is a prime requirement in cellular systems. The gain-in-dB is a linear function of the control voltage and has excellent stability over temperature. The amplifier is a part of a code-division multiple access cellular transmit integrated circuit, and provides good linearity and noise characteristics over a wide range of IF frequencies. The circuit is fabricated in a 30-GHz f/sub t/ BiCMOS technology and consumes 8 mA at 2.7 V.